Another European Union country with a well-known residency program is Malta. Unlike Greece, Malta’s offering includes a clearer pathway to citizenship, although it comes with higher costs. Applicants must contribute at least €600,000 to the national development fund for a 36-month residency period, or €750,000 for a 12-month fast-track. In addition, investors are required to purchase or lease real estate and make donations to local charities. For those who can afford it, Malta’s program is appealing because it provides not only residence but also, eventually, the possibility of obtaining a Maltese passport, which is one of the most powerful in the world, granting visa-free travel to over 180 countries. Malta has marketed itself as a gateway to both Europe and the Commonwealth, blending Mediterranean charm with a strategic financial services sector.
