Both routes on this page are closed to new investors. Malta ended citizenship for investment after a European Union court ruling in 2025. Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme to new applications in 2023. We publish this page so the position is clear and so older marketing figures are not mistaken for current routes.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
On 29 April 2025 the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Malta citizenship for investment was contrary to European Union law. Malta ended the priced citizenship route and moved to a system based on exceptional contribution rather than a set payment. Separately, Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme to new applications on 15 February 2023, citing concerns raised by European Union and international bodies.
There is no current way to obtain Maltese citizenship simply by paying a set amount. Any Maltese route now rests on genuine, exceptional contribution and is assessed case by case. Ireland is not accepting new investor applications at all. For both countries, treat any advertisement offering a quick paid passport or investor visa with strong caution and verify directly with the official authority.
Policy in this area is moving quickly across Europe. Rules, court rulings and replacement schemes can change again. Before acting on anything you read about Malta or Ireland, confirm the present position with the official authority named on this page and take licensed professional advice.
| Item | Malta Citizenship | Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Closed to investors after the 2025 court ruling | Closed to new applications since February 2023 |
| What it offered | Citizenship for investment | Residence for investment |
| Why it ended | Ruled contrary to European Union law | Closed by the Irish government |
| Official authority | Community Malta Agency | Immigration Service Delivery |
| Open to new investors | No | No |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Community Malta Agency (Malta); Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice (Ireland) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. The priced citizenship for investment route ended after the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled it contrary to European Union law in April 2025. Any current route rests on exceptional contribution assessed case by case. Confirm with the official authority.
No. The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. Only cases filed before then are still being processed.
Several European countries still run residence by investment routes, though terms change often. We can introduce you to a vetted advisor who can explain the current open options for your situation.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
This route is reported closed or paused. Do not rely on older figures. Get the current position, and the routes that are still open, before you commit time or money.
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