Maltese citizenship is a highly sought-after legal status that grants all the rights of a European Union citizen. Holders of a Maltese passport have the opportunity to live, work, and travel freely across EU countries and the Schengen Area. Unlike a residence permit (temporary or permanent), citizenship provides full national rights, including the right to vote, access to social benefits on the same basis as native citizens, and state protection abroad. Maltese citizenship is particularly popular among businesspeople, families with children, students, and other emigrants, as a Maltese passport offers not only security and stability but also EU citizenship, opening up a world without borders.

At the same time, obtaining citizenship is not easy — it requires time, integration, and compliance with a number of conditions. In this article, we will help you understand who is eligible to apply for Maltese citizenship, the ways in which it can be obtained, the requirements imposed on applicants, how long the process takes, and how much it costs. We will also cover legislative updates in 2026 and answer frequently asked questions.

Advantages of Maltese Citizenship

Obtaining a Maltese passport brings numerous benefits:

• Visa-free travel worldwide. The Maltese passport ranks among the strongest in the world. Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 countries and territories, including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the Schengen countries, and many others. This removes visa barriers for both tourist and business travel.
• Freedom to live and work in the EU. Maltese citizens automatically become citizens of the European Union. This grants the right to reside, work, start a business, and study in any EU country under the same conditions as local residents. For example, one can relocate from Malta to France or Germany without additional permits and take advantage of all available opportunities there.
• Social security and healthcare. Maltese citizens benefit from Malta’s healthcare and social security systems and are also entitled to emergency medical care in other EU countries. Citizenship provides access to pensions, allowances, and other benefits established by national legislation.
• Transfer of citizenship to children. Maltese citizenship is granted for life and can be passed on to descendants. Children born to a Maltese citizen generally acquire citizenship by descent. This creates a foundation for the well-being of the entire family and future generations.
• Dual citizenship without renunciation of the original one. Malta allows multiple citizenship. In other words, a foreign national does not need to renounce their original citizenship to become Maltese. However, it is important to check the laws of one’s home country, as some states do not recognize dual citizenship, and voluntarily acquiring another passport may result in the loss of the original citizenship. Overall, holding a second passport (Maltese) expands opportunities without losing one’s roots.

All these advantages explain why an increasing number of foreigners are interested in how to obtain Maltese citizenship. Next, we will examine who is eligible for it and the ways in which Maltese citizenship can be acquired.

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Who Is Eligible to Apply for Maltese Citizenship

The Maltese Citizenship Act clearly defines the categories of persons who may be eligible to apply for a Maltese passport. The main categories include:

• Persons born in Malta or to Maltese citizens. Children of Maltese citizens automatically acquire citizenship by descent. In addition, descendants of Maltese citizens (children, grandchildren, and even more distant generations) may obtain citizenship by ancestry through a registration procedure. If a child is born in Malta to foreign parents, they do not automatically acquire citizenship (there is no unconditional right of soil); however, they may be entitled to it under certain conditions—for example, if the child would otherwise be stateless.
• Foreign nationals who have lived in the country for a long period (naturalisation). Individuals without Maltese ancestry may acquire citizenship through naturalisation. This requires continuous residence in Malta for a prescribed number of years, compliance with the law, integration into society, and meeting other requirements (such as age, language proficiency, and similar criteria). This route is open to most law-abiding immigrants, including holders of temporary and permanent residence permits.
• Spouses of Maltese citizens. A foreign spouse of a Maltese citizen may apply for citizenship through marriage. The main condition is that the marriage must have lasted at least five years, during which the couple must have lived together and maintained the marital relationship. Similarly, widows or widowers of Maltese citizens may be eligible for citizenship provided that the conditions relating to marriage and residence were met prior to the spouse’s death.
• Investors in the national economy (individual investor programme, in the past). Previously, wealthy foreign nationals could obtain a Maltese passport by investing in the country’s economy (making a substantial financial contribution, purchasing real estate, and other requirements) under a special programme. However, this option was discontinued in 2025, when Malta closed its “citizenship by investment” programme at the request of the European Union. Further details are provided below.
• Persons with exceptional merits to the country. The Government of Malta may grant citizenship for exceptional services or contributions — for example, to distinguished scientists, athletes, cultural figures, major philanthropists, and others. This pathway is granted by law and has now become one of the primary routes in place of investment-based citizenship. Candidates with outstanding achievements are assessed individually by a special commission, and citizenship is granted for a contribution to the development of the Republic.
• Children adopted by Maltese citizens. Minors who are officially adopted by Maltese citizens generally acquire citizenship automatically upon completion and registration of the adoption process. This applies to adopted children in accordance with Maltese law.
• Former citizens of Malta. Persons who previously held Maltese citizenship and later lost it (for example, when renunciation was once required upon acquiring another nationality) may, in certain cases, restore their citizenship. This usually requires actual residence in Malta and a declaration of loyalty to the Republic expressing the intention to become a citizen again.

Thus, applicants for a Maltese passport may include both descendants of Maltese citizens and foreign nationals with no Maltese ancestry, provided they have a lawful basis (birth, descent, marriage, naturalisation, exceptional merit, and similar grounds). Below, we will examine in greater detail the methods of obtaining Maltese citizenship under each of these grounds.

Ways to Obtain Maltese Citizenship

Maltese citizenship can be obtained on various grounds — from birth and descent to naturalisation and marriage to a citizen of the country — each route having its own conditions and procedures.

By birth on the territory of the country

The principle of jus soli (right of soil) is limited in Malta. Birth on Maltese territory alone does not guarantee citizenship if the parents are foreign nationals. Since 1989, Maltese citizenship at birth has been granted only if at least one parent is a Maltese citizen or if at least one parent was themselves born in Malta. This means that children of foreign nationals born in Maltese hospitals do not automatically receive a passport.

An exception is made to prevent statelessness: if a child is born in Malta and is not entitled to any other citizenship, the law allows the child to acquire Maltese citizenship so that they do not remain stateless. As a rule, such a child may be naturalised under an accelerated procedure after residing in the country for at least five years and meeting other conditions. In addition, the birth category also includes abandoned infants (foundlings) discovered on Maltese territory; citizenship may be granted to them in the absence of other information about their origin, on humanitarian grounds.

It is important to understand that by giving birth to a child in Malta, foreign parents do not obtain any direct privileges for their own immigration status. This route is relevant only for the child and only under specific circumstances (otherwise citizenship is not granted). In general, citizenship is transmitted by blood (jus sanguinis) — from the citizen to their children.

By descent (family ties with Maltese citizens)

Citizenship by descent is one of the most direct and fastest routes. If a person has Maltese citizens in their family line, they may apply for repatriation — obtaining citizenship on the basis of their ancestry. Maltese law allows this not only for children but also for more distant descendants of Maltese citizens:

• Children of Maltese citizens. A child born into a family where one parent (mother or father) is a Maltese citizen is entitled to Maltese citizenship by birth. Even if the child is born outside Malta, they may be registered as a citizen on the basis of the parent’s citizenship.
• Grandchildren and subsequent generations. Since 2007, legislation has expanded citizenship rights for descendants born abroad. Not only children, but also grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and further generations may obtain Maltese citizenship by repatriation if they can prove a direct line of descent from a Maltese ancestor. For example, if a grandmother was born in Malta or held Maltese citizenship, her grandchildren may apply for a Maltese passport through registration. The entire chain of kinship must be documented (birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other documents along the full lineage).
• Former citizens and their descendants. A separate category includes individuals whose ancestors were Maltese citizens but later lost their citizenship (for example, emigrated and acquired another nationality at a time when dual citizenship was prohibited). In such cases, descendants may also be eligible for citizenship by descent by applying for the restoration of the family’s citizenship. The 2025 law even extended certain deadlines for such cases: for example, if a citizen parent has died, the ability to pass citizenship to children remains until 1 August 2028 (in accordance with the 2025 amendments).

The procedure for obtaining citizenship by descent is called registration. It is simpler than naturalisation, as it does not require years of residence in the country. The applicant must collect a set of documents proving eligibility (all birth and marriage certificates along the genealogical chain, ancestors’ passports, and similar documents), submit an application through the Community Malta Agency, and wait for a decision. Processing times usually range from several months to one year, depending on the completeness of the documents. The government fee for registration by descent is approximately €150, with an additional €50 payable upon issuance of the certificate — this constitutes the cost of Maltese citizenship for descendants, excluding expenses for translation and legalisation of documents.

Naturalisation (through residence in the country)

Naturalisation is the main route to citizenship for foreign nationals who do not have Maltese relatives. It is a standard process: first, you live in the country as a resident (holding a temporary or permanent residence permit), and then you apply for citizenship. Malta has one of the shortest minimum residence requirements among EU countries:

• Minimum of 5 years of residence. The law requires the applicant to have lived in Malta for at least five years in total: the final 1 year must be continuous immediately before submitting the application, and an additional 4 years must have been accumulated within the preceding 6 years. In simple terms, a total of 5 years of legal residence is required, including a full final year without extended absences. These 5 years do not have to be consecutive (periods may be accumulated), but the final continuous year is mandatory.
• Resident status. During this period, the applicant must hold lawful status — typically a residence permit, work visa, student residence permit, permanent residence permit, or another document allowing legal stay in the country. In addition, although the law refers to 5 years, in practice many applicants take 7–8 years to reach naturalisation: for example, several years may be required to obtain a temporary residence permit first, then permanent residence, after which the qualifying period for citizenship is calculated. Nevertheless, the official minimum residence requirement remains 5 years.
• Good character (good repute). The applicant must be law-abiding, with no criminal record or serious offences. Due diligence checks are carried out to confirm the absence of a criminal past, outstanding debts, or deportations. A police clearance certificate must be submitted. The authorities assess whether the applicant would become a “worthy citizen”.
• Integration: language and participation in society. The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in at least one official language — English or Maltese. There is usually no formal examination, but during the interview the applicant must be able to understand questions and respond. Knowledge of Malta’s basic history and culture is welcomed, as is participation in local community life, such as employment, business activity, or family ties in the country. In some cases, a recommendation may be requested or an interview conducted to assess the level of integration.
• Financial self-sufficiency. The applicant must have a lawful source of income or savings so as not to become a burden on the state. It is necessary to confirm employment or business activity, or to demonstrate sufficient financial means. Documents relating to housing (rental or ownership) and tax payments during the period of residence must also be provided.
• Renunciation of previous citizenship is not required. Malta does not require applicants to renounce their existing citizenship when naturalising — dual citizenship is permitted. However, if the applicant’s country of origin prohibits dual citizenship, a personal decision may be required. This is solely the applicant’s responsibility; the Maltese authorities do not compel renunciation.

If all conditions are met, the applicant may proceed with document preparation. The naturalisation application process includes obtaining a residence period certificate from the Agency (for which the applicant submits all passports with entry stamps and residence permits), collecting a complete set of documents (application form, photographs, proof of income, evidence of integration, and others), securing two Maltese citizen referees (sponsors) to provide recommendations, paying the government fees (€450 upon submission and €50 upon issuance of the certificate), and taking the required oaths. The application is reviewed by the competent Agency (Komunità Malta) and the Ministry for Home Affairs. Upon approval, the applicant takes an oath of allegiance to the Republic and receives a certificate of naturalisation, on the basis of which a passport is then issued.

Naturalisation is the most time-consuming route, as it requires several years of residence in the country. From the moment the application is submitted, processing usually takes approximately 12–18 months. As a result, the total period from relocation to obtaining a passport may amount to around 6–7 years (5 years of residence plus approximately 1 year for review). Nevertheless, it is a reliable and well-established pathway that many immigrants successfully complete each year.

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Citizenship through Marriage

For a foreign national whose spouse is a citizen of Malta, a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship through marriage is available. This process is known as registration on the basis of a marital relationship. The key conditions are as follows:

• Minimum marriage duration of 5 years. The couple must have been legally married for at least five years. The marriage must also remain valid at the time the application is reviewed.
• Joint residence. It must be proven that the spouses have genuinely lived together throughout this period and maintained a shared household. Typically, evidence includes proof of a shared address, utility bills, witness statements, or an affidavit of cohabitation. If the spouses lived separately for an extended period, this may constitute an obstacle.
• Citizenship of the spouse. The Maltese spouse must be a citizen of Malta not only at the time of the marriage but also at the time of submitting the application. If citizenship was acquired after the marriage, the five-year period is counted from the date the spouse became a Maltese citizen.
• Widows and widowers. If a Maltese citizen dies, the surviving spouse may still apply for citizenship provided that, at the time of death, the couple had been married for at least five years and lived together. Even if the five-year period would have been completed later, certain cases are specifically regulated by law (for example, deaths occurring before 1964 under specific ancestry-related conditions).

The procedure is similar to naturalisation but does not require long-term residence prior to application; the key factor is compliance with the marriage-related conditions. The application is submitted to the Citizenship Commission together with marriage documents (marriage certificate, registration of the marriage in Malta), evidence of cohabitation, and other supporting materials. The government fee for registration through marriage is symbolic — approximately €150, with an additional €50 payable upon issuance of the certificate. The processing time is generally shorter than for naturalisation, typically ranging from six months to one year.

It is important to note that sham marriages are strictly prohibited. The authorities thoroughly verify the authenticity of the relationship. Interviews with spouses, on-site address checks, and other verification measures are common. If the marriage ends before citizenship is granted, the application is rejected. If it is later determined that the marriage was entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a passport, citizenship may be revoked even retrospectively. For this reason, this route is suitable only for genuinely established families.

Investment in the Economy (Programme Closed)

Previously, Malta was well known for its “citizenship by investment” programme — the possibility to obtain Maltese citizenship through substantial financial contributions to the country. Officially, it was referred to as naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment and operated from 2014 to 2022 (later relaunched with revised conditions in 2020). The requirements of the final version of the programme included:

• A significant non-refundable contribution to the National Fund. The main applicant was required to contribute €600,000 (with 36 months of residence) or €750,000 (under an accelerated procedure with 12 months of residence).
• Purchase or rental of real estate. Applicants were required to purchase property worth at least €700,000 or rent residential property for a period of five years with a minimum annual rent of €16,000.
• Charitable donation. An additional donation of at least €10,000 to a Maltese charitable or cultural organisation was required.
• The applicant had to hold resident status in Malta and physically reside in the country for a specified period (one year under the higher investment option or three years under the standard option) prior to obtaining a passport.

In practice, this was an accelerated form of naturalisation for wealthy individuals — essentially a Maltese passport by investment—bypassing the standard long-term residence requirement. While the programme attracted significant investment into the country, it also faced criticism from the European Union. In April 2025, the European Court ruled that the practice of directly selling citizenship was contrary to EU principles. Subsequently, in July 2025, the Maltese Parliament adopted amendments and completely abolished the granting of citizenship through direct investment.

As a result, it is no longer possible to purchase Maltese citizenship in 2026 — regardless of the amount invested. Investment-based passports issued previously remain valid, but new applications are no longer accepted. Investors now have access only to residence permits (permanent residence) through investment, not citizenship. Malta has revised its policy, shifting the focus to naturalisation through actual residence and to granting citizenship for merit rather than financial capacity.

Exceptional Merit (Citizenship for Talent or Contribution)

Following the closure of the investment scheme, emphasis has shifted to the citizenship for exceptional merit programme (Citizenship by Merit). The updated Maltese Citizenship Act (2025 amendments) expanded the grounds on which the government may naturalise an individual for an outstanding contribution. This applies to distinguished individuals in various fields:

• Science and technology: major inventions, research, or patents that have benefited Malta or humanity as a whole.
• Culture and the arts: artists, musicians, writers, actors with international recognition whose achievements are connected to Malta.
• Sport: athletes and coaches of international standing who have brought recognition to the country.
• Business and innovation: entrepreneurs who have created significant projects or employment opportunities in Malta.
• Philanthropy and social initiatives: benefactors who have invested time and resources in socially significant projects in Malta.

The list of merits is not exhaustive, as the criteria are formulated in broad terms. Each application is reviewed individually by a commission and a special council, which assess the applicant’s achievements and their connection to the country. For example, if a renowned scientist has collaborated with Maltese universities or invested in local research projects, this may constitute a sufficient link to the Republic. Following the assessment, the council submits its recommendations to the Minister for Home Affairs, who makes the final decision on granting citizenship for merit.

It is important to note that the procedure for obtaining citizenship for exceptional merit is still relatively new and is being further regulated in detail. The law sets out general parameters, but specific aspects (such as required documents, processing timeframes, and the existence of quotas) are still being developed. This pathway is expected to be applied rarely and selectively. No fixed investment amount or minimum residence period is established for applicants; however, it is evident that a certain period of presence in the country and a genuine contribution are required. In effect, this is an honorary form of citizenship that cannot be “purchased” — it can only be earned through talent and meaningful contribution.

For most readers, this category may have limited practical relevance; however, awareness of it is still useful. For example, highly qualified professionals or athletes may benefit from building their careers specifically in Malta — participation in national projects may, over time, provide an opportunity to obtain citizenship by decision of the state.

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Procedure for Obtaining Maltese Citizenship

The procedure for acquiring Maltese citizenship depends on the legal basis, but generally follows the steps outlined below:

1. Verification of eligibility and requirements. First, the applicant determines the legal basis on which they are applying for citizenship (naturalisation, marriage, descent, and so on) and ensures that all requirements are met. For example, the required period of residence has been completed, the necessary family relationship documents are available, the required duration of marriage has been reached, and integration conditions have been fulfilled. It is important to critically assess one’s situation for compliance with the law in order to avoid refusal.
2. Collection of documents. A complete set of supporting documents is prepared. The standard package includes the applicant’s birth certificate (as well as birth and marriage documents of parents or ancestors when applying by descent), the applicant’s passport and ID card, proof of temporary or permanent residence and residence in the country (rental agreements, utility bills), police clearance certificates from all countries of residence, a marriage certificate (if applying through marriage), documents of the citizen spouse, photographs, proof of income and tax payments, health insurance, and other relevant materials. All foreign documents must be translated into English or Maltese by a certified translator and apostilled or legalised.
3. Submission of the application. The citizenship application is submitted to the Community Malta Agency, the government authority responsible for citizenship matters. Documents are usually submitted in person at the Agency’s office in Malta. If the applicant resides abroad, submission may be made through a Maltese embassy or consulate. At the submission stage, a government fee is paid (ranging from €150 to €450 depending on the legal basis). The application is completed on a designated form and accompanied by all required documents. In the case of naturalisation, the applicant will be scheduled for an appointment to obtain a residence certificate confirming the qualifying periods of residence.
4. Review and due diligence checks. After the documents are accepted, the authorities conduct a thorough review of all information provided. An interview with the applicant may be held to assess language proficiency, understanding of basic civic duties, and motivation for obtaining citizenship. For example, in naturalisation cases, interviews are often conducted by Identity Malta to assess integration. Background checks are also carried out, including police verifications and database checks to confirm the absence of criminal records or violations. This stage may take many months.
5. Waiting for a decision. The competent authority (the Ministry for Home Affairs, following the recommendation of the Community Malta Agency) issues a decision to approve or refuse the application. Processing times vary: typically 6–12 months for registration (through marriage or descent) and 12–18 months for naturalisation. The applicant may be asked to provide additional documents or clarifications, which can further extend the timeframe. The status of the application can be checked with the authority, but overall patience is required, as the process is not fast.
6. Oath of allegiance and issuance of the passport. If the application is approved, the applicant is invited to take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Malta. This formal oath is usually taken in an official setting, during which the applicant undertakes to respect the Constitution and laws of the country. Afterward, a certificate of naturalisation or registration is issued, confirming the acquisition of citizenship. On the basis of this certificate, the new citizen may then apply for a Maltese passport through the passport office or a consulate. The passport is usually issued within several weeks.
7. After the citizenship certificate is issued, the relevant dates and details are published in the Government Gazette (an annual list of new citizens is published each year), which constitutes the final legal step. From that moment, the individual holds full rights as a citizen of Malta.

It should be noted that errors at the application stage are the main cause of delays and refusals. According to the experience of immigrants, the key to success is the most thorough possible preparation of documents and verification of their compliance with the requirements. If there is any doubt, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure that everything is prepared correctly. The cost of a mistake can be high: a refusal results in the loss of time and government fees, and a new application cannot always be submitted immediately.

Maltese citizenship is not a one-size-fits-all process. Mistakes in eligibility grounds, residence periods, or documentation often lead to refusals and the loss of government fees. An immigration lawyer from Mycitizensagency will review your eligibility, advise which documents are truly required, and assess the timeline and the actual cost of obtaining Maltese citizenship. 👉 Submit a consultation request — we will review your case step by step.

Eligibility Requirements

Each pathway to Maltese citizenship is accompanied by its own set of requirements; however, a number of core criteria apply to most applicants:

• Period of permanent residence. For naturalisation, the standard required period of residence is five years (see above), with the final year completed on a continuous basis. For certain grounds, this period is reduced: for spouses, five years of marriage are required instead of five years of residence; for descendants, no residence requirement applies at all, provided that lineage can be proven. Nevertheless, actual residence in the country is encouraged even in cases of marriage or descent, as it demonstrates a genuine connection to Malta.
• Integration into society. The applicant must demonstrate that they have become part of the Maltese community. This is evidenced by knowledge of the language (English and/or Maltese), an understanding of local norms and cultural features, and the presence of social, professional, or business ties in the country. Although no formal language or history examination is officially required, during the interview the applicant must demonstrate at least basic proficiency in one of the languages and an understanding of their duties as a citizen.
• Law-abiding conduct (good character). An essential requirement is the absence of criminal convictions or serious legal issues. Background checks are carried out both by local authorities and through international databases. Any fraudulent information in the application or concealment of material facts (such as previous deportations) will result in disqualification. In addition, applicants are expected to comply with tax and other legal obligations; outstanding tax debts or fines may hinder the acquisition of citizenship.
• Financial self-sufficiency and stability. It is implicitly expected that the applicant is able to support themselves financially. Particularly in naturalisation cases, proof of lawful income is required — such as employment certificates, income declarations, or bank statements. The applicant must not be dependent on social assistance. Housing arrangements are also taken into account: having rented or owned accommodation in Malta (for residents) is considered a positive factor.
• Loyalty to the state and renunciation of titles. The oath of allegiance and the law contain provisions relating to loyalty to the Republic. In certain cases, applicants may be required to renounce foreign titles or ranks incompatible with the status of a Maltese citizen (these are rare situations, for example involving hereditary or noble titles of other states). Renunciation of foreign citizenship is not required, as dual citizenship is permitted, unless the applicant chooses to do so due to the laws of their country of origin.
• At least two referees (for naturalisation). As mentioned earlier, applicants applying for citizenship through residence must be supported by two Maltese citizens who can attest to their good character. The first referee must belong to a specified profession (such as a doctor, lawyer, member of parliament, clergyperson, and others), while the second may be any adult Maltese citizen who is not a relative of the applicant. Both referees must sign the application form.
• Additional conditions depending on the category. In certain cases, specific requirements apply: for example, proof of cohabitation for citizenship through marriage; continuous residence in Malta for a defined period after loss of citizenship for restoration cases; and an age limit of under 18 for children (after turning 18, individuals must apply for naturalisation independently). All such conditions are detailed in the law and clarified by official sources.

Overall, the requirements for obtaining Maltese citizenship cannot be considered excessive — they are comparable to the standards applied in other EU countries. Integration, good conduct, and a degree of patience are required. If an applicant meets the criteria in advance and complies with the requirements, the chances of success are quite high.

Timeframes and Costs of the Application Process

The questions “how long does it take?” and “how much does Maltese citizenship cost?” concern all applicants. Let us consider them separately.

The minimum residence periods for the main categories of applicants are as follows:

• Naturalisation through residence – at least 5 years of residence in the country (as discussed above).
• Citizenship through marriage – 5 years of joint marital life.
• Citizenship by descent – no residence requirement; the process may be initiated immediately after the documents are confirmed.
• Citizenship for merit – formally, no residence period is stipulated; however, in practice, the candidate usually must have some history of connection with Malta (often residence or professional activity in the country).
• Restoration of citizenship – in some cases, it may be necessary to reside in Malta for a certain period after return, depending on the conditions under which citizenship was lost (for example, six years of residence abroad for automatic restoration, otherwise at the discretion of the ministers).

After the documents are submitted, a waiting period follows. The approximate processing times are as follows:

• Naturalisation (through residence) – from 12 to 18 months until a decision is issued.
• Through marriage – usually faster, approximately 6–12 months.
• By descent (registration of descendants) – relatively fast, from 3 to 9 months, provided the documents are in order.
• Restoration of citizenship – approximately 6–9 months.
• For merit – it is currently difficult to specify; it may also be within a year but may depend on the individual case and the review conducted by the relevant commissions.

In 2026, delays are possible due to the reform of existing programmes — for example, following the cancellation of investment-based citizenship, the number of applications under other grounds may have increased. Nevertheless, the authorities aim to maintain standard processing timelines. If documents are submitted without errors, a decision on naturalisation most often arrives within 1–1.5 years.

Government fees are charged for obtaining Maltese citizenship, and their amount depends on the legal basis of the application:

• Registration (marriage, descent) – €150 upon submission and €50 upon issuance of the certificate.
• Naturalisation (residence) – €450 upon submission of the application and €50 upon issuance of the certificate.
• Exceptional merit – the amount is not expressly specified by law, but a similar fee structure is expected, possibly with additional charges for commission review.
• Other services – minor additional fees for administering the oath or issuing duplicates (generally in the range of €10–25).

Compared with other countries, the cost of government services is relatively low (hundreds of euros). The main expenses relate to translation and legalisation of documents, medical examinations, and obtaining certificates — altogether, these may amount to several hundred euros. In addition, if a lawyer or agency is engaged, their assistance with obtaining Maltese citizenship will involve an individual fee (typically several thousand euros, depending on the complexity of the case). Legal representation is not mandatory, but many applicants choose to involve professionals to save time and reduce stress.

It is important to remember that a passport cannot be “purchased” directly — any offers to bypass the official procedure are illegal. The costs of the lawful process are relatively modest, excluding the investment-based option (which is now closed). Therefore, it is advisable to follow the official route and avoid attempting questionable shortcuts.

Not sure whether Maltese citizenship is right for you? Every case is individual: eligibility grounds, timelines, and required documents may differ. We will help analyse your situation and determine how to obtain Maltese citizenship in your specific case — legally and without unnecessary loss of time. 👉 Book a consultation and receive a personalised assessment of your chances.

Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in Malta?

Yes, Malta allows dual and even multiple citizenship. Since 2000, all restrictions on holding a second citizenship have been abolished. A person acquiring a Maltese passport is entitled to retain their previous citizenship, provided that the laws of their home country permit this. Maltese legislation itself is liberal in this regard: acquiring Maltese citizenship does not require renunciation of a previous status, and likewise, Maltese citizens may acquire foreign citizenship without automatically losing their Maltese nationality.

However, there are important considerations on the other side. Not all countries allow their citizens to hold a second passport. For example, in China or India, dual citizenship is prohibited—an individual automatically loses citizenship of those countries if they voluntarily acquire another nationality. In some states, dual citizenship is not formally recognised, although it is not automatically annulled. For this reason, prospective Maltese citizens are strongly advised to clarify the legal consequences in their country of origin in advance. The Maltese authorities explicitly warn: “Malta allows dual citizenship; however, individuals must verify whether this is permitted under their national legislation, as the voluntary acquisition of another citizenship may result in the loss of the current one.”

If your home country permits dual citizenship, you will be able to use both passports. The Maltese passport itself does not contain a field indicating another citizenship; however, during the naturalisation process, all existing citizenships must be declared for internal records. There are no risks under Maltese law: once you acquire Maltese citizenship, you will not lose it even if you retain your original passport (except in cases of fraud or threats to national security, where citizenship may be revoked by court decision).

Overall, holding dual status is a significant advantage. You retain rights and ties in your country of origin while gaining additional rights as a citizen of the European Union. It is only important to use each passport correctly—for example, entering each country with the appropriate document and complying with civic obligations (such as military registration or taxation) in both countries, where applicable. With a balanced approach, a second citizenship opens additional opportunities without closing existing ones.

Obtaining Maltese citizenship is a complex but highly rewarding process. A Maltese passport provides access to life in Europe, extensive freedom of movement, and strong rights associated with protected national status. For many immigrants, this represents a logical long-term goal after years of study, work, or business activity abroad. We have discussed all available routes to this goal—from birth and descent to naturalisation, marriage, and exceptional merit.

In conclusion, the key to success lies in careful preparation and full compliance with all requirements. Review your eligibility thoroughly: identify which documents are required, how long you must reside in the country, and whether any examinations or interviews are involved. Avoid “easy paths” and dubious offers to purchase citizenship — in 2026 such options are illegal and unfeasible. Instead, prepare your documents meticulously, comply with immigration regulations, and rely on official sources.

Common mistakes made by applicants include incomplete documentation, incorrect translations, and failure to disclose relevant personal information. All of these can be avoided by starting preparation early. Where necessary, it may be advisable to engage an immigration lawyer — professional assistance with obtaining Maltese citizenship can save time and effort and help ensure that the process is completed correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maltese citizenship

We have compiled answers to the most common questions about obtaining Maltese citizenship. If you did not find the information you were looking for or want to learn more about the requirements, timelines, and benefits of a Maltese passport, contact us for a free consultation.

Can an application for Maltese citizenship be submitted online or remotely?

A full application for citizenship must be submitted in person (or through an authorised representative) with the provision of original documents. Online submission is currently not available, as the process involves a significant number of paper documents and checks that require physical submission. However, part of the process can be prepared remotely: application forms can be completed, certificates collected, and consultations with the Agency conducted by email. The final set of documents must be submitted either in Malta or through a Maltese diplomatic mission abroad, after which the applicant may be invited for an interview.

Is it necessary to pass language or history exams to obtain Maltese citizenship?

Malta does not conduct formal theoretical examinations such as those required in some other countries. There are no tests on history, the constitution, or complex language exams. However, knowledge of English or Maltese is mandatory and is assessed during an interview or through communication with officials. The applicant must be able to explain their situation, understand biographical questions, and respond at least at a basic level. The commission may also ask a few simple questions about Malta—for example, about your life in the country or your knowledge of its holidays and culture. The purpose is to ensure that the applicant is integrated.

If I was born in Malta, do I automatically obtain citizenship?

Not necessarily. Since 1989, Malta has not applied unconditional citizenship by place of birth (jus soli). Automatic citizenship at birth in Malta is granted only to children who have at least one parent who is a Maltese citizen (or a parent who was themselves born in Malta). Otherwise, the child acquires the citizenship of the parents. Therefore, giving birth in Malta does not in itself grant a passport either to the child or, even more so, to the parents. The main ways for a foreign-born child to become a Maltese citizen are to relocate to the country with the family and reside there for the required period, or to have Maltese ancestry.

Is it necessary to continue living in Malta after obtaining citizenship in order not to lose it?

Once you have become a Maltese citizen, there are no requirements for mandatory residence. Citizenship is not the same as residency: you may freely move abroad for any length of time, and your passport will remain valid. Maltese citizenship is granted for life. It cannot be lost simply because you move to another country. The only grounds on which citizenship may be revoked are if it is discovered that it was obtained fraudulently (through deception or false information) or if the citizen commits serious acts against the interests of Malta (for example, serving in the armed forces of a hostile state). Ordinary emigration does not lead to the loss of citizenship.

What does Maltese citizenship provide?

Maltese citizenship provides:

• an EU passport with the right to live, work, and study in any European Union country;
• visa-free or facilitated entry to more than 180 countries worldwide;
• access to the European healthcare system and social security benefits;
• the ability to pass citizenship on to children;
• the right to dual citizenship (provided that your country of origin allows it).

This is why a Maltese passport is considered a strategic second citizenship.

How much does Maltese citizenship cost?

The cost of Maltese citizenship depends on the legal basis:

• By naturalisation: a government fee of €450 upon submission plus €50 for the certificate;
• By marriage or descent: €150 upon submission plus €50 for the certificate.

Additional expenses may include document translations and apostilles, police clearance certificates, notarial services, and legal assistance (optional).

Thus, the official government fees for Maltese citizenship are relatively low, while the total cost is shaped by the accompanying administrative and procedural expenses.