: You must either purchase property worth at least €700,000 or rent for at least €16,000 per year.

: A mandatory €10,000 donation to a registered Maltese NGO.

: Full EU citizenship, allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in the 27 EU member states. The "Golden Visa" Route: Residency First

: You don't just "buy" it; you invest and then wait for a short period of residency. The Cost :

As of 2026, is the only European Union member state that offers a direct path to citizenship through investment, officially known as "Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment".

The Reality of "Buying" European Citizenship in 2026 The dream of a European passport—and the borderless travel, healthcare, and stability it provides—is still alive, but the "fast track" options have changed significantly. If you are looking to "buy" citizenship directly, your options have narrowed to essentially one country, while several others offer a "Golden Visa" that leads to citizenship after a few years of residency. The Direct Path: Malta

: A non-refundable donation of €600,000 (for a 36-month residency path) or €750,000 (for a 12-month path).