Our lawyers specialise in Maltese citizenship by merit applications, advising individuals, families, and advisors on the legal assessment, structuring, and submission of Citizenship by Merit applications, ensuring full compliance with the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188) and the Malta Citizenship by Merit Regulations, 2025.
Malta Citizenship by Merit is a statutory ground for the grant of Maltese nationality to individuals whose exceptional contributions or services are considered to be in the national interest of the Republic of Malta. Under Maltese law, citizenship by merit is grounded in demonstrable contribution, service, or value aligned with Malta’s legal, social, economic, cultural, scientific, or humanitarian priorities.
Who we serve?
Our Malta Citizenship by Merit application service is typically relevant for:
- Individuals with exceptional professional, scientific, cultural, or humanitarian contributions.
- Founders, innovators, or entrepreneurs whose activities align with Malta’s national interest.
- Philanthropists supporting causes of measurable public benefit in Malta.
- Individuals recognised for international achievements with demonstrable relevance to Malta.
- Families seeking long-term legal belonging grounded in contribution rather than investment.
Understanding Malta Citizenship by Merit Applications
Citizenship by Merit is a formal ground for naturalisation under Maltese law, distinct from citizenship by registration or general naturalisation.
It is based on the principle that citizenship may be granted in recognition of exceptional contributions or services, assessed on a case-by-case basis by the competent Maltese authorities. The assessment focuses on the nature, value, sustainability, and alignment of the contribution with Malta’s national priorities.
A minimum period of lawful residence in Malta is required prior to an application being considered. Physical presence requirements are assessed holistically, having regard to the applicant’s overall ties, contribution profile, and circumstances.
Legal Framework and Regulatory Basis
Citizenship by Merit applications are governed by:
- The Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta)
- The Malta Citizenship by Merit Regulations, 2025
Maltese law provides that citizenship by naturalisation may be granted where exceptional contributions are deemed to serve the national interest of Malta, following a structured evaluation and due diligence process.
Each application is assessed individually, without guarantees, facilitation, or preferential treatment.
Our Malta Citizenship by Merit Expertise
Our firm has longstanding experience advising on Maltese citizenship law, naturalisation frameworks, and complex nationality matters involving high-profile and internationally mobile individuals.
Our Citizenship by Merit advisory integrates:
- Maltese nationality and citizenship law
- Immigration and residence law
- Private client and family structuring
- Philanthropy and public-interest advisory
- Regulatory compliance and enhanced due diligence
- Local and international tax advisory and compliance.
- Cross-border coordination with professional advisors
This integrated approach ensures that Citizenship by Merit applications are assessed, structured, and presented holistically, with due regard to legal substance, regulatory expectations, and the applicant’s wider personal and professional circumstances.
Our Approach to Citizenship by Merit Applications
As the craft requires, we approach Citizenship by Merit applications as legal submissions, not as administrative filings.
Our role includes:
- Assessing eligibility and legal suitability under the Citizenship Act and Regulations
- Advising on the nature and framing of contributions or services
- Structuring lawful residence and personal ties to Malta
- Preparing the legal narrative and supporting documentation
- Coordinating statutory due diligence and verification
- Managing submissions and correspondence with the competent authorities
At all times, we ensure that applications remain fact-based, complete, transparent, and compliant, avoiding language or representations that are prohibited under Maltese law or regulatory guidance.
Our Experience
Our lawyers have advised on:
- Citizenship applications involving exceptional professional achievements
- Nationality matters connected with philanthropic and public-interest initiatives
- Complex cases involving dual and multiple citizenship
- High-sensitivity applications requiring enhanced due diligence and compliance
- Strategic nationality planning integrated with residence, family, and succession considerations
Each engagement is handled with discretion and in strict accordance with Maltese legal and ethical standards.
How our Citizenship Lawyers Can Help You
We assist clients throughout the entire Citizenship by Merit application lifecycle, including:
- Preliminary legal assessment and eligibility review
- Residence and personal ties structuring
- Legal drafting and submission management
- Ongoing regulatory and procedural guidance
- Coordination with international advisors where required
Our role is to provide clear legal advice, manage complexity, and ensure that each application is prepared to the highest professional and compliance standards.
