Malta’s CIP Attracts 25% of U.S. Applicants Seeking a Second Passport Through Investment

Malta’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program Gains Ground with U.S. Nationals

A growing share of wealthy Americans are applying for second citizenship in Europe, and Malta is becoming a preferred option. According to recent reports, 25% of its U.S.-based applicants have selected Malta’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program (CIP) as their route to European citizenship.

The majority of applicants are not looking to move immediately. In fact, around 80% say they want a second passport purely as a contingency plan, in case of future political or financial disruption in the United States. For this group, a “Plan B” means having the legal ability to live, work, or invest in Europe without uprooting their current lives.

What Malta’s Golden Passport Program Requires and Why It Appeals

Malta’s Citizenship-by-Investment scheme allows non-EU nationals to acquire citizenship in exchange for financial contributions and a clean compliance record.

To qualify, applicants must make an investment of at least €690,000, meet strict vetting requirements, and commit to a residency period of one to three years depending on the investment structure.

Citizenship offers a long list of strategic advantages:

• Full EU citizenship, including the right to reside, work, or study across all EU member states

• Visa-free access to the U.S., Canada, and most countries in Asia, Africa, and the Americas

• No need to renounce existing citizenship, making it a low-disruption addition to global mobility

Despite its benefits, Malta’s program has drawn scrutiny from EU policymakers. The European Commission has repeatedly pushed for the termination of citizenship-by-investment schemes across the bloc, citing concerns over potential misuse or lack of transparency.

However, in a pivotal October 2024 statement, EU Advocate General Michael Collins affirmed the legal right of member states to operate such programs, provided they maintain rigorous due diligence.

This has opened the door for Malta to continue its offering, while also raising speculation that other EU countries might reinstate similar schemes.