Malta becomes top country globally for obtaining citizenship through investment

Malta becomes the top country globally for obtaining citizenship through investment, maintaining its 1st place position for the 10th consecutive year with an impressive score of 76.

These rankings, featured in the 2025 edition of the annual Investment Migration Programs report by Henley & Partners, provide a comprehensive benchmarking of the world’s most attractive citizenship by investment offerings, guiding global investors in their decision-making processes.

Malta’s politically stable climate, robust banking sector, and favourable tax system have made it an excellent choice for safeguarding wealth.

Citizenship by investment is a program that allows people to gain citizenship in a country by making a large investment, while the index reflects the relative worth of the most reputable citizenship-by-investment programs around the world.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, asserts that the index is indispensable for both investors and governments manoeuvring through this intricate landscape.

“Acquiring alternative residence and/or citizenship by participating in reputable investment migration programs enables greater flexibility and participation in the world’s leading economies, as well as optionality, which is now an indispensable part of any family’s insurance policy for the 21st century. The more jurisdictions a family can access, the lower its exposure to country-specific, regional, and global volatility, and the more secure it will be over the long term.”

For the second consecutive year, American nationals have topped the list of those seeking alternative residence and citizenship through Henley & Partners.

This trend has persisted into 2025 and may continue given some policies by the Trump administration which are unfavourable to some democrats.  This year is also set to mark a significant milestone in wealth migration, with a record 142,000 high-net-worth individuals anticipated to relocate to new countries. This figure surpasses last year’s count of 134,000 and the 120,000 recorded the year prior.

Malta continues to dominate the Global Citizenship Program Index as other countries follow.

Following Malta, Australia takes second place, with Austria closely following with a score of 75.

Austria’s premium citizenship program requires applicants to make a substantial economic contribution, which has paid dividends in terms of its global standing and appeal.

Grenada ranks 3rd with a score of 69, highlighting the Caribbean island nation’s attractiveness as a destination for citizenship by investment. Grenada’s program is particularly noted for its flexibility and the visa-free travel opportunities it affords.

Antigua and Barbuda secure the 4th spot with a score of 67. The twin-island nation’s program is renowned for its efficiency and the range of options it offers to potential investors.

The 5th position is shared by three nations: Nauru, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia, each scoring 66. Nauru is a newcomer to the index, bringing significant advantages in global mobility and a strong emphasis on climate resilience initiatives. St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia continue to be attractive options, offering a blend of investment opportunities and beneficial visa-free travel terms.

Dominica, another Caribbean island nation, ranks 6th with a score of 65. The country’s citizenship by investment program is one of the longest-running in the world and remains popular for its straightforward application process.

Türkiye holds the 7th position with a score of 64. Türkiye’s program offers multiple routes to citizenship, including real estate investment options, making it an appealing choice for investors looking to access Asian, European, and Middle Eastern markets.

The 8th spot is shared by Egypt, Jordan, and North Macedonia, each scoring 63. These countries offer diverse programs that cater to different investor needs, from strategic geographic positioning to attractive economic benefits.

Vanuatu is placed 9th with a score of 60. The Pacific island nation’s program provides a quick and straightforward route to citizenship, with the added benefit of contributing to the country’s economic and social development.

Rounding off the top 10 is Cambodia, with a score of 53. Cambodia’s program, while relatively new, offers unique opportunities for investors looking to engage with one of Southeast Asia’s emerging markets.