No More Golden Passport: Malta Unveils New Merit-Based Citizenship Law

Malta, long known for its attractive Citizenship by Investment program, has officially scrapped the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) policy. This bold move, prompted by legal pressure from the European Union, marks a significant shift in how Malta will offer citizenship to foreigners in the future.

So, what does this mean for investors and global citizens? Let’s break down Malta’s new citizenship by merit law, how it differs from the older system, and why it matters in 2025.

What Was Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program?

The now-terminated Malta Citizenship by Investment program (officially known as MEIN) allowed high-net-worth individuals to acquire Maltese citizenship by making substantial financial contributions to the country. Successful applicants enjoyed EU citizenship benefits, such as unrestricted movement across the EU and visa-free travel to more than 180 countries worldwide.

But this program wasn’t without controversy. Critics, including EU institutions, argued that it commodified EU citizenship and undermined shared European values.

Why Was It Terminated?

In April 2025, a significant ECJ ruling compelled Malta to discontinue its Citizenship by Investment law, citing violations of core EU citizenship principles. The court declared the MEIN policy inconsistent with EU laws, essentially stating that EU citizenship cannot be “bought.”

As a result, Malta had no choice but to pivot its approach.

Introducing Malta’s New Citizenship by Merit Law

Rather than walk away from offering citizenship to foreigners altogether, Malta has introduced a more values-driven alternative: the Malta Citizenship by Merit Law.

This new framework allows individuals to gain Maltese citizenship not through money alone, but through exceptional contributions in areas such as

• Scientific research and innovation
• Philanthropy and humanitarian efforts
• Cultural or artistic excellence
• Sports and education
• Entrepreneurship and job creation

How Does the New Law Work?

The new citizenship by merit pathway will be more selective and transparent. Here’s what you should know:

• No agents involved: Unlike MEIN, the process will not rely on licensed agents.
• Individual assessments: Each applicant will be reviewed by a board of experts relevant to their field.
• Ministerial discretion: The Minister for Home Affairs will hold final authority over approvals.
• Increased transparency: Names of successful applicants will still be published for public record.

This is not a fast-track process but one that ensures only genuinely deserving individuals are granted Maltese citizenship.

What This Means for Indian Investors and Global Entrepreneurs

For Indian investors who previously looked at Malta citizenship by investment as a golden opportunity to enter the EU, the landscape has changed. However, this isn’t necessarily bad news. The new merit-based law opens up doors for individuals who have made meaningful contributions to society.

Suppose you’re an entrepreneur who has built a socially impactful business, a scientist innovating in healthcare, or a philanthropist funding educational causes. In that case, you may still qualify for Maltese citizenship, not as an investor, but as a changemaker.

Final Thoughts

Malta is setting a new standard for how citizenship can be earned, not bought. By ending its Citizenship by Investment program and introducing the Citizenship by Merit law, Malta is aligning more closely with EU principles, prioritizing meaningful contribution over monetary investment. It marks a bold transition from purchasing citizenship to truly earning it through value and impact.

It marks a transformative move from financial power to personal contribution.