Legal Notice 159 of 2025 introduces the Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations. This new regulation offers a structured and merit-based path to acquiring Maltese citizenship for individuals who have rendered, or intend to render, exceptional services or contributions to Malta or humanity, or who are considered of exceptional interest…
The Maltese Government has announced key amendments to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), enacted through Legal Notice 146 of 2025, aimed at enhancing the programme’s structure, improving flexibility for applicants, and reducing costs for families. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a temporary residence permit for MPRP applicants. The new…
Following recent amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188 of the Laws of Malta), the Maltese Government has introduced a renewed and strengthened framework for acquiring Maltese citizenship by merit. This article addresses the most frequently asked questions about these changes and what they mean for prospective applicants. What is Malta Citizenship by Merit?…
The Maltese Government has today announced more details on the proposed amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act. At a press briefing following the motion’s tabling, Minister for Home Affairs Byron Camilleri affirmed the government’s commitment to comply with the judgment: “We will honour the judgment of the EU and conform with its ruling. However, the…
Malta has taken its first legislative step to align its citizenship framework with the recent judgment of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Case C-181/23 – Commission v Malta. On 30th June 2025, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri tabled a bill in Parliament proposing amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act, marking Malta’s formal response…
With the EU moving to finalise a mechanism to suspend Schengen visa-free travel for Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment, interest is shifting towards more secure alternatives within Europe. Residency by investment programmes are gaining ground as strategic options, offering residence rights in the EU without losing Schengen access. Among these, Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme…
In a significant ruling delivered on 29 April 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) provided guidance on Malta’s citizenship by investment regulations, concluding proceedings initiated by the European Commission regarding the legislation which was introduced in 2020. The Court reiterated that while Member States retain sovereignty in setting their own nationality…
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has set 29th April 2025 as the date for its long-awaited ruling in Case C-181/23, the infringement proceedings brought by the European Commission against the Republic of Malta over its Citizenship regulations. This ruling will mark the culmination of a legal process that began in October…
Are you an American citizen dreaming of a second passport that offers visa-free travel to over 190 countries, the right to live and work across Europe, and a gateway to new financial and lifestyle possibilities, all without surrendering your American citizenship? Malta, a Mediterranean gem and EU member state, offers one of the most appealing…