Maltese citizenship is a valuable asset, opening doors to the entire Schengen Area, as well as travel to 187 countries, including Canada and the USA, without the need for a visa. The Maltese Citizenship Act sets out all the relevant provisions for becoming a citizen of Malta, and there are a number of ways that an applicant might achieve this status.
Insight from AE Business Advisors
Malta offers different pathways to Maltese Citizenship including the below:
Citizenship by registration
Those eligible to apply for citizenship under this proviso will need to satisfy one of three scenarios:
- Individuals born abroad to Maltese parents who are returned migrants.
- Individuals born in Malta to at least one parent who is a citizen of Malta.
- Individuals born to non-Maltese parents, one or both of which subsequently acquired Maltese citizenship.
Citizenship by Descent
Foreign nationals can acquire citizenship if they can prove Maltese descent. Those who qualify must be direct descendants, second or subsequent generation. You must also have been born abroad of an ascendant who was born in Malta, of a parent who was also born in Malta. To apply you’ll need to submit your birth certificate, as well the birth and marriage certificates of your Maltese ascendants.
Citizenship through marriage
Spouses of citizens of Malta can acquire Maltese citizenship provided they satisfy the relative conditions. Primarily, they’ll need to be married to a Maltese citizen for at least 5 years.
Citizenship by Merit
The former Citizenship by Investment route has now been replaced by Citizenship by Merit. Under this framework, applicants may be granted citizenship based on exceptional merit and tangible contributions in fields such as science, business and job creation, culture, the arts, sports, technology or philanthropy. Applicants must first hold Maltese residency for at least eight months before applying. Proposals are assessed by an independent Evaluation Board, with endorsements from sector experts, and final approval is granted at the discretion of the Minister.
Re-acquisition of Maltese citizenship
If you’re a former citizen of Malta who lost citizenship due to various factors, then you could be eligible to have your citizenship reinstated. The Maltese legal system provides the mechanisms necessary to set the process in motion.
How AE can help
At AE Business Advisors, our dedicated Residency and Immigration team provides expert, end-to-end support throughout every stage of your citizenship journey.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive eligibility assessments and document verification
- Assistance in preparing and submitting applications under the appropriate legal route
- Coordination with relevant Maltese authorities
- Guidance on residency requirements prior to citizenship application
- Ongoing advisory support to ensure compliance and a smooth process
With years of experience guiding international clients through Malta’s most reputable residency and citizenship frameworks, AE offers a seamless, discreet and professional service that maximises your chances of success.
+356 2095 8100