Malta Loses Its "Golden Passports": Citizenship No Longer Issued

The European Court officially banned Malta from granting citizenship through investment, declaring the practice a violation of EU law. The ruling ends a years-long conflict between the European Commission and Malta, effectively closing the door on "golden passport" programs within the EU.

Malta's scheme allowed foreigners to obtain an EU passport without any real connection to the country — all that was required was an investment. Brussels has called this nothing less than the "sale of EU citizenship." 

Malta must now shut down the program completely and cover all legal costs.

Similar programs were already terminated in Cyprus (2020) and Bulgaria (2022), and no EU country can now launch such initiatives without proof of “genuine ties” between the applicant and the state.

Alternative — Turkey

Amid tightening regulations in Europe, more investors are turning to Turkey as a reliable and accessible alternative.

Turkey's citizenship-by-investment program remains one of the simplest and fastest in the world:

• A passport can be obtained within 6–8 months.
  
  

• No language or residency requirements.
  
  

• Minimum investment: from $400,000 in real estate.
  
  

• Visa-free access to over 110 countries.
  
  

• No obligation to live in Turkey.
  
  

• Spouses and children under 25 also qualify for citizenship.
  
  

Want to learn more about Turkish citizenship by investment?
Leave a request, and Stay Property consultants will guide you through the process. We offer real estate options that qualify for citizenship — check out the listings on our website.