Malta has officially abolished its golden passport program in 2025 and is moving to a new model of citizenship by merit. Find out what's changing, who will be able to obtain a Maltese passport under the new conditions, and how the country is adapting to EU requirements for transparency in naturalization

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On July 16, 2025, the Maltese government officially announced the abolition of its investment citizenship program – MEIN (Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization), better known as the “golden passport” program. This decision is part of a large-scale reform of the naturalization system and demonstrates the Maltese authorities’ desire to comply with European standards and ensure greater transparency in the citizenship procedure.

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Which citizenship program is Malta abolishing?

Malta is terminating the MEIN program, which expires in 2025.

The program was launched in 2020 as a replacement for the previous IIP (Individual Investor Program), which attracted criticism from the European Commission and the European Court of Human Rights. The European institutions believed that the practice of granting citizenship solely for investment without a real connection to the state violates EU legal norms and effectively commercializes citizenship. The Maltese government has decided not to challenge these comments, but instead to move to a new, more meaningful model.

What will replace the MEIN program in Malta?

Malta is expanding the Citizenship by Merit program, which has been in place since 2017, but will now cover a much wider range of applicants.

The new model is aimed at candidates who have already made or can make a significant contribution to the development of Malta in the following areas:

- Science and technology.

- Job creation.

- Culture, art.

- Sports, education, social initiatives.

- Charity and strategic entrepreneurship.

Key differences of the new Maltese citizenship model

1. No more fixed fees and intermediaries – no more formal “purchases” of citizenship.

2. Creation of an independent advisory board that:

- Will conduct an in-depth screening of candidates.

- Will assess the real contribution of the applicant.

- Will provide recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

3. An individual approach to each application instead of the standardized MEIN scheme.

4. Publication of the names of new citizens - to ensure transparency of the process.

Context and legal framework

Despite the reform, Malta retains its national sovereignty in matters of citizenship (the so-called domaine réservé), but at the same time takes a step towards European requirements.

The right to deprive citizenship is also preserved in the event that false information is provided or the applicant's lack of a stable connection with Malta is detected.

If you are interested in obtaining citizenship of Malta or other EU countries on merit, it is important to consult an immigration lawyer in advance. This will help you choose the right path to legalization, assess the prospects, avoid mistakes and understand the new conditions of the reformed programs.

Reminder! Do you want a second passport or live legally in Jordan? We have already told you how to obtain citizenship or residency in Jordan in 2025 through investment. All options, requirements, deadlines and benefits - in one guide.