Malta has retained its position as the world’s highest-ranked citizenship programme, despite the closure of its controversial golden passport scheme, according to the latest Global Citizenship Program Index published by consultancy Henley & Partners.
The Mediterranean nation’s citizenship-by-merit framework ranked first in the 2026 index for the 11th consecutive year, achieving a score of 77 out of 100. The ranking places Malta ahead of Austria, which came second with a score of 74.
The annual index benchmarks citizenship programmes worldwide across a range of criteria, including visa-free travel, compliance standards, transparency, quality of life, residence requirements, processing efficiency, and relocation flexibility. Malta achieved full marks in visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, compliance, residence requirements, and relocation flexibility.
The ranking comes more than a year after Malta’s citizenship-by-investment programme was effectively brought to an end following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union. In its place, Malta operates a citizenship-by-merit framework focused on individuals who provide exceptional services or contributions to the country. Eligible fields include science, research, sport, art and culture, entrepreneurship, job creation, philanthropy, and technology.
According to Henley & Partners, Malta’s citizenship-by-merit route remains highly sought after. The firm reported that the programme was its second most popular citizenship offering by application volume, behind Greece’s residence programme, with demand continuing to grow in the early months of 2026.
The report also highlights the strength of the Maltese passport. Malta currently ranks among the world’s most powerful travel documents, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations worldwide.
Henley & Partners described Malta’s framework as Europe’s “gold standard” for structured and compliance-driven naturalisation, noting that the country continues to outperform more traditional citizenship and residence programmes globally.
PA starts process to remove tract of land in Żejtun from development zone
Planning Authority says the review is being undertaken in recognition of the area’s ‘high agricultural, ecological and cultural value’
New agreement will lead to preferential rates for Linux certification courses, organisation says
Through this deal, OSSMalta will act as a sort of distributor and agent for the LPI courses, OSSMalta founder says
Malta’s Financial Services Arbiter orders Crypto.com to refund scam victim
It was ordered to refund €4,465 plus interest, covering 40% of the victim's loss