Maltese Citizenship is regulated by the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta. This was not always the case, as previously, most of the legal provisions relating to citizenship were found in the Constitution of Malta. Malta’s legal regime regulating citizenship was established when Malta acquired its independence in 1964. Subsequently, various amendments were introduced by the legislator, and various ways of acquiring Maltese citizenship were promulgated. With Malta’s entry into the European Union, Maltese citizens automatically became citizens of the EU and acquired all the rights enjoyed by European citizenship, such as the right to live, work, and study freely in all the European Union countries.
The acquisition of Maltese citizenship and a Maltese passport brings with it numerous benefits:
- Ability to travel without a visa to 186 countries, including all the countries within the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, and the United States of America (USA).
- Maltese citizenship gives you the right to live, work and study in all the countries of the European Union (EU)
- Malta grants all its citizens free healthcare and education
- Malta allows dual and multiple citizenship
- Malta boasts of a high standard of living and a safe and stable political system
- English is one of Malta’s official languages
- Malta is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Commonwealth.
Malta Citizenship by Birth & Descent
Malta does not grant citizenship to individuals born in Malta if neither of the parents are Maltese. On the other hand, individuals who are born either in Malta or outside of Malta to a Maltese mother or father acquire Maltese citizenship.
The Maltese Citizenship Act also provides for the granting of a certificate of naturalisation to a person of full age and capacity who proves descent from a person born in Malta to a parent born in Malta. Hence, an individual needs to provide evidence of two generations of ancestors born in Malta.
Malta Citizenship by Marriage
The Maltese Citizenship Act states that a non-Maltese person who marries a Maltese national may apply for Maltese citizenship after 5 years of marriage, provided that the married couple still lives together. The law holds that the spouses must have been living together, and therefore it is not essential that such spouses are living in Malta.
Any person who marries with the sole intention of obtaining Maltese citizenship or any rights attached to it, such as freedom of movement or free healthcare, shall be guilty of an offence.
Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation
Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation is the process whereby an individual applies for citizenship on the basis of physical residence in Malta. This is suitable for people who have lived and worked in Malta for a number of years.
At present, the acquisition of Maltese citizenship by naturalisation is regulated by means of Article 10(1) of the Maltese Citizenship Act. An application can be made by a non-Maltese person of full age and capacity if certain criteria are satisfied. These criteria include that the person has resided in Malta throughout the period of twelve months prior to the date of application and that during the six years preceding these twelve months, the applicant has been resident in Malta for an aggregate period of at least four years.
Moreover, the applicant must also have adequate knowledge of the Maltese or English language and be of good character, and the Minister responsible for citizenship must be satisfied that such a person would be a suitable citizen of Malta. The application can be supported by reference letters and must also be sponsored by two Maltese nationals, one of whom should be a lawyer, notary public, or doctor.
In relation to minors, the Maltese Citizenship Act in Article 11 gives the authority to the Minister to grant naturalisation to the minor child of any citizen of Malta when an application is made by a person having legal authority over such a minor.
The granting of citizenship by naturalisation in Malta is dependent on the Minister’s discretion, who has the right to accept or refuse an application without giving any reasons. Moreover, this decision shall not be subject to any appeal or review in any court
Malta Citizenship by Merit
Malta’s Legal Notice 159 of 2025 introduces a new framework for granting Malta citizenship based on merit. The law recognises individuals who have made or intend to make significant contributions to Malta or the wider global community in areas such as science, technology, health, culture, sport, philanthropy, or economic development. “Exceptional contributions” in this context refer to efforts that create a measurable positive impact such as advancing Maltese research and innovation, supporting social or cultural initiatives, creating employment, contributing financially to public projects, or enhancing Malta’s international standing through outstanding professional or humanitarian achievements. This shift places emphasis on the applicant’s achievements, character, and long-term value to the country.
The process itself has been redesigned to include a preliminary stage where applicants submit a proposal outlining their intended exceptional contributions or services in Malta. This is assessed by the Community Malta Agency and an independent evaluation board before a full application can proceed. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a genuine connection to Malta, including a residence period and local accommodation. Family members such as the spouse and children up to the age of 28 may be included under certain conditions, allowing the entire family to benefit from the naturalisation process once the principal applicant’s merit is recognised.
