Malta officially ended its Citizenship by Investment Program
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In a move that’s sending ripples through the global mobility space, Malta has officially repealed its citizenship-by-investment program — replacing it with a new, merit-based naturalization framework.
As of July 26, 2025, the Maltese Parliament’s Bill 140 of 2025 is now law, formally ending the MEIN (Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization) program. This came just weeks after the European Court of Justice ruled that the program violated EU principles by commodifying citizenship.
For those of us in the investment migration space and those advising High-Net-Worth individuals, the message is clear: citizenship policy can change quickly, and timing is everything.
Malta’s Rapid Policy Shift: A Timeline
Introducing Malta’s Merit-Based Citizenship Framework
According to Times of Malta, the new framework introduces a highly selective, impact-driven pathway to citizenship. Individuals may now qualify based on exceptional contributions to Malta or humanity, in fields such as:
This new model eliminates minimum investment thresholds. Citizenship is granted discretionarily, based on demonstrated value and ministerial recommendation. A newly formed Citizenship Regulator will oversee the process and allow for appeals.
What This Means for Global Mobility
Malta’s shift is part of a broader EU trend — one that redefines citizenship not as a transaction, but as a privilege earned through contribution.
As Forbes reported back in May 2025, the end of Malta’s golden passport program has fueled increased demand for Golden Visa and residency-by-investment programs in countries like Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Cyprus. These programs still offer a clear pathway to EU residency and, over time for some, citizenship — making them highly attractive to globally mobile families seeking lifestyle flexibility, generational planning, or strategic diversification.
A Strategic Partner in Global Mobility
At Nomad Advisory Group, we are based in beautiful Beverly Hills, California, and proudly operate within the globally respected Holborn Assets Group. We work in close collaboration with private clients and their advisors to analyze global mobility trends and provide tailored, strategic guidance. Our role is to ensure clients move forward with insight, confidence, and a clear path toward their goals.
We support individuals and families exploring second residency and citizenship options in Portugal, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and other premier destinations. Each client’s goals are unique — whether focused on lifestyle enhancement, legacy planning, tax optimization, or global access. We help evaluate which of these exceptional programs best aligns with those priorities, offering tailored support at every step.
If you’re advising a client who may benefit from enhanced mobility, or if you’re personally considering a second residency or citizenship, we invite you to connect. We enjoy and look forward to discussing how these evolving programs can fit within a broader wealth and lifestyle strategy.
Feel free to reach out or comment below — we’re always happy to share insight, answer questions, or schedule a private consultation.
Thank you for reading and for your continued trust & support.
Important Disclaimer / Please Read
The information contained in this communication is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Neither Nomad Advisory Group LLC nor Holborn Pass provide professional advice unless and until a formal written engagement agreement is executed. No recipient should act, or refrain from acting, based solely on the content herein without seeking advice from qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals who are familiar with their particular circumstances and applicable laws. While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information provided, Nomad Advisory Group LLC makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding its completeness, reliability, or suitability for any purpose, and expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
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