Tools · EU Citizenship
Malta ENI Citizenship — Programme Abolished in 2025
The Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation programme was terminated following the EU Court of Justice ruling of 29 April 2025 (Case C-181/23). This page covers the history of the programme and current EU citizenship alternatives — primarily the Greece Golden Visa.
Malta MEIN — Programme Abolished (July 2025)
The Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation programme was terminated in July 2025 following the EU Court of Justice ruling in Case C-181/23, which found investor citizenship schemes incompatible with EU law. No new applications can be submitted.
If you are seeking EU citizenship or residency by investment, the main current options are Portugal Golden Visa (€500,000 fund route, citizenship after 5 years) and Greece Golden Visa (€400,000–€800,000 property, citizenship after 7 years).
Can you make a government contribution of €600,000–€750,000?
How this tool works
Confirm total budget
Total minimum commitment is €1.31M–€1.46M+ across contribution, property and donation.
Property commitment
A €700k+ purchase or €16k/year rental for 5 years was mandatory alongside the contribution.
Residency feasibility
12 or 36 months of genuine Maltese residency was a legal requirement — no exceptions.
Get your result
Receive a full cost breakdown, quota urgency note, and EU passport benefits summary.
Frequently asked questions
What was the total cost of Malta citizenship by investment? (programme now closed)
Note: the Malta ENI programme was abolished following the EU Court of Justice ruling of 29 April 2025 and is no longer open to new applicants. For historical reference, the total minimum investment for Malta citizenship by naturalisation was approximately €1,310,000–€1,460,000+. This comprised: a government contribution of €600,000 (36-month residency) or €750,000 (12-month residency); a mandatory charitable donation of €10,000; and a property purchase of €700,000+ or rental commitment of at least €16,000/year for 5 years. Additional legal, processing and due diligence fees applied.
How many Malta ENI applications were approved each year?
While the programme was open, Malta capped approvals at 400 naturalisation certificates per year, with no more than 1,500 in total across the programme's lifetime. Applications were processed by the Community Malta Agency (CMA) in order of submission. The programme has since been abolished and is no longer accepting applications.
What residency was required for Malta citizenship?
Under the now-abolished ENI programme, applicants had to genuinely reside in Malta for either 12 months (higher contribution of €750,000) or 36 months (lower contribution of €600,000). Residency had to be genuine — applicants were required to establish actual ties to Malta during this period, not just hold a permit on paper.
What were the benefits of Malta citizenship?
Malta citizenship confers full EU citizenship, with the right to live, work and study anywhere in the European Union. The Malta passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a large number of countries, including the entire Schengen Area. Note that the ENI route to acquiring this citizenship has been abolished; visa-free access lists and tax treatment change over time, so verify the current position before relying on them.
Could I have applied for Malta citizenship directly, without an agent?
No. While the programme was open, applications had to be submitted through a licensed Maltese agent — individuals could not apply directly to the Community Malta Agency. Licensed agents were regulated professionals who guided the entire process, from document preparation and due diligence to submission and follow-up with the CMA. The programme is now closed to new applicants.
Speak to a Malta ENI specialist
Our advisers can guide you through the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation programme and help you assess your eligibility.