InariLaw - ESDI

Expertise

Private Clients – ESDI

European Citizenship in Less Than 18 Months – Complete Guide (2025)

Malta remains the only European Union country offering a streamlined pathway to citizenship through exceptional services via direct investment. Designed for high-net-worth individuals and their families, this exclusive program grants a second passport, enabling visa-free travel, the right to reside, work, start a business, and study in any EU member state.

With an annual cap of only 400 applications and a total limit of 1,500 applicants, the program is highly exclusive. Once these quotas are met, no further applications will be accepted.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, including:

Step-by-Step Application Process
Benefits of Maltese Citizenship
Eligibility Requirements

Assess Your Eligibility Today

Interested in securing Maltese citizenship for yourself and your family? Use our free eligibility assessment tool and speak with our experts for a personalized consultation regarding your timeline and financial planning.

Take the first step toward European citizenship today!

Why Choose Maltese Citizenship?

Malta’s Citizenship by Exceptional Services via Direct Investment succeeds the Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP), which reached its cap in 2020. Key benefits of this prestigious program include:

Visa-free access to 183 countries, including the USA and Canada
Full EU rights – live, work, study, and conduct business in any of the 26 EU countries
Family inclusion – spouses, children, parents, and grandparents can be added to the application

Flexible property investment – choose to rent or purchase a property in Malta
Investment required only upon approval – ensuring security and compliance

Eligibility & Investment Options

Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria and select from two investment options:

Option 1: Expedited 12-Month Route

Pass a rigorous due diligence assessment
Establish a meaningful connection with Malta (e.g., residency, community involvement)
Contribute €750,000 to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund (NDSF)

Additional contribution of €50,000 per family member
Rent a property for a minimum of €16,000 per year for 5 years, or purchase a property valued at €700,000+ (must be held for 5 years)
Donate €10,000 to a Maltese philanthropic organization

Option 2: Standard 36-Month Route

Pass a rigorous due diligence assessment
Establish a meaningful connection with Malta
Contribute €600,000 to the NDSF
Additional contribution of €50,000 per family member

Rent a property for a minimum of €16,000 per year for 5 years, or purchase a property valued at €700,000+ (must be held for 5 years)
Donate €10,000 to a Maltese philanthropic organization

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The citizenship application is divided into three key stages:

Step 1: Residency Stage

Applicants and their families first apply for Maltese residency.

This is the fastest step, requiring an in-person visit to submit biometrics.

Step 2: Eligibility Assessment (Due Diligence Process)

Once residency is secured, applicants must submit an Eligibility Application, undergoing one of the most stringent due diligence processes globally. This includes:

Initial Screening – Standard Know-Your-Client (KYC) checks via international databases
Security Clearance – Interpol, Europol, and other global police authority screenings

Financial Audit – In-depth verification of source of funds and wealth
Risk Assessment – A comprehensive internal evaluation based on background checks, business affiliations, legal history, and overall reputation

This process ensures that only individuals with reputable backgrounds qualify for Maltese citizenship.

Step 3: Citizenship Approval & Investment Compliance

Depending on the selected route (12 or 36 months), applicants will receive an Approval-in-Principle letter once due diligence is successfully completed.

At this stage, applicants must:

Finalize the required contributions to the NDSF
Complete the property investment (rental or purchase)

Make the required philanthropic donation
Take the Oath of Allegiance

Once these requirements are met, applicants receive their Certificate of Naturalization, granting them full Maltese and EU citizenship. Subsequently, they can apply for their Maltese passport, identity card, and necessary civil status documents.