Malta’s Golden Passport Gains Ground Among Wealthy Americans Seeking Security and Mobility

Malta is becoming a second citizenship hotspot for high-net-worth Americans. According to Latitude, 25% of its US clients prefer Malta over other European citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, reports Schengen.News and LovinMalta.

Why Malta?

- Full EU citizenship rights
- Visa-free access to the US, Canada, and 180+ countries
- Strategic legal "Plan B"
- Stable EU-based jurisdiction
- Reputable and legitimate process
- The Maltese MEIN program offers citizenship after investments starting at €690,000, with residency required for 12 to 36 months.

80% of US applicants say they don’t plan to relocate, but want an "insurance policy" in case of political or economic instability.

What’s required?

- Government donation: from €600,000
- Real estate: buy (€700K) or rent (€16K/year)
- Charitable contribution: €10,000
- Enhanced due diligence

Why the surge in 2025?

- Political division and taxation concerns in the US
- Search for global mobility
- Wealth protection and succession planning
- Growing interest from tech entrepreneurs and family offices

EU Criticism and Legal Debate

The EU has pushed back against Golden Passport schemes. However, in October 2024, EU Advocate General Michael Collins stated that member states may grant citizenship through investment — provided that integrity checks are strong.

Transparency International warned this could lead to a "revival" of other EU passport programs, despite risks of abuse.

What’s next?

With the US election cycle intensifying and economic concerns rising, Malta may see a further influx of American applicants in 2025–2026.

Conclusion

Malta’s Golden Passport is becoming a top-tier “Plan B” for US investors — a gateway to the EU, global mobility, and long-term asset security. And demand is only growing.