Maltese Citizenship in 2025

Maltese Citizenship in 2025 is regulated by the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta. Together with other legal notices and subsidiary legislation, it provides for the modes of acquisition, deprivation, and renunciation of Maltese citizenship. The first laws regulating Maltese citizenship were found in the Maltese Constitution and later complemented by the Maltese Citizenship Act in 1965. Along the years, there were significant amendments mainly in 1989, 2000 and 2007.

When Malta gained its independence in 1964, the Constitution established who would be entitled to claim Maltese citizenship by birth, descent or through registration. Such provisions later on were removed from the Constitution and included in the Maltese Citizenship Act.

More information about the benefits of acquiring Maltese citizenship here.

The acquisition of Maltese citizenship by birth is today regulated by Article 5 of the Maltese Citizenship Act, Cap. 188 provides that:

“A person born on or after the appointed day shall be deemed to have become a citizen of Malta at the date of his birth if at that date his father or mother is a citizen of Malta.” (Art. 5, Cap. 188)

This remains the primary avenue for Maltese citizenship, particularly for children and grandchildren of Maltese emigrants abroad.

Previously, Article 23 of the Malta Independence Order stipulated that persons who held the status of citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who were born in Malta before 21^st September 1964 became citizens of Malta provided that one of the parents was also born in Malta. This article also provided that persons born outside of Malta before independence, and held the status of citizens of the United Kingdom and colonies also acquired Maltese citizenship if their father became or would but for his death have become a citizen of Malta.

Nowadays, Malta does not grant citizenship to individuals who are just born in Malta without having Maltese parents.

This was not the case however for individuals who were born in Malta between 21^st September until August 1989. Persons who were born in Malta during this period became automatically Maltese provided that their father, who was not a citizen of Malta, did not enjoy diplomatic immunity.

After 1989 persons born in or outside Malta and at the time of their birth their father or mother are Maltese citizens also become Maltese citizens.

The Maltese Citizenship Act provides a route for individuals residing in Malta for a number of years (without Maltese family ties) to apply for Maltese citizenship through a process called naturalisation. This is regulated by Article 10(1) of Chapter 188. In such cases it is important to point out that ultimately even if one qualifies to apply for Maltese citizenship through naturalisation, it is the Minister responsible for this matter who has the ultimate discretion to grant or refuse an application. The Minister is not obliged to give a reason on his decision and such decision is not subject to any appeal.

Ordinary naturalisation remains available for long-term residents who can prove integration and good character. The Act requires:

“The Minister may grant a certificate of naturalisation to an applicant of full age and capacity if satisfied that the applicant has resided in Malta throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of application and for periods amounting to not less than four years during the six years preceding that period.” (Art. 10(1), Cap. 188)

Under this route, an applicant needs two sponsors to submit a citizenship application. The first sponsor can be any citizen of Malta who knows the applicant for at least two years. The second sponsor needs to be either a lawyer, notary, medical practitioner, parish priest, judge, magistrate or a police officer not below the rank of inspector.

Who is eligible for Maltese citizenship through naturalisation?

1. He/ She has resided in Malta throughout the period of 12 months preceding the date of the application, and
2. During the 6 years preceding the said period of 12 months has resided in Malta for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than 4 years, and
3. The applicant has an adequate knowledge of the Maltese or English language, and
4. The applicant is of good character and the applicant would be a suitable citizen of Malta

An applicant would also need to submit their current and all other expired passports covering their period of residence in Malta together with supporting documents evidencing their stay in Malta.

The Maltese Citizenship Act also provides for the acquisition of Maltese citizenship to persons who marry a Maltese national. Article 6(1) of Chapter 188 holds that any person who has been married and residing with a Maltese national for at least five years can apply for Maltese citizenship through registration. The granting of Maltese citizenship under this provision is subject that the Minister responsible for Maltese citizenship is satisfied that the grant of citizenship to such person is not contrary to public interest.