How to get Maltese citizenship

In addition to participating in the government's citizenship program for financially independent individuals, you can become a full member of the Maltese community by:

• Naturalization;

• Birth and origin;

• Marriage;

• Registration.

Maltese citizenship by naturalization

On this basis, a foreigner can become a citizen if he meets a number of requirements:

• The age of the applicant is 18 years or older;

• The period of residence in Malta without breaks - 12 months;

• Before this period, the applicant lived on the island for 4 years within 6 years;

• The applicant does not pose a threat to public order and the country's reputation;

• Fluent in English and Maltese.

Naturalized citizens of the republic can become:

• Former citizens of Malta;

• Individuals whose parents are Maltese citizens;

• Foreigners born in the island, provided that either parent is a citizen;

• Individuals whose parents obtained citizenship for any reason.

Maltese citizenship by birth and origin

Those born in Malta to Maltese parents are automatically granted citizenship.

To become a citizen, a foreign applicant must live with their spouse for at least 5 years

Acquiring citizenship through marriage to a Maltese citizen is quite popular among foreigners. However, those who choose this method must take into account a strict condition – they must be married for at least 5 years.

In addition, the right to acquire Maltese citizenship through marriage is granted to:

• Widows and widowers;

• Partners who are in a civil marriage;

• Individuals in same-sex marriages;

• Spouses of those who have acquired Maltese citizenship by naturalization or registration.

Maltese citizenship by investment

Maltese Citizenship by Investment is an official government program that allows investors and their family members to obtain Maltese citizenship based on significant contributions to the country's economic and social development.

The program – Malta Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment – is working from November 2020.

One of the requirements under the new program is that the applicant and family members included in the application receive citizenship through naturalization and must have been a Maltese resident for at least 12 or 36 months prior to obtaining a Maltese Passport.

The following can participate in the Maltese citizenship by investment through naturalization program:

• The applicant over 18 years old;

• Spouse;

• Financially dependent children under the age of 28 who are not married;

• Parents over 55 years old.

Also, under the new rules, the program is limited to granting citizenship to a maximum of 400 applicants per year.

Requirements for obtaining Maltese citizenship by investment

1. Direct investments in the economic and social development of the country

600,000 euros – if the applicant and family members included in the application have been resident in Malta for 36 months prior to citizenship, or 750,000 euros – if the applicant and family members have resided in Malta for 12 months prior to obtaining citizenship. Additional EUR 50,000 for each family member included in the application may be required.

Direct investments are non-refundable.

2. Buying or renting real estate in Malta

Purchase of residential real estate for the amount of at least 700,000 euros or lease of residential real estate worth from 16,000 euros per year for a period of 5 years.

It is forbidden to sublease the real estate to third parties.

The investor is obliged to retain ownership of real estate or have a valid lease agreement for at least 5 years from the date of obtaining the citizenship certificate.

3. Charitable donation

10,000 euros to one or more organizations: charitable, cultural, sports, scientific and other, which conduct their activities in Malta and are approved by the Community Malta Agency (CMA).

Other requirements for participation in the program

The applicant must be over 18 years old, have no convictions, deportations or sanctions.

All family members included in the application and over the age of 16 must provide original criminal record certificates from each country where the person has lived for a total of 6 months or more during the last 10 years prior to the application, as well as from all countries where the applicant and his family members have citizenship.

To apply for citizenship, applicants must be legal residents in Malta and have a valid residence permit for at least 36 months (or 12 months for an investment of 750,000 euros).

Any application for obtaining Maltese citizenship by naturalization through direct investment is carefully checked, evaluated and undergoes a four-level comprehensive Due Diligence.

The fee for verification of compliance with the criteria for obtaining citizenship is: 15,000 euros for the main applicant and 10,000 euros for each dependent over 12 years of age.

An application for citizenship by investment can only be submitted by an accredited agent licensed by the Community Malta Agency. The interaction of the applicant with the public authorities of Malta without an accredited agent is not allowed.