Maltese Citizenship by Descent
Malta’s nationality laws, governed by the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta), allow individuals born outside Malta to acquire citizenship by descent if they can prove direct lineage from an ascendant born in Malta, whose parent was also Maltese-born. Since amendments in 2007, this eligibility extends to further generations, provided the lineage remains unbroken. No residency is required for registration as a citizen. However, if living parents or grandparents are also direct descendants, they must apply to maintain the link. A key provision stipulates that if a parent was alive on August 1, 2007, and died after August 1, 2010, without securing citizenship, the applicant’s eligibility is lost. Conversely, if an ascendant died before August 1, 2007, the right to citizenship is preserved.
The Carragher Case Study
James Carragher qualified for Maltese citizenship through his maternal great-grandfather, Paul Vassallo, born in Qormi, Malta—a surname emblematic of the island’s widespread heritage. His father, Jamie Carragher, also pursued citizenship under the same provisions. Their journey, likely initiated in late 2024, involved:
- Genealogical Research – Tracing their lineage to Vassallo, a Maltese native, and finding birth and marriage certificates to prove descent and two generations born in Malta.
- Application Submission – Engaging a citizenship lawyer to submit the application and supporting documents with the Maltese authorities for registration.
- Approval Process – Undergoing due diligence, culminating in citizenship granted in February 2025.
Following naturalization, James received his first call-up to Malta’s national football team, debuting in the March 2025 World Cup qualifiers, a milestone enabled by his ancestral ties.
Citizenship and International Sports Representation
James Carragher’s citizenship switch raises intriguing questions about nationality and football. FIFA regulations permit players to represent a new nation if they have not played competitive senior matches for another country. Previously eligible for England, Carragher opted for Malta, a decision shaped by his newfound citizenship. This move reflects a broader trend among diaspora descendants leveraging Maltese heritage to represent their ancestral homeland in international sports. For Malta, his inclusion brings valuable experience from English football, enhancing the nation’s sporting profile.
Implications for Citizenship Lawyers and Applicants
The Carragher case highlights a pathway potentially available to hundreds of thousands worldwide, given Malta’s history of emigration to countries like Australia, the UK—where Carragher hails from, Canada, and the US. Descendants with surnames like Vassallo, Borg, or Camilleri may be eligible yet unaware, emphasizing the importance of ancestry research. Key takeaways include:
- Ancestral Awareness – Many with Maltese roots may not realize their eligibility, a legacy of the diaspora.
- Documentation Challenges – Success hinges on authenticated records proving lineage and engaging competent professionals.
- Beyond Legal Status – Citizenship unlocks EU privileges, including mobility, education, and sports opportunities.
For those ineligible by descent, Malta offers citizenship by investment as an alternative. This route, requiring a direct investment and rigorous due diligence, has enabled families we’ve assisted to secure citizenship, opening doors for their children to European football academies and sporting careers.
James Carragher’s acquisition of Maltese citizenship exemplifies the provisions of Malta’s nationality laws, reconnecting individuals with their heritage while offering practical benefits. Whether for personal identity, professional prospects, or sporting representation, citizenship by descent remains a vital pathway in Malta’s immigration framework. For those without ancestry, citizenship by investment provides another avenue, granting access to European opportunities in sports, education, and business. As EU citizens, Maltese nationals like Carragher enjoy visa-free travel to over 190 countries and a platform to enrich Malta’s cultural and athletic landscape, proving that heritage can be both a legacy and a launchpad.
Our Citizenship by Descent Services
For over 20 years, we have been a foremost citizenship and naturalisation law firm, assisting hundreds of individuals and families naturalise as Maltese citizens. We have extensive experience representing families reclaim Maltese citizenship.
We offer the following services in relationship to Malta Citizenship by Descent:
- advising you on your eligibility and your chances of success before filing your application;
- providing you with pre-immigration tax advice and ongoing tax advice;
- guiding you with the preparation and forwarding of the necessary documentation;
- vetting and preparing all supporting documentation for submission;
- assisting you with the purchase / rental of property in Malta including applications for AIP permits (foreigners need AIP permit to purchase property in Malta), reviews of your contract, liaising with the notary.
Our legal team is dedicated to guiding individuals through the legal process in reclaiming Maltese citizenship and we are committed to facilitating a smooth and efficient path towards dual citizenship.
