On 9 March 2022, the EU Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to end the practice of EU countries selling "citizenship by investment" (CBI). Many wealthy Russians have received EU passports in exchange for significant investments (and payments to local officials and politicians). Members of the EU Parliament voted 595 for, 12 against, and with 74 abstentions to end the Golden Passport schemes.

The EU and the US said that they would be taking measures to stop Golden Passport schemes for Russians as part of the sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Consequently, Malta had to suspend the scheme for Russians and Belarusians in a dramatic change of stance. The suspension applies to Malta's citizenship-by-investment scheme and a residency through investment scheme.