Malta – Citizenship

Who qualifies to apply for Maltese citizenship?

In 2025, Maltese citizenship legislation provides five separate pathways: citizenship through descent, by registration, through standard naturalisation, through a merit-based route, and under dual citizenship provisions. Identifying the right pathway for your situation depends on your family background, how long you have lived in Malta, and whether you can demonstrate any extraordinary contribution to the country.

Citizenship by birth
Every person born in Malta between 21 September 1964 and 1 August 1989 was automatically granted citizenship at birth, irrespective of their parents’ nationalities. Those born in Malta after that date acquire Maltese citizenship at birth only if at least one parent is a Maltese citizen or was themselves born in Malta.

Citizenship by descent
Following changes to the Maltese Citizenship Act in 2007, individuals of Maltese heritage became eligible for citizenship by registration, provided they can establish that they are direct-line descendants of an ancestor born in Malta whose own parent was also born there. This pathway carries no residency requirement. However, if the applicant’s parents or grandparents are living direct descendants who have not yet obtained Maltese citizenship, they must apply first — otherwise the qualifying link in the chain would be broken.

Citizenship by marriage or civil partnership
Under Article 6(1) of the Act, foreign nationals who have been married to and residing with a Maltese citizen for a minimum of five years may seek citizenship by registration. The grant remains at the Minister’s discretion and must not be seen as contrary to the public interest. Notably, an applicant who divorces or whose spouse passes away may still apply for and keep Maltese citizenship, as long as the marriage lasted at least five years in total.

Citizenship by naturalisation (standard route)
Foreign nationals may become Maltese citizens through naturalisation under Article 10(1) of the Act, subject to satisfying both residency and integration criteria: continuous residence in Malta for at least 12 months immediately before the application, plus at least four years of residence in Malta within the preceding six-year period. By international comparison — Australia requires four years and Germany five — Malta’s threshold is relatively accessible. Applicants must also demonstrate an adequate command of Maltese or English, hold a permanent place of residence in Malta whether rented or owned, and be of good character and deemed a suitable candidate for citizenship. It is important to note that the final decision rests entirely with the Minister responsible for citizenship, who is under no legal obligation to explain any refusal.

Two sponsors are also a requirement. One must be a Maltese citizen with personal knowledge of the applicant spanning at least two years; the other must be a professional — such as a lawyer, notary, medical doctor, parish priest, magistrate, judge, or senior police officer. Applicants must also provide both current and expired passports alongside documentary evidence of their physical presence in Malta throughout the qualifying period.

Citizenship by merit
Under the Maltese Citizenship by Merit Regulations (2025), citizenship is no longer tied to financial investment but instead to meaningful, demonstrable contributions aligned with Malta’s national priorities — including philanthropy, innovation, or humanitarian service. This change followed the closure of the previous investment-based programme: on 29 April 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that predetermined payments in exchange for passports undermine mutual trust among EU member states and effectively commercialise the concept of European citizenship.

Individuals who can show exceptional value through contributions to Malta — such as philanthropy in science, sport, technology, entrepreneurship, or the arts, or initiatives that generate employment, opportunity, or meaningful social impact — may be eligible for naturalisation along with their families. A minimum residence period of eight months in Malta is also required under this route, and applicants must demonstrate an adequate command of either Maltese or English.

What steps are involved in applying for citizenship in Malta?

All matters relating to Maltese citizenship are governed by the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta, together with the relevant subsidiary legislation, and are administered by the Community Malta Agency — the authoritative body on citizenship in Malta. Every application, whether for naturalisation, registration, or the merit route, is processed through this agency. The steps set out below describe the standard naturalisation process; the merit-based pathway involves a modified procedure outlined at the end of this section.

1. Verify your eligibility and assemble your documents. Any non-Maltese national of full age and sound mental capacity may apply, provided they satisfy the residency requirements. Documents required include a birth certificate, marriage certificate where applicable, passport and residence permit, employment history, a tenancy agreement or purchase contract for a property in Malta, an original police conduct certificate, and a covering letter explaining why you are applying. Any documents not in Maltese or English must be accompanied by certified translations.
2. Arrange your two sponsors. Your application must be endorsed by two sponsors who sign the form and attest to your good character and suitability for Maltese citizenship. The first may be any Maltese citizen who has known you for at least two years; the second must hold a qualifying professional standing — such as a lawyer, notary public, legal procurator, medical practitioner, parish priest, or a public officer of at least principal rank.
3. Obtain a Residence Certificate from the Community Malta Agency. Before submitting your application, you must obtain a Residence Certificate from the Community Malta Agency confirming the duration and legal basis of your stay in Malta. This document serves as key evidence of your qualifying residency period.
4. Lodge the citizenship application and administer the Oath of Allegiance. Submit your completed application form to the Agency and pay the applicable fee (€450 as of 2025 — always verify current charges at komunita.gov.mt). If your application is accepted, you will be invited to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta at the Community Malta Agency, which carries a separate fee of €10 per person.
5. Allow time for processing. The Agency will review and process your application. Those whose applications are successful will be naturalised as Maltese citizens, with citizenship taking effect from the date shown on the naturalisation certificate.
6. Collect your certificate and, if born abroad, register your birth certificate. You will be asked to attend the Agency in person to collect your certificate. If you were born outside Malta, the Agency will write to the Director of Public Registry to arrange registration of your foreign birth certificate. You must then present that letter and your original birth certificate — along with an official translation into English or Maltese if required — at the Public Registry Office.
7. Apply for your Maltese passport. Once the oath has been taken, you will receive a naturalisation certificate, which you can then use to apply for a Maltese identity card and passport. An internal passport is issued by the Identity Department free of charge. For an international passport, applications are made through the passport office, with fees ranging from approximately €70 to €160 as of 2025 and processing times between four hours and four business days depending on the level of urgency. Always confirm current fees directly with the Identity Malta Agency.

Merit-based applications follow a distinct procedure. The process begins with a detailed submission setting out an overview of the applicant’s achievements, evidence of their exceptional contributions or service, and a concrete plan showing how they intend to sustain and develop their ties to Malta going forward. The authorities will assess this proposal and carry out a due diligence review before determining eligibility. If the proposal receives approval, the applicant proceeds to submit a formal naturalisation application for the Minister’s consideration. The anticipated timeframe from formal application submission to the granting of citizenship under this pathway is 12–14 months.

What tests, interviews, or ceremonies form part of the Maltese citizenship process?

Unlike some other countries, Malta does not currently require applicants to sit a standalone civics examination or pass a standardised language assessment comparable to the Life in the UK test or the civic integration exams used in Germany and the Netherlands. Instead, the relevant requirements are assessed as part of the broader application review.

Language proficiency
Applicants must show an adequate level of competence in either Maltese or English and satisfy a good character standard. Because both languages hold official status in Malta, this threshold is particularly straightforward for those who already function comfortably in English. Linguistic ability may be evidenced through supporting documentation, the interview process, or the wider context of the application rather than through a discrete formal test.

Background screening and due diligence
All applicants are subject to thorough background checks carried out by the Community Malta Agency in conjunction with international specialist firms. For those applying under the merit route, this process is especially rigorous. The government examines the applicant’s personal, professional, and financial history to verify a clean criminal record, a strong reputation, and the authenticity of any claimed achievements and contributions. These checks are central to protecting the credibility of the merit-based citizenship framework.

Evaluation Board (merit route)
Applications submitted through the merit pathway are assessed by a dedicated Evaluation Board made up of subject-matter experts who examine both the significance of past achievements and the prospective value of proposed contributions to Malta. The Board may seek further information or arrange interviews with the applicant if additional clarification is needed before it issues a recommendation.

Oath of Allegiance
Where the applicant is the foreign spouse of a Maltese citizen, both the applicant and the Maltese spouse must make a joint statutory declaration (affidavit) confirming that they have been living together continuously for at least five years from the date of marriage and remain cohabiting at the time of application. The Community Malta Agency administers all necessary oaths, including the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta. For all naturalisation applicants, this oath is a compulsory and formal requirement. Applications processed through one of Malta’s overseas Missions require the oaths to be administered either before a duly authorised Mission official acting as Commissioner for Oaths, or before a person empowered under local law to administer oaths in that country.

What are the advantages of holding Maltese citizenship?

Maltese citizenship unlocks a wide range of tangible rights and benefits that are simply unavailable to permanent residents or visa holders, regardless of how long they have been settled in the country.

EU citizenship and freedom of movement
Acquiring Maltese citizenship automatically confers EU citizenship, granting you the right to live, study, and work in any of the 27 member states of the European Union. You gain unrestricted access to publicly funded education systems across the EU, from early childhood through to university level. For those coming from outside the EU, this is arguably the most consequential practical advantage — it removes every barrier to living and working across the entire bloc.

A highly regarded passport
The Maltese passport ranks among the most powerful in the world. In the 2025 Global Citizen Solutions Passport Index, it was placed 25th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to more than 188 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, among many others.

Voting rights and civic engagement
Maltese citizenship entitles you to reside and work in Malta for life and grants a range of civic rights, including the right to vote, access to public healthcare, and the right to hold a Maltese passport. Citizens may participate in both national and local elections and, given Malta’s EU membership, in European Parliament elections as well. Citizens are also eligible to stand for public office and to hold certain civil service positions that are restricted to nationals.

Access to public services
Maltese citizens benefit from visa-free travel throughout EU countries, access to tax advantages, investment opportunities, world-class educational institutions, and the full entitlements associated with holding an EU passport. As a citizen, you also enjoy unconditional access to Malta’s public healthcare system and its social security provisions.

Benefits that carry through the generations
Maltese citizenship can be transmitted to your children and grandchildren. By becoming a Maltese citizen, you open the door for your descendants to enjoy the same extensive rights and benefits, offering a lasting safeguard for your family’s future.

Business and tax considerations
Malta’s tax framework is based on domicile rather than residency or citizenship. If you spend fewer than 183 days per year in Malta, you will not automatically be treated as a tax resident and will therefore be liable only for tax on income generated within Malta. This arrangement can make Malta a compelling base for internationally mobile professionals and entrepreneurs, though every individual should take independent tax advice tailored to their own situation.

Does Malta permit dual citizenship, or must you surrender your current nationality?

Malta has permitted dual citizenship since 10 February 2000. Anyone who acquires Maltese citizenship is therefore free to retain their original nationality without any requirement to renounce it. This policy is clear, unconditional, and applies equally to all routes of acquisition — whether through descent, registration, naturalisation, or the merit pathway.

All limitations on holding more than one citizenship were removed in 2000. Maltese nationals no longer forfeit their citizenship upon acquiring a foreign nationality, and people naturalising as Maltese citizens are no longer asked to surrender their previous citizenship beforehand.

While Malta imposes no such requirement, applicants should investigate whether their country of origin permits dual nationality. This is a critical point: Malta’s own rules are permissive, but whether you can lawfully hold both nationalities at the same time is governed by your home country’s law. Certain countries automatically withdraw nationality when one of their citizens acquires citizenship elsewhere, while others require prior authorisation.

Before making an application, always verify the official position of your home government — usually through its immigration authority, foreign ministry, or the nearest embassy or consulate. This step is especially important for nationals of countries that prohibit or restrict dual citizenship, as obtaining Maltese citizenship could inadvertently affect your standing at home.

How much time does it typically take to become a Maltese citizen?

The time required to obtain Maltese citizenship differs considerably depending on the route you pursue. The following offers a realistic overview of what to expect under each main pathway:

Standard naturalisation is the most time-intensive pathway, requiring at least seven years in total once the initial period needed to establish qualifying residence is taken into account. In practice, for those without Maltese heritage, the process could extend to as long as 18 years of residence in Malta before a passport is issued — applications can be returned or refused, with the Minister under no obligation to explain why, and applicants must continue to satisfy the residency conditions throughout.

Under the merit-based route, the expected timeframe from the point of formal application submission to the granting of citizenship is 12–14 months. This figure does not include the time needed to obtain the required residence permit and to build up the qualifying contributions before submission.

Processing timelines can shift depending on application volumes and the administrative capacity of the Agency at any given time. Always consult the Community Malta Agency for the most current guidance on waiting times before you submit your application.

What are the most common reasons a Maltese citizenship application is rejected?

Maltese citizenship legislation grants considerable discretion to the Minister responsible for citizenship — particularly under the naturalisation route. A clear understanding of why applications are rejected can help you prepare your submission as comprehensively as possible.

• Residency thresholds not met or broken. Failing to satisfy the continuous 12-month and cumulative four-year requirements, or spending excessive time outside Malta during the qualifying period, are frequent grounds for ineligibility under the standard naturalisation route.
• Criminal record or character issues. Applicants must have a clean criminal record. Significant past convictions, ongoing legal proceedings, or any doubts about an applicant’s character can result in refusal. Due diligence checks are thorough and extend to an international level.
• Inadequate language proficiency. Applicants who are unable to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Maltese or English during the review of their application may face an adverse outcome.
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation. Accuracy and completeness in the application submission are essential — missing information or errors can delay the process or lead outright to rejection.
• Marriages of convenience. Entering into a marriage purely to obtain citizenship is treated as a criminal offence in Malta, potentially resulting in a fine or a two-year custodial sentence.
• National security or public interest grounds. Applications can be refused where the applicant is judged to pose a risk to Malta’s national security, public policy, or public health, or where granting citizenship is otherwise considered contrary to the public interest.
• Merit route: insufficiently substantiated contribution. Under the merit pathway, proposals that cannot be independently verified, lack credibility, or do not align with Malta’s national priorities may be turned down at the initial assessment stage.

Is there a right of appeal?
Naturalisation is a discretionary process. The Minister is not legally bound to approve an application even where every qualifying condition has been met and is under no duty to give reasons for a refusal. There is no formal right of appeal. Article 19 of the Maltese Citizenship Act specifies that the Minister responsible for citizenship is not required to provide any explanation for approving or refusing an application made through naturalisation. Unsuccessful applicants therefore have no avenue to challenge a refusal before the courts, though they remain free to reapply in the future provided they continue to fulfil the eligibility criteria.

Where can you find trustworthy, current information about Maltese citizenship?

Given that fees, processing times, and programme details are subject to change — sometimes substantially, as demonstrated by the 2025 reforms — it is vital to consult official government sources directly rather than relying solely on third-party websites or advisory blogs.

• Community Malta Agency (Aġenzija Komunità Malta) — The principal official body responsible for receiving and processing all citizenship applications in Malta. The Community Malta Agency is a government agency mandated to handle applications for the acquisition of Maltese citizenship through routes including descent, naturalisation, registration, and marriage. The agency’s website carries official application forms, up-to-date fee schedules, and detailed procedural guidance.
• Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment — The ministry with overall responsibility for citizenship policy in Malta, including the announcement of any legislative changes or new programme developments.
• Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs — A useful resource for information on Malta’s overseas representations, consular services, and how applications may be processed through Maltese embassies and high commissions abroad.
• Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188) — The primary legislation governing every route to Maltese citizenship, available in full on the official Laws of Malta portal.
• Identity Malta Agency — The relevant body for passport applications and identity document enquiries once citizenship has been conferred.

If you need legal advice specific to your personal circumstances, consult a warranted Maltese lawyer with specialist expertise in citizenship and immigration matters. Professional legal guidance is particularly strongly recommended for merit-based applications, given the complexity of that process.

Frequently asked questions about citizenship in Malta

Do children born in Malta automatically become Maltese citizens?

Children born in Malta since 1 August 1989 acquire Maltese citizenship at birth only if at least one parent is a Maltese citizen or was born in Malta. Those born in Malta before that date received citizenship automatically, regardless of the nationality of their parents. A child born to two non-Maltese parents who are long-term residents but have not acquired citizenship would not automatically gain citizenship by virtue of being born in Malta under the rules currently in force.

Can Maltese citizenship be lost or revoked?

Where a project forming part of a merit-based citizenship application is subject to material non-performance — for example, missed milestones, withdrawal, or fraud — citizenship may be revoked under Regulation 24 of Chapter 188. The Minister also has the power to strip a person of citizenship granted under the merit framework if they fail to honour the commitments they made in connection with their application. Citizenship acquired through naturalisation or registration can also potentially be revoked in cases involving fraud, misrepresentation, or serious criminal conduct.

What happens to a citizenship application if the applicant moves abroad during the process?

For standard naturalisation, departing Malta during the qualifying residency period can interrupt or invalidate the continuity of residence required under Article 10(1). Absences from Malta must not exceed six months in any single instance or ten months in aggregate across the qualifying period. If an application has already been lodged and is under review, the Community Malta Agency should be informed of any extended absence, as this may have a bearing on the outcome.

Can I apply for Maltese citizenship if I have Maltese ancestry but have never lived in Malta?

Yes. A person born outside Malta who can demonstrate direct-line descent from an ancestor born in Malta, where that ancestor’s parent was also born in Malta, is eligible for registration as a Maltese citizen. No residency in Malta is required for this pathway. Applications may be submitted from overseas through any of the Maltese Representations abroad.

Are there any formal language tests required for Maltese citizenship?

No mandatory standardised language examination — such as the IELTS or an official civics test — is required for Maltese citizenship by naturalisation. Applicants must nonetheless demonstrate an adequate level of competence in Maltese or English as part of the overall process. Given that both are official languages of Malta, those already at ease communicating in English can generally satisfy this requirement through the documentation they provide and the interview process, without sitting a separate test.

Can dependants be included in a citizenship application?

Applicants may include their spouse and children under 18 years of age, as well as unmarried children under the age of 29 who remain financially dependent on the applicant. Under the merit-based route, the Minister has the discretion to extend citizenship to eligible dependants — meaning that an applicant for merit-based citizenship may simultaneously seek citizenship for their spouse, dependent children under 18, and in certain circumstances other family members.

Does becoming a Maltese citizen automatically make me a tax resident?

No. Acquiring Maltese citizenship does not in itself render you a tax resident or establish domicile in Malta. The Maltese tax system is founded on domicile rather than residency or citizenship. Spending fewer than 183 days per year in Malta means you will not automatically be classified as a tax resident and will therefore be liable to pay tax only on income arising in Malta. Tax obligations are nuanced and highly individual — always take independent professional advice before drawing any conclusions about your position.

Is the former Malta investment-based citizenship programme still available?

No. The Malta Citizenship by Investment programme (MEIN) has been discontinued, and no further applications under that scheme are being accepted. Following the European Court of Justice ruling of 29 April 2025, Malta replaced the investment-based model with a merit-based naturalisation pathway, now titled the “Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services (Amendment) Regulations, 2025”. Individuals who obtained citizenship under the former programme continue to hold valid citizenship.

Can I apply for a Maltese passport before I have formally completed the citizenship process?

No. A Maltese passport is available only to individuals who have already been confirmed as Maltese citizens. Citizenship formally takes effect upon the administration of the Oath of Allegiance, at which point the individual gains all the rights associated with Maltese citizenship, including entitlement to a passport and access to EU benefits such as visa-free travel and the right to reside across member states. The passport application is a separate process that may only commence after the certificate of naturalisation or registration has been issued.

What is the Community Malta Agency and what role does it play?

Maltese citizenship is administered under the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188, together with its subsidiary legislation. The competent authority for all citizenship matters is the Community Malta Agency (Aġenzija Komunità Malta). The Agency receives and processes every citizenship application, administers the Oath of Allegiance, issues certificates of naturalisation and registration, and coordinates with the Public Registry and the Minister responsible for citizenship. It is the primary point of contact for all citizenship-related enquiries in Malta.

Do I need to be a certain age to apply for Maltese citizenship?

Under the standard naturalisation route, applicants must be of full age — meaning at least 18 years old under Maltese law — and of full mental capacity. Children under 18 may be included as dependants in a parent’s application. Additionally, parents who were not Maltese citizens at the time of their child’s birth but who later acquired Maltese citizenship may apply on their child’s behalf for that child to be naturalised as a Maltese citizen.