Malta Abolishes 'Golden Passports', Keeps Citizenship by Exceptional Merit

Malta will fully abolish its investment-based citizenship program, known as the "golden passport" scheme. Simultaneously, the government plans to broaden the grounds for naturalization through exceptional services, Malta Today reports.

The move follows a ruling by the European Court on April 29, 2025, which declared the Maltese investment citizenship scheme unlawful. Malta was the last EU member state to officially offer passports in exchange for investment. Launched in 2013 and revised in 2020, the program required a contribution of up to €750,000 and formal residence for one year. However, investigations by the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation revealed that applicants often spent only a few weeks in Malta, while rented properties remained vacant. The so-called "Passport Papers" became key evidence in the case. The European Commission deemed the scheme contrary to EU interests. The court ruled the program constitutes “commercialization of citizenship,” violates the principle of sincere cooperation, and undermines mutual trust among member states.

Between 2011 and 2019, EU countries earned over €21 billion from citizenship and residence-by-investment programs, granting over 132,000 passports or residency permits. However, the schemes were marred by abuse. Following the Ukraine conflict, the focus shifted to sanctioned Russian nationals who had acquired EU citizenship. Some used Maltese passports to launch businesses in France.

Malta’s Interior Minister Byron Camilleri announced that the country’s laws would be amended to fully remove all transactional elements from naturalization. Applications submitted under the old investment program will not be processed. Previously granted citizenships will remain valid under former regulations.

Authorities will now revise the framework for citizenship by merit, originally introduced in 2017. The new rules will allow Malta to grant citizenship to individuals with exceptional services to the country or humanity, including job creation. Recognized fields include science, technology, entrepreneurship, arts, culture, sports, and philanthropy. Categories of eligible candidates include researchers, scientists, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and technologists. Job creation must align with Malta’s Vision 2050 strategy.

Applications for merit-based citizenship will begin with a submission to the Aġenzija Komunità agency. They will undergo thorough due diligence, and a final decision will be made by the Minister based on a specialized committee’s recommendation. The new system does not require a mandatory financial contribution in exchange for citizenship. Instead, applicants must present a project or initiative demonstrating current or future contributions to Malta’s development.

Meanwhile, the European Commission continues tightening rules for EU nations. For example, amendments adopted in March 2025 allow suspension of visa-free regimes with third countries offering CBI programs. The explanatory note states that such schemes pose security threats, facilitate money laundering, and undermine sanctions. Due to these concerns, visa-free access for Vanuatu has already been revoked. Caribbean nations like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada could also be affected.

The U.S. has also announced potential visa restrictions for Caribbean countries offering citizenship-by-investment programs. As a result, Saint Kitts and Dominica are drafting legislation to tighten CBI conditions.

See also:
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