Remedies for Rejected Maltese Citizenship by Investment Applications.
Maltese citizenship lawyers and citizenship law specialists handling reviews of rejected citizenship applications, complaints, judicial reviews and appeals of Maltese citizenship rejections.
At Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates, we recognise that a rejection of your application for Maltese Citizenship under the Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment - officially the Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment—can be a deeply disheartening experience for applicants and their families. As Malta’s leading law firm in citizenship and residence law, we provide structured, legally sound, and confidential remedies to support clients following a rejection, with the goal of restoring confidence and exploring viable next steps.
The Legal Nature of a Maltese Citizenship Rejection
The granting of Maltese citizenship by direct investment is governed by subsidiary legislation under the Maltese Citizenship Act and remains a discretionary act of the Minister. However, discretion must be exercised fairly, and rejected applicants are not without legal recourse.
Our role is to navigate this discretionary framework and identify all legitimate avenues of redress - administrative, regulatory, or judicial.
Application Review and Rejection Advice
Rejections of citizenship applications should be based on legal grounds established by the Maltese Citizenship Act and applicable subsidiary legislation, as well as the proper exercise of ministerial discretion. We provide independent and objective advice on possible reasons for rejection in the absense of any reasons given within rejection letters.
Regulatory Remedies
Applicants rejected under the Maltese citizenship rules may seek the lodging of a formal complaint with the Regulator of the Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services. The Regulator oversees the integrity of the citizenship process and accepts complaints regarding irregularities or improper handling of applications.
While the Regulator cannot overturn the Minister’s decision, a positive finding may open the door to administrative reconsideration or guide the applicant on how to proceed. Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates regularly represents clients in such confidential submissions, ensuring that complaints are factually grounded, diplomatically presented, and legally persuasive.
In some cases, rejection results from a misunderstanding, incomplete documentation, or reputational concerns. Through a formal legal request, our firm may seek clarification of the grounds for rejection, enabling us to construct informed and strategic representations on behalf of the client, providing legal clarifications and representations. This may result in a reconsideration or pave the way for a well-prepared reapplication. Our decades-long experience with Maltese citizenship cases, we ensure that representations are received with the seriousness and confidentiality they deserve.
Judicial Review Before the Civil Courts
Where warranted, we may advise initiating judicial review proceedings before the Maltese Civil Courts. This is available in cases where the rejection was tainted by procedural mistakes, discrimination, abuse of discretion, or a breach of fundamental rights.
This is not an appeal on the merits but a challenge to the legality of the decision-making process. Chetcuti Cauchi’s litigation practice is well positioned to lead such proceedings with a deep understanding of public law, constitutional law, and administrative justice in Malta.
Reapplication Strategy
In the absence of a permanent disqualification (such as fraud or a serious criminal record), applicants may be eligible to submit a new application. We conduct a comprehensive re-evaluation of the applicant’s profile, due diligence risks, and documentation to prepare a stronger, more robust application that directly addresses previous concerns.
This strategic approach has successfully enabled numerous previously rejected applicants to secure Maltese citizenship through our firm.
Our Maltese Citizenship Law Practice
As pioneers of the investment migration industry in Malta, Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates is trusted by HNW families, private banks, and international advisory firms to handle Maltese applications professionally, with deserved discretion. With full client-lawyer privilege, we provide discreet and strategic support at every stage—from post-rejection remedy to eventual success.
Contact us for a confidential consultation with our Citizenship Rejection Advisory lawyers
