Citizenship / Naturalization in Malta
3 documented routes of this kind in Malta, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Naturalisation by Long Residence
Discretionary acquisition of Maltese citizenship by naturalisation based on long residence, administered by Agenzija Komunita Malta under the Maltese Citizenship Act.
- Processing time
- Variable
- Validity
- Permanent (citizenship)
- Language requirement
- Adequate Maltese or English
- Citizenship
- 12 continuous months immediately before application plus an aggregate of 4 further years within the previous 6 years
Requirements
- 12 continuous months immediately before application plus 4 aggregate years within the previous 6 years
- Age 18+
- Good character
- Adequate Maltese or English
- Two sponsors (one from a professional category)
Required Documents
- Passport(s) required
- Residence certificate from immigration authorities required
- Birth/marriage certificates required
- Proof of good character required
Official fees
- Application 450 EUR
- On certificate collection 50 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Verify residence
Confirm 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years of residence within the previous 6 years.
-
2
Submit application
Submit the application to Agenzija Komunita Malta with passport, residence certificate, civil status documents and two sponsors.
-
3
Collect certificate
Pay EUR 50 on certificate collection upon approval.
Official Sources
Citizenship by Registration - Marriage
Acquisition of Maltese citizenship by registration for a foreign spouse married to and living with a Maltese citizen for at least 5 years.
- Processing time
- Variable
- Validity
- Permanent (citizenship)
- Language requirement
- None specified
- Citizenship
- At least 5 years married to and living with a Maltese citizen
Requirements
- Married to and living with a Maltese citizen for at least 5 years
- Still married at the time of application
Required Documents
- Form B required
- Joint affidavit confirming 5+ years cohabitation required
- Marriage and birth certificates required
- Spouse documentation required
Official fees
- Application 150 EUR
- On certificate collection 50 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Submit Form B
Submit Form B with the joint affidavit, marriage and birth certificates and spouse documentation to Agenzija Komunita Malta.
-
2
Collect certificate
Pay EUR 50 on certificate collection upon approval.
Official Sources
Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Merit
Following the Court of Justice of the European Union judgment in Case C-181/23 (29 April 2025), Malta's citizenship-by-investment scheme (ESDI) was repealed. The Maltese Citizenship Act was subsequently amended (Act XXI of 2025, 24 July 2025). In its place, Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit under amended Cap 188 / S.L. 188.04 is now the operative framework. This is explicitly not a programme or scheme and cannot be marketed or promoted. Decisions are wholly discretionary, assessed strictly case-by-case by Community Malta Agency. An 8-month mandatory residency period and a two-stage Evaluation Board review apply. The former EUR 600,000-750,000 investment and EUR 700,000 property requirements no longer apply.
- Processing time
- Variable
- Validity
- Permanent (citizenship)
- Language requirement
- None specified
Requirements
- Outstanding contributions in science, arts, culture, sport or similar fields
- Discretionary assessment by Agenzija Komunita Malta
Required Documents
- Evidence of exceptional services / outstanding contributions required
Process Steps
-
1
Assessment by Agency
Agenzija Komunita Malta assesses applications for citizenship for exceptional services by merit.