The world of European real estate investment just shifted - and Malta is at the center of it. After years of international scrutiny, the Maltese government has officially terminated its Golden Passport program, which previously allowed wealthy individuals to gain EU citizenship through large financial contributions and property investment in Malta.
This move has sparked questions for thousands of investors and buyers around the world: What’s next? Is Malta still worth investing in? Can you still get residency through real estate? Let’s explore.
Why Did Malta Cancel Its Citizenship-by-Investment Program?
In April 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme violated EU law. According to the court, granting passports solely based on investment - without genuine ties to the country - undermines the concept of European citizenship itself.
The result? Malta officially shut down the program. The country is now realigning its policies with EU expectations, shifting its focus toward merit-based naturalization and long-term residency.
For many years, Malta offered one of the most popular fast-track routes to an EU passport. With a €600,000+ donation and a real estate purchase in Malta, applicants could obtain citizenship in just 12-36 months. That path is now closed.
Can You Still Invest in Real Estate in Malta?
Yes - absolutely. The Malta real estate market remains strong, with high demand for property among both locals and international investors.
You can still:
Buy property in Malta for personal use, rental income, or long-term appreciation
Qualify for permanent residency through the MPRP (Malta Permanent Residence Programme)
Enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Relocate your family and benefit from Malta’s stable tax regime and high quality of life
So while the shortcut to a passport through investment is gone, the path to legal residency and even citizenship through meaningful presence and real estate investment is still open - and more relevant than ever.
What Is the MPRP and How Does It Work?
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is now the country’s flagship residency-by-investment scheme. It doesn’t grant citizenship, but it does offer a permanent residence permit for individuals who:
Invest in real estate in Malta (purchase or long-term lease)
Contribute to the state and a local NGO
Show proof of stable income and clean criminal record
You’ll need a net worth of at least €500,000, and either purchase a qualifying property (from €300,000-€350,000) or rent for a minimum of €10,000-€12,000 per year. In return, you’ll receive a lifetime residence permit for you and your family - and the ability to live in Malta, travel within Europe, and access public and private services.
For many, this offers a real estate investment in Europe with lifestyle and residency benefits - without waiting for uncertain passport approvals.
If you want a full overview of the process, investment requirements, and benefits, read our article Top Countries in Europe to Get Residency by Buying Property in 2025.
Can You Still Get Citizenship in Malta?
Yes, but under stricter and non-commercial conditions.
There are now only two paths to Maltese citizenship:
Long-term naturalization - After living in Malta legally for 5+ years, you may apply for citizenship through a standard process (language skills, integration, ties to the country).
Citizenship by exceptional merit - In rare cases, Malta may grant citizenship to individuals who’ve made extraordinary contributions to the country, such as scientific, academic, cultural, or philanthropic achievements. This is no longer tied to real estate or financial donations.
The days of “pay-and-get-a-passport” are over - but citizenship through real commitment and value is still possible.
To see how Malta compares with other European countries offering real estate-based residency, check out our guide on the Easiest Countries to Obtain Residency Through Real Estate Investment.
What Does This Mean for Real Estate Investors?
If you were only buying property in Malta to fast-track citizenship, this change may alter your strategy. But for serious investors looking for:
Safe, stable EU real estate
Long-term returns on property in Malta
Residency options for themselves and their family
Tax residency and asset protection in Europe
…Malta remains one of the best-positioned countries in Southern Europe.
The end of the Golden Passport doesn’t reduce the value of owning a home in Malta, especially in sought-after areas like Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Gozo.
Want to see where else investors are turning in 2025? Read our article on 5 European Cities with Rental Yields Over 6% in 2025. It reveals hidden markets offering great value beyond the obvious destinations.
Malta Property Market in 2025: Still Worth Watching
Despite policy changes, the demand for property in Malta remains high, driven by:
Limited supply of land
Strong expat and remote work communities
Political and economic stability
Mediterranean lifestyle and climate
For real numbers, trends, and a pricing snapshot, explore our detailed comparison in How Much Does an Apartment in Barcelona Cost in 2025?
Summary: What Has Changed — and What Hasn’t
<table> <tbody> <tr class="blue-row" > <td><strong>Feature</strong></td> <td><strong>Before (Golden Passport)</strong></td> <td><strong>Now (Post-2025)</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Citizenship by investment</td> <td>✅ Yes (via donations & property)</td> <td>❌ No (program shut down)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Residency via real estate</td> <td>✅ Yes</td> <td>✅ Still available (MPRP)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Naturalization after 5+ years</td> <td>✅ Yes</td> <td>✅ Yes</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Citizenship by merit</td> <td>✅ Rare</td> <td>✅ Still rare, not investment-based</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fast-track passport (1–3 yrs)</td> <td>✅ Yes</td> <td>❌ No longer possible</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>Want to Learn More?
If you're exploring European residency through real estate, or simply want to understand how property laws, taxes, rental returns, and legal systems differ across countries, we've got you covered.
Visit our Countries section to compare:
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