European Court Takes Down Malta's Golden Passport Scheme
Maltese Citizenship Sale Ruling Handed Down by European Court - Maltese court verdict on citizenship trading established
It's a game changer for the EU! The European Court of Justice (ECJ)has ripped Malta's "golden passport" scheme to shreds on April 29, 2025, ruling it to be a clear violation of European Union law. This program, which had allowed wealthy foreigners to buy their way into Maltese and EU citizenship for hefty investments, was classified as the "commercialisation" of citizenship. The verdict marks a blow to EU principles of good faith and mutual trust among member states.
- ECJ
- Malta
- Golden Passport Scheme
- EU Commission
- European Union
The Court of Justice clearly stated that awarding citizenship based on an investment reduces the essence of nationality to a mere business transaction, thus undermining EU citizenship regulations. Furthermore, Malta's scheme breached the Treaty of the EU's obligations regarding citizenship grant and the principles underlying EU citizenship.
This ruling not only echoes but also reaffirms the European Commission's view that such programs are illegal. It solidifies the Commission's efforts to stamp out similar schemes across the EU. This decision also puts a stop to other EU member states from rolling out or continuing similar citizenship-by-investment programs, ensuring that EU citizenship remains a valued privilege, not a commodity for sale.
Who Pays the Price?
- Malta: Closing the golden passport program after it proved a substantial source of income could be a difficult pill to swallow for Malta—though necessary for its reputation as an EU member in good standing.
- Applicants: Individuals who invested in Maltese citizenship and EU citizenship may find their current status under a cloud of uncertainty. However, as of yet, the ruling does not specify any immediate revocations.
- Other EU Member States: The decision sends a clear message that EU citizenship is not a transaction that can be bought, setting a strong precedent for other states contemplating similar schemes.
In a nutshell, the ECJ ruling seals the fate of Malta's program and serves as a clear warning to other EU member states, emphasizing that EU citizenship is much more than a monetary exchange. So, buckle up, folks—the future of EU citizenship is about to become a lot harder to acquire (and a lot more valuable)! 🚀🇪🇺🛡️
- The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Malta's "golden passport" scheme, which granted citizenship to foreign investors, violates European Union (EU) law.
- Malta's decision to close the golden passport program could be challenging due to its financial implications, but it is necessary for maintaining its reputation as a credible EU member.
- The ECJ's ruling reinforces the European Commission's stance against citizenship-by-investment programs and encourages other EU member states to reconsider their plans for similar schemes.
- Wealthy individuals who acquired Maltese and EU citizenship through the golden passport program may now face uncertainty about their status, but immediate revocations have not been specified in the ruling.
