Practical pathways, eligibility logic, and decision-making considerations under Maltese law
Obtaining Maltese citizenship is not a single process but a decision-driven pathway that depends on how nationality is acquired under Maltese law and whether citizenship arises automatically by operation of law or by discretionary grant. This publication explains how Maltese citizenship is obtained in practice today, outlining the main pathways available, the role of residence, contribution, and public interest, and the factors that materially influence outcomes. It is intended for individuals and advisors seeking a clear, realistic understanding of how citizenship is assessed post-2025, rather than a checklist or promotional guide.
The acquisition of Maltese citizenship is based on the provisions found in the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta and the Maltese Constitution. Maltese citizenship law regime is quite young since Malta has been an independent state only since 1964. It is mainly based on the principle of ius sanguinis however prior to 1989, the law was more focused on the ius soli principle. In the year 2000, an important amendment occurred on how to get Maltese citizenship whereby the legislator introduced the acceptance of dual and multiple citizenship in the Maltese Constitution. In fact Article 22(2) of the Constitution, holds that dual or multiple citizenship is permitted in Malta. Other important recent amendments occurred in 2007 and 2013. Apart from the normal routes by naturalisation and registration, a more recent reform in 2013 introduced a new route for the acquisition of Maltese citizenship through an investment programme.
How to get Maltese Citizenship by Birth
Previously, between 21st September 1964 and the 31st July 2001, all children born in Malta automatically acquired Maltese citizenship at birth. This was however changed to a mark a shift from the ius soli to the ius sanguinis principle and from August 2001, a person born in Malta acquired citizenship at birth only if born to at least one Maltese parent.
Maltese Citizenship by Descent
Following the 2007 amendments the Citizenship Act now provides that those born outside Malta on or after the independence date, are entitled to apply for registration as Maltese citizens if they prove that they are the direct descendants of a Maltese ascendant born in Malta of a parent likewise born in Malta. However, if the applicant has parents, grandparents and other ancestors who are still alive and are also direct descendants themselves in this sense, they would also have to apply for Maltese citizenship under the new provision, as otherwise the Maltese citizenship link would have been broken down the line.
Read more on how to become a Maltese Citizen by Descendent
Maltese Citizenship by Residence
Any person, including stateless persons, may apply to acquire Maltese citizenship by naturalisation if he/she has resided in Malta throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of application and that during the six years immediately preceding the said period of twelve months, he/she has resided in Malta for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than four years.
Read more on how to become Maltese citizen by Residence
Maltese Citizenship by Marriage
Maltese Citizenship can also be acquired by marriage to a Maltese national. The spouse of a Maltese citizen can acquire Maltese citizenship provided that he/she has been married and living together with the Maltese spouse for at least 5 years. Those individuals who are separated from a Maltese spouse may still apply for Maltese citizenship by marriage provided that they have lived together for at least 5 years after marriage.
Maltese Citizenship by Adoption
From August 1989, a child adopted by Maltese citizens acquires citizenship automatically provided the child is under the age of ten (10) on the date of the adoption. However, this was not always the case since prior to January 1977 a person adopted by Maltese citizens normally acquired Maltese citizenship automatically.
Malta Individual Investor Programme
In 2014, Malta enacted its first Malta citizenship by investment programme through the Individual Investor Programme Regulations. Amendments have been made to the Maltese Citizenship Act to allow further naturalisation routes, including Maltese Citizenship for Exceptional Services and by Direct Investment.
Our Maltese Citizenship by Investment Services
We offer the following services in relationship to Malta Citizenship by Investment:
- advising you how to get Maltese citizenship and your eligibility and your chances of success before filing your application;
- providing you with pre-immigration legal and tax advice;
- guiding you with the preparation and forwarding of the necessary documentation;
- vetting and preparing all supporting documentation for submission;
- assisting you with the purchase / rental of property in Malta including applications for AIP permits (foreigners need AIP permit to purchase property in Malta), reviews of your contract, liaising with the notary.
Applications for Maltese Citizenship by Investment are to be made to and processed wholly by Agenzija Komunita Malta. Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker is a Licensed Agent, holding licence AKM-ACCA.
Copyright © 2025 Chetcuti Cauchi. This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking any action based on the contents of this document. Chetcuti Cauchi disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information provided. Reproduction of reasonable portions of the content is permitted for non-commercial purposes, provided proper attribution is given and the content is not altered or presented in a false light.
