Golden passports to be replaced with broader citizenship-by-merit

Golden passports to be replaced with broader citizenship-by-merit

Malta’s so-called golden passport scheme will be scrapped, while a citizenship-by-merit system will be expanded and strengthened, the government has announced.  The proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act – Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta – follows a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in April, which decided that the...

Malta Abandons Golden Passport Program to Boost Citizenship-by-Merit Initiative – EUROP INFO

Malta has announced the termination of its controversial golden passport scheme, shifting focus towards a revamped citizenship-by-merit program, government officials confirmed on Monday. The decision comes amid mounting international criticism and increasing regulatory scrutiny over investor citizenship programs across Europe. By scrapping the lucrative citizenship-by-investment initiative, Malta aims to bolster transparency and ensure that citi…

Malta's Golden passports to be replaced with broader citizenship-by-merit

Malta’s Golden passports to be replaced with broader citizenship-by-meritMalta cancels its golden passport scheme and enhances citizenship-by-merit system for exceptional contributions. The post Malta’s Golden passports to be replaced with broader citizenship-by-merit first appeared on The Dispatch.

Malta Launches Merit-Based Citizenship Programme for Global Innovators and Leaders

Malta has officially announced the termination of its “golden passport” citizenship by investment programme — the last in the European Union — in compliance with a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). In its place, a new framework will focus on merit-based naturalisation grounded in exceptional services to Malta or humanity, rather than financial investment.What Prompted the Shift?Legal enforcement: On 29 April 2025, the ECJ r…

Malta Scraps 'Golden Passport' Scheme And Extends Citizenship-By-Merit

Malta will completely scrap its “golden passport” scheme and expand its existing citizenship-by-merit system. The government’s decision comes after the European Court of Justice ruled last April that the scheme, which has been in place since 2014, violated EU law in terms of its commercialisation of EU member state nationality. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri confirmed that the transactional element of the citizenship acquisition process, …