Passport rank:

4th

Visa-free destinations to:

188

So what elevates the Maltese passport to the higher tiers globally? Let’s analyze the indexes that led to its strong 4th position in 2023:

Visa-Free Score

188 visa-free countries
6th rank in Europe
Malta performs particularly well on visa-free access to the Americas, Caribbean and Oceania

Malta Island

This island nation lies in the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between Sicily and the North African coast. With a population around 525,000, it consists of three main islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Malta boasts a rich history spanning 7,000 years. Various rulers like the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and knights of the Order of St. John left their imprint on Maltese culture. Today, it blends this tapestry of influences with modern economies focused on tourism, financial services and gaming.

The power of the Maltese passport in 2023

The Maltese passport packs a punch in the world of international travel. Ranked 28th globally in 2023, it grants visa-free access to over 190 destinations – making it an alluring travel document for globetrotters and business travelers alike.

A Passport that opens door

With one of these burgundy passports emblazoned with “Passaport Malti”, you can freely roam countries across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and more. Some prime examples include:

The United States
Canada
The United Kingdom
France
Germany
India
Singapore
Japan

The Maltese passport even enables easy travel to exotic locales like Ecuador, Fiji, Kenya and the Seychelles. Of course, it offers unfettered access across the European Union thanks to Malta’s 2004 entry into the bloc.

Malta

Before delving into the intricacies of the passport itself, let’s get acquainted with Malta. This island nation lies in the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between Sicily and the North African coast. With a population around 525,000, it consists of three main islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Maltese passport benefits

Individual Freedom

Malta scores highly for individual freedoms and ease of settling as a foreigner

Human Development

The United Nations Human Development Index places Malta in the very high human Development category

Quality of Life

Malta gets top marks for quality of healthcare, infrastructure, environment, safety and leisure

Residency

Relatively simple processes for obtaining residency compared to other EU states

Citizenship

The Citizenship by Investment Program offers a direct, albeit costly, route to acquiring a Maltese passport

Benefits beyond travel freedom

A Maltese passport facilitates more than hassle-free vacations. Holders also gain:

Work opportunities – access high-income job markets across the EU and UK
Business advantages – freely establish companies and expand into the EU
Education – study at renowned universities in Europe and North America
Healthcare – obtain treatment at top hospitals worldwide
Investment – invest in stable economies like Canada, Singapore, New Zealand etc.
Residency rights – settle in Malta or other desirable EU nations

For wealthy individuals and families, the Maltese passport checks many boxes as a tool to unlock world-class living standards, economic growth and security.

Inside the Maltese passport

Let’s look at the key elements that make up this powerful document:

Cover

Burgundy color scheme following EU standards
“Passaport Malti” inscribed below the Maltese coat of arms

Inside Pages

32 or 64 pages depending on 10 or 5 year validity
Biometric chip stores personal data like fingerprints
Watermarks and other security features to prevent forgery

Information

Photo, name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, issuance/expiry dates
Holder’s signature

Passport Note

Requests authorities worldwide to permit free passage of the holder and provide assistance

Languages

Information appears in Maltese and English

Acquiring a Maltese passport

Unless you have Maltese heritage, obtaining this prized passport requires using one of two routes:

Malta Citizenship by Investment

This involves investing a substantial sum into Malta’s economy in exchange for citizenship rights. Options include:

€750,000 into National Development Fund
€600,000 real estate purchase
€750,000 government bonds

Applicants undergo extensive due diligence checks on sources of wealth, health, and criminal records.

Malta residence and work permit

Spend 1+ years living in Malta on a work/residence permit to become eligible for citizenship by naturalization. Less costly but more time-intensive.

Expert assistance can smooth the complex application process for either route. Reputable firms like Sovereign Group and Savory & Partners help clients navigate requirements.

The future of the Maltese passport

Looking ahead, Malta aims to keep its passport competitive on the global stage through initiatives like:

Pursing more bilateral visa waiver agreements
Boosting the citizenship by investment program with new incentives
Developing cutting-edge biometric and cybersecurity features

Barring major disruptions, the Maltese passport looks set to uphold its reputation as a top-tier travel document for years to come.

FAQ

How many visa-free countries does it offer?

Over 190 currently. One of the highest counts globally.

What is the Maltese passport ranking?

28th place in 2023 based on the Henley Passport Index.

How quickly can I get Maltese citizenship?

12-14 months via the citizenship by investment route. 5+ years by naturalization.

Does Malta allow dual citizenship?

Yes, dual citizenship is permitted for Maltese passport holders.

By leveraging its visa-free reach and EU membership, Malta has created a passport that delivers immense travel freedom and life opportunities. With expert help navigating the process, acquiring this passport can be a worthwhile investment for those seeking security, mobility and stability in an uncertain world.

Malta passport ranking