The acquisition of Maltese Citizenship is regulated by Chapter 188 of the laws of Malta, the Maltese Citizenship Act. There are a number of ways in which a non-Maltese national can apply for Maltese citizenship including: by registration, naturalisation, marriage or for exceptional services by direct investment. Individuals apply for Maltese citizenship for various reasons ranging from access to one of the best healthcare systems in Europe to living in a safe and stable country with low crime rates. In addition, English is one of Malta’s official languages making it easy for persons relocating to Malta to settle on the island.
For individuals who do not qualify for Maltese citizenship through descent, the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations grants investors the opportunity to apply for Maltese citizenship when contributing to Malta’s economic development.
Malta Citizenship Benefits
The benefits of Maltese citizenship include the following:
Living in a Safe & Stable Country
Malta is one of the most safe and stable countries to reside in, with a very low crime rate. Malta is an attractive place to live in due to its climate, respect to other cultures and religions.
In addition, Malta is part of both the Schengen Area and the European Union (EU). Membership of the Schengen Area allows any Maltese resident or citizen the right to travel within the 26 Schengen Area countries without visa and border control. Maltese citizens are also given the right to live, study and work in any European Union country of their choice.
High Quality Healthcare & Education
Despite Malta's small size, the country enjoys one of the best healthcare systems in the world. One can find both public and private hospitals in Malta and Gozo. All Maltese citizens enjoy free healthcare at public hospitals and one can also be entitled to free medication. The healthcare system is funded through payments to national insurance and taxation.
Education is also free of charge in public schools around Malta and Gozo. In addition, transport to and from public schools is also paid by the state. Parents can also opt to register their children in an independent and international private school.
Visa Free Travel to 186 Countries
Holding a Malta passport, gives the right of visa free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries ranking the Maltese passport in the top 10 passports in the world when considering the number of countries one can travel to. With a Maltese passport an individual is able to travel to the European Union states, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States without visa restrictions.
Dual and Multiple Citizenship
The concept of dual citizenship was introduced in Malta in 1989. Important amendments were subsequently passed in 2000 whereby dual or multiple citizenship is allowed. Article 7 of the Maltese Citizenship Act holds that 'it shall be lawful for any person to be a citizen of Malta, and at the same time a citizen of another country. Hence non-Maltese nationals who acquire Maltese nationality are not required by Maltese law to renounce their foreign nationality.
Future Generations are granted Maltese Citizenship
Once an individual obtains Maltese citizenship this is also passed down to future generations regardless of where the child is born. Maltese law holds that any child born to a Maltese parent will also be a citizen of Malta provided that his birth certificate is registered in Malta.
