Maltese Parliament Fast-Tracks Citizenship by Merit Bill Post-CBI End

Malta 🇲🇹 has made a major change to its citizenship laws. As of July 26, 2025, the Maltese Parliament has ended the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, also known as the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) scheme. In its place, a new “Citizenship by Merit” framework has been introduced. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what steps people need to take, and what these changes mean for anyone with a pending application or considering Maltese citizenship.

Recent Changes and Timeline

The most important change is that the Maltese Parliament has fast-tracked and passed the “Citizenship by Merit” bill. This happened on July 23, 2025, and it marks the official end of the CBI/MEIN program. No new applications for citizenship by investment have been accepted since April 29, 2025. This decision follows a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which found the CBI/MEIN program illegal under European Union law. The ECJ said the program broke rules about EU citizenship and turned citizenship into something that could be bought.

Between May and July 2025, the Maltese government, led by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, worked quickly to draft and pass a new law. The new law focuses on granting citizenship based on merit, not money. As of July 26, 2025, the only ways to become a Maltese citizen are through standard residency-based naturalisation or the new merit-based system.

Key Features of the Citizenship by Merit Framework

The new Citizenship by Merit system is very different from the old Citizenship by Investment program. Here are the main points:

• Eligibility: Citizenship is now only given to people who show exceptional merit. This means you must have made a big difference in one of these areas:
  • Science, technology, or innovation
  • Culture, arts, or sports
  • Entrepreneurship that creates jobs or supports Malta’s Vision 2050 plan
  • Philanthropy or humanitarian work that helps people in a real way
• No Investment Required: The law no longer talks about “investors.” Instead, it focuses on people who are “philanthropists,” “technologists,” or others who have made important contributions to Malta or the world. There is no set amount of money you need to pay. The focus is on what you have done, not how much you can spend.

• Application Process: To apply, you must send a detailed proposal to the Community Malta Agency. This proposal should explain your achievements and how they fit with Malta’s national goals, like Vision 2050. A government-appointed committee will review your proposal. The final decision is made by the Minister for Home Affairs.

• Transition: The Community Malta Agency will soon publish more details about how to apply, what documents you need, and what the process looks like.

Status of Previous CBI/MEIN Applications

If you applied for citizenship by investment before April 29, 2025, your situation is now uncertain. All new applications under the CBI/MEIN program have been suspended. However, if you already received citizenship through the MEIN program, your citizenship remains valid.

For those with pending applications, legal experts and the European Commission have called for clear rules to protect applicants’ rights. They want the Maltese government to create fair transition plans and offer ways to review or appeal decisions. This is important for people who applied in good faith before the rules changed.

Who Is Affected by the Changes?

• Investors: If you were hoping to become a Maltese or EU citizen by making a large financial investment, this is no longer possible. The Maltese Parliament has closed this pathway. Now, only people who can show exceptional merit in specific fields can apply for citizenship outside the normal residency route.

• Applicants in Process: If you applied before April 29, 2025, you may be in legal limbo. Experts are urging the government to explain what will happen to these applications and to make sure applicants are treated fairly.

• People Seeking Residency: Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), sometimes called the “Golden Visa,” is still open. This program allows non-EU nationals to get residency (not citizenship) by investing in property and paying certain fees. The MPRP was updated in January 2025 to make it easier to qualify and to lower some fees. However, it does not lead to citizenship.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Citizenship by Merit

If you want to apply for Maltese citizenship under the new merit-based system, here’s what you can expect:

1. Prepare Your Proposal: Write a detailed explanation of your achievements and how they match Malta’s national priorities, such as Vision 2050.
2. Submit Your Application: Send your proposal and supporting documents to the Community Malta Agency.
3. Committee Review: A special committee will review your achievements and decide if they meet the standard for exceptional merit.
4. Minister’s Decision: The Minister for Home Affairs will make the final decision.
5. Wait for Details: The Community Malta Agency will soon release more information about forms, timelines, and required documents.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have a pending CBI/MEIN application, you may be worried about what happens next. The Maltese government is expected to announce transition rules soon. Legal experts say it is important for the government to protect the rights of people who applied before the cutoff date. There may be review or appeal processes for those affected.

What Does This Mean for Malta and the EU?

The end of the Citizenship by Investment program in Malta 🇲🇹 is part of a bigger trend in the European Union. Other countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Portugal have also ended or limited similar programs. The EU has been very critical of “golden passport” schemes, saying they turn citizenship into a product and can create security risks.

The Maltese government says the new merit-based system will help attract talented people who can make a real difference to the country. The European Commission has welcomed the end of the CBI program but will watch closely to make sure the new system follows EU rules.

Practical Tips and Next Steps

• Check Official Updates: For the latest information, visit the Community Malta Agency’s official website.
• Consult Accredited Agents: If you need help, you can talk to licensed migration consultants who are familiar with Maltese citizenship laws.
• Prepare Documentation: If you plan to apply under the new system, start gathering evidence of your achievements and how they fit with Malta’s goals.
• Monitor Transition Rules: If you have a pending application, keep an eye out for announcements about transition arrangements and possible appeal options.

Summary Table: Malta Citizenship Pathways (as of July 26, 2025)

Looking Ahead

Malta’s move to end Citizenship by Investment and introduce Citizenship by Merit is a big change for people interested in Maltese citizenship. The Maltese Parliament’s decision means that only those with real, proven achievements can now apply outside the normal residency path. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this change is likely to influence other EU countries facing similar pressure from the European Union.

For now, anyone interested in Maltese citizenship should follow updates from the Community Malta Agency and prepare for a more demanding, merit-focused application process. If you have a pending application under the old system, stay alert for new rules and possible ways to protect your rights. This new approach aims to reward real contributions, not just financial investment, and to bring Malta 🇲🇹 in line with EU law and long-term national goals.

Learn Today

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) → A program allowing citizenship acquisition through financial investment in Malta.
Citizenship by Merit → A system granting citizenship based on exceptional achievements or contributions rather than monetary investment.
European Court of Justice (ECJ) → The highest EU court ruling that declared Malta’s CBI program illegal under EU law.
Community Malta Agency → The government body responsible for managing Malta’s citizenship applications and related processes.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) → A residency program offering permanent residence via property investment, not linked to citizenship.

This Article in a Nutshell

Malta ended its controversial citizenship-by-investment program on July 26, 2025, replacing it with merit-based citizenship. Applicants now need exceptional achievements instead of investment. Pending applications face uncertain legal status as the government prepares clear transition rules to comply with EU law and focus on real contributions.
— By VisaVerge.com