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Europe · Citizenship

Malta Citizenship, What Changed by 2026

The big change is simple. Malta's citizenship by investment route is closed after the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled it contrary to EU law in April 2025.

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Reference
Official authorityCommunity Malta Agency
ProgrammeMalta Citizenship
Information current as ofJune 2026
Official source →

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.

Reviewed by the Passports for Kings editorial team. Last reviewed 5 May 2026.
This route is reported closed, paused or not currently available: Ruled contrary to EU law by the Court of Justice of the European Union on 29 April 2025 and closed to new applicants.. We publish this page so the position is clear. Do not rely on older figures.

What changed

On 29 April 2025 the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Malta's citizenship by investment scheme amounted to the sale of European Union citizenship and was contrary to EU law. Malta ended the route and stopped accepting new applications. This was the most significant change to a European citizenship route in years.

Current rules

There is no open investment route to Maltese citizenship. People already approved are handled under the prior framework by the authorities. Citizenship in Malta remains possible through long lawful residence, descent or marriage under the general nationality rules, which are not investment routes. Anyone quoting a current price to buy a Maltese passport is not describing a path you can lawfully use. Confirm your position with the official authority.

What to watch

Malta has signalled interest in a model that rewards genuine and exceptional contribution rather than payment alone. Until any successor route is written into law and published by the authority, treat citizenship by investment in Malta as unavailable. Watch for official announcements rather than marketing, and verify anything you read against the authority named here.

Common questions

Can I still buy Maltese citizenship in 2026?

No. The route closed after the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled it contrary to EU law in April 2025. New applications are not accepted.

Why was the route closed?

The Court of Justice of the European Union found the scheme amounted to selling European Union citizenship, which it held to be contrary to EU law. Malta ended the programme.

Is a replacement route available?

Not as of June 2026. Malta has discussed a contribution based model, but no successor investment route is open. Watch for official announcements and confirm with the authority.

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.

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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.

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