09/05/25

MALTA: EU Court Strikes Down Malta’s Golden Passports

As published on: etias.com, Friday 9 May, 2025.

Court strikes down citizenship-for-cash
On April 30th, 2025, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Malta’s “golden passport” program is illegal. The court concluded that selling citizenship to rich foreigners goes against the basic principles of European citizenship.

The judges stated that giving nationality “in exchange for predetermined payments or investments... amounts to rendering the acquisition of nationality a mere commercial transaction.”

The program let people become citizens by donating up to €750,000, buying property, and staying in Malta for 12 months. However, investigations found that many applicants only stayed for about three weeks, even though they were supposed to meet residency rules.

Malta defends economic gains
Malta’s government defended the program, stating that it raised over €1.4 billion since it began in 2015. Officials argued that the money helped pay for public housing, sports centers, and healthcare upgrades.

Even so, Malta said that it would “respect the court’s decision” and review what it means legally.\

Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who launched the scheme, called the ruling “politically motivated” and said that the program should be reformed, not shut down.

Transparency advocate applaud decision
Anti-corruption groups and EU institutions welcomed the ruling.

Matthew Caruana Galizia, son of murdered journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, called it “a win for the people of Malta and for all EU residents who have been unfairly exposed to the whims of money launderers and corrupt criminals.”

Transparency International agreed, warning that citizenship-for-sale programs “commodify EU citizenship” and open the door for criminals to enter the EU.

Courtyard view of the European Court of Justice with its logo and name on a black sign beside yellow architectural panels.

(Image courtesy of olrat via iStock)

Scrutiny turns to golden visas
The court’s decision ends golden passport programs but does not ban golden visas. These residency-by-investment programs, still available in countries like Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Spain, offer residency in return for real estate or fund investments.

Unlike golden passports, they do not grant citizenship right away.

Still, legal experts and immigration advisers expect the EU to take a closer look at these schemes.

“A member state cannot issue a passport unless an applicant has a genuine link to the nation,” said Lisbon-based immigration lawyer Bettino Zanzini. He urged clients to move quickly before new rules take effect.

Race against reform
Advisory firms in Europe are now telling wealthy clients to speed up their applications. “Whoever moves sooner will be in a better position,” said Zanzini.

With possible rule changes ahead, more investors are turning to the programs that are still open.

In Portugal, for example, the government has already taken real estate off the list of golden visa options. A new bill, if passed after this month’s election, could also double the wait for citizenship from five to ten years.

Shifting focus beyond Europe
Now that EU citizenship is no longer an option, investors are turning to countries with looser rules. Turkey, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis still offer citizenship in exchange for investment.

However, experts warned that these programs don’t include access to the Schengen Area and face pressure to tighten background checks.

Vinay Kumar of Client Associates noted, “These programs may offer global mobility, but they lack the stability and reputation of EU frameworks.”

Digital rendering of the European Union flag with yellow stars on a textured, wavy blue background.

(Image courtesy of mustafaU via iStock)

Travel plans face more bureaucratic hurdles
The EU court’s move to shut down Malta’s golden passport program won’t directly affect most travelers, but it reflects a broader change in how the EU manages foreign access. This shift is likely to impact both short visits and long-term moves.

For short-term travel, the decision comes as the EU prepares to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in the last quarter of 2026. Once in place, visa-exempt travelers will need to complete an online screening before entering the EU.

This system works like the U.S. ESTA. It’s not a visa, but it does add another step, showing Europe’s move toward tighter border checks.

For non-EU citizens looking to move to the EU, especially retirees and remote workers drawn to warmer countries, the end of easy citizenship options removes a popular shortcut.

Some had used Malta’s scheme to regain EU mobility. Without it, they’ll have to go through longer residence-permit applications or apply for golden visas, which are also facing more scrutiny.

As EU countries consider more restrictions, moving to the bloc is becoming more complicated.

Stricter gatekeeping is here to stay
The ruling does more than stop one country from selling citizenship — it changes how EU countries are expected to handle immigration.

It sends a clear message: countries can’t treat citizenship like something you can buy. Instead, people must show real ties to the country, whether social, cultural, or economic.

In the near future, countries offering golden visas — which give residency in return for investment — are rethinking their rules. These programs are still legal, but the court warned that they could be challenged if applicants have little or no real connection to the country.

Portugal has already dropped real estate from its program, and Greece and Spain are reviewing theirs, partly due to rising housing prices and public concern.

Looking ahead, this ruling is likely to influence new laws. The European Commission wants consistent rules for background checks and stronger links between immigration and national needs.

Countries may now shift from fast-track visas to programs that focus on work skills, community involvement, and fair screening, pointing toward a more careful and responsible approach to migration across the EU.

A U.S. passport and vintage camera placed on a world map showing parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia.

(Image courtesy of Pam Patterson via Pixabay)

The end of citizenship for sale
The EU’s top court has drawn a firm line: European citizenship cannot be bought.

As Malta shutters its controversial golden passport scheme under mounting legal and ethical pressure, a new chapter begins—one where citizenship must be rooted in real ties, not transaction.

For investors eyeing Europe, the message is clear: genuine connection, not convenience, is now the gateway.

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Malta Golden Passports