The Citizenship by Merit Framework sets out the statutory processes for a merit-based naturalisation route under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act. The grant of citizenship on such basis is discretionary.

Under Article 11A(1) of Subsidiary Legislation 188.06, applicants must begin the process by submitting a detailed proposal letter to Komunita Malta through immVest International. This letter should outline the applicants’ background and achievements, describe the exceptional service or exceptional contribution they have made or intend to make to Malta or to humanity, present a forward-looking plan showing how they will continue contributing after naturalisation, and include supporting documents. Applicants may include those dependents (Children & Spouses) as stipulated in the said legislation in their request.

These proposals undergo a thorough evaluation verification and assessment, independently from Komunita Malta, by an autonomous specialised board including an intensive due-diligence process that would be carried out by the Agency. Following its evaluation, the Board would then submit its recommendation to the Agency as to whether the proposal should be approved or refused. The Agency then submits the Board’s recommendation to the Minister for final approval in principle or rejection. The Minister is not obliged by law to provide reasons for the decision, and the decision is final.

In accordance with the provisions of the above-mentioned subsidiary legislation, once applicants receive an approval in principle, they may submit formally through their Agent the application for a certificate of citizenship by naturalization on the basis of merit, by proving at least eight months of residence in Malta, holding or leasing adequate property in Malta, and demonstrating exceptional service or contribution to Malta or humanity endorsed by the competent body, which would be the locally registered entity in Malta as designated by the Agency from time to time that is capable of determining whether an individual is recognised in a particular field as a leading talent, or has demonstrated exceptional promise and is likely to become a leading talent or is of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta. The applicants must also provide proof of all other ties created with the Republic of Malta at the time of this application and as proposed in the proposal letter. The Evaluation Board reviews once again the application and provides its recommendation to the Minister, who makes the final decision. If approved, the applicant, and any dependents included in the application, take the Oath of Allegiance and receive the certificate of naturalisation