Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme faces legal challenges following a major EU court ruling in 2025. While its future is uncertain, alternative residence options like the MPRP and GRP offer compliant, strategic pathways for investors seeking EU access.
Malta has long been a popular destination for international investors seeking access to Europe through its citizenship and residency programmes. Its strategic location, favourable tax system, high standard of living, and EU membership have made it particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals and families. However, recent developments in 2025 have cast doubt over the long-term viability of the country’s citizenship-by-investment route, prompting prospective applicants to explore alternative options.
The country’s citizenship-by-investment programme, formally known as the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) scheme, has been under increasing pressure from the European Union. On 18 April 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that Malta’s practice of granting citizenship without requiring a genuine link to the country—such as long-term residence or cultural integration—violates EU law. The court concluded that such schemes undermine the concept of sincere cooperation between member states and compromise the integrity of EU citizenship.
The MEIN programme, which allowed applicants to obtain Malta citizenship through a combination of economic contributions, property investment, and donations, is still technically operational. However, the ruling has placed the programme on shaky ground, and the Maltese government is now under significant pressure to either reform or close the route entirely. For investors, this creates a level of legal and political uncertainty that must be carefully considered before proceeding.
Fortunately, Malta continues to offer attractive alternatives for those seeking a legal path to reside in the country and access the wider European Union. Two key options—the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and the Global Residence Programme (GRP)—provide secure, structured pathways that are fully compliant with EU standards.
The MPRP offers indefinite residence to non-EU nationals who meet specific investment criteria. Applicants must either purchase real estate valued at a minimum of €375,000 or rent a property for at least €14,000 annually. In addition, they must contribute €30,000 to the government (or €60,000 if renting), make a €2,000 donation to a Maltese NGO, and demonstrate financial assets of at least €500,000, including €150,000 in liquid funds. In return, investors and their families receive the right to live in Malta indefinitely, enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area, and benefit from the country’s stable and secure environment. Notably, the MPRP does not require physical presence in Malta, offering maximum flexibility for globally mobile individuals.
The GRP, by contrast, is geared toward investors interested in tax residency rather than permanent relocation. This programme grants special tax status to individuals who either purchase property (from €220,000 in southern Malta or Gozo) or rent property (from €8,750 per year), and commit to paying a minimum of €15,000 in annual tax on income remitted to Malta. While it does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, the GRP offers an efficient, low-cost route to Maltese residency and access to Malta’s attractive personal tax regime.
At Bridge Partners, we provide expert advice to high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs considering relocation to Malta. As the future of the Malta Golden Visa and Malta citizenship remains uncertain, our team is on hand to help clients evaluate alternative programmes and structure their applications to meet both legal requirements and personal objectives.
We assist with all aspects of the application process, from programme selection and documentation to real estate sourcing, financial planning, and post-residency services. Whether you are seeking long-term residency under the MPRP or tax efficiency through the GRP, Bridge Partners delivers bespoke, end-to-end support.
In today’s changing regulatory environment, trusted advice is essential. As Malta repositions its immigration policies, investors can still find highly valuable, compliant pathways to EU access and lifestyle mobility. With Bridge Partners’ deep local knowledge and global perspective, you can make informed decisions with confidence and clarity.