Published: January 1, 2026

CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT BLOG

Dual Citizenship Benefits in 2026

Note (2026): Malta’s former Citizenship by Investment program has been replaced by the Citizenship by Merit framework.

Happy New Year — and wishing you a successful and prosperous 2026!

As the calendar turns, many people are reassessing not just their business goals, but their long-term personal and family planning. Where do we want flexibility? Security? Optionality? For a growing number of globally minded individuals, citizenship - or the ability to hold more than one - is part of that conversation.

A recent CNN Travel article (1) does a good job of grounding the discussion in reality. It explains what dual citizenship actually means in practice, why interest has grown in recent years, and where common misconceptions still linger — particularly around taxation. The piece is worth reading if you’re thinking about mobility not as a luxury, but as a strategic life decision.
Malta Citizenship by Merit Program

What stands out is that dual citizenship is less about collecting passports and more about creating resilience:

– Freedom of movement
– Access to stable legal systems
– Long-term planning across generations
– Increasingly, alignment with countries that value meaningful contribution over passive investment

That shift is especially relevant in Malta, where the new Citizenship by Merit (CBM) emphasizes genuine links and public value rather than transactional thresholds alone.

On our side, we’ve now begun CBM onboarding and are actively preparing proposal outlines for qualified applicants. These proposals are tailored around each applicant’s background and intended contribution.

For those considering a philanthropic component, one option we are currently structuring involves targeted support for Malta’s Puttinu oncology center (as reported in our previous newsletter, alongside other merit-based contribution pathways. Each proposal is assessed on substance, credibility, and alignment with the country’s 2050 Vision directive.

If the broader conversation around dual citizenship resonates with you, and you’re curious whether Malta’s merit-based route may fit your profile, we’re happy to explore that with you. Early preparation matters, and thoughtful structuring makes all the difference. Simply contact us if you are interested. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service.

Alternatively, if Citizenship by Merit isn't the right fit, Malta’s Permanent Residency (MPRP) program remains an attractive alternative that is typically easier to qualify for while offering EU lifestyle and mobility advantages.

Warm regards,
The Zenturo Team

(1) Source: CNN Travel



Take the Quiz: Malta (EU) Residency or Citizenship. Which one is right for me?

Find out if you qualify for Malta permanent residency or Malta citizenship, including an EU passport / dual citizenship status.

Program Interest
Permanent Residency: Non‑EU nationals who obtain permanent residence in Malta under the MPRP program are granted the right to live, work, study, or retire in Malta. The program requires a minimum investment from €99,000, in addition to either purchasing or renting property, along with applicable professional and legal fees.

Citizenship: Malta citizenship under the Malta Citizenship by Merit framework grants the right to live, work, study, or retire in Malta, along with access to public healthcare and education. It also provides an EU passport, allowing holders to live and work in any EU member state, not just Malta. Eligible applicants typically include individuals with exceptional achievements in science, technology, or innovation; those distinguished in culture, the arts, or sports; business leaders and entrepreneurs whose ventures create employment in Malta; and philanthropic or humanitarian figures whose work and contributions demonstrates a broader international impact.

Eligibility Screening
Contact Information
Because residency and citizenship frameworks can evolve over time please contact us to speak with an advisor or to receive a preliminary quotation. The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal or financial advice.



Click here for the Malta citizenship by merit framework. Click here for the Malta residency programs.

To start the application process online please register here.

For a detailed cost estimate or to schedule a confidential consultation please use our contact form.
 

Zenturo Ltd.

Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide

394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta

Client Testimonials / Google Reviews

Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
Telegram: +356 9991 4125
WeChat 微信: ZenturoSupport

Service Inquiries: service@zenturo.com
General Counsel: legal@zenturo.com

Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026

All of our Malta immigration attorneys are government-licensed
Authorised Registered Mandatories.
License: AKM-DALI

Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X (Twitter)
Watch our videos on YouTube



Immigration by Investment Press Coverage:

Immigration by Investment Press Coverage