Would you like to apply for Maltese citizenship by descent and need legal advice? You can access our online services and explore this article with information about the key requirements & steps to gain this status.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for Maltese citizenship by descent? | Foreigners who prove they have or had relatives with Maltese origins. |
Legislation | Maltese Citizenship Act |
Proving descendants in Malta | A direct line of descendants is accepted. |
| Family members of Maltese origin accepted | – parents, – grandparents, – great-grandparents |
| Documents solicited | Birth/marriage/death certificates, other relevant documents |
| Special cases of Maltese citizenship by descent | Applications are possible for foreigners whose Maltese parents died during 2007-2010. |
| Citizenship by family reunification | If applicants can prove they have origins in Malta, even if they weren’t born in Malta. At least one parent should be from Malta. |
| Maltese citizenship in case of stateless persons | Available option if such persons prove they have Maltese origins or were born in Malta. |
| Verifications made by the authorities | Soliciting a clear criminal record in case of stateless persons applying for Maltese citizenship by descent |
| Direct registration if the line of descendants is not broken | With the Maltese Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs |
| Dual citizenship available in Malta (YES/NO) | YES |
| Maltese passport issued (YES/NO) | YES |
| Possibility to travel without restrictions | With a Maltese passport in EU and EEA countries, Switzerland, etc. |
| Other ways to become a citizen of Malta | Through naturalization, accessing dedicated investment programs |
| How can our immigration lawyer in Malta help you? | Our specialist can manage the formalities, procedures, and documents for applicants interested in citizenship by descent in Malta. |
Table of Contents
Who can apply for citizenship by descent in Malta?
Foreigners who have:
- Living ancestors in Malta,
- Direct lineage,
- Maltese relatives.
How is citizenship by descent in Malta known?
- Citizenship through heritage in Malta,
- Citizenship through ancestry in Malta.
What documents are needed for the application?
- birth, marriage, death certificates of parents, grandparents, or other relatives through lineage,
- civil status documents,
- ID or valid passport,
- other documents or records for applicants that changed their names due to marriage, legal changes, adoption, etc.
NOTES:
- All documents must be translated into Maltese or English,
- Clear criminal records are mandatory,
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues approvals for citizenship by descent applicants, etc.
Here is an infographic with info on this topic:
Do I need to prove residency in Malta when applying for citizenship by descent?
No.
Where do I apply for Maltese citizenship by descent?
At the Maltese Embassy or Consulate.
What is the application fee?
EUR 150, plus EUR 50 when collecting the Citizenship Certificate.
Do I get the Maltese passport when obtaining citizenship by descent?
Yes.
Please explore this video presentation about Maltese citizenship by descent:
Is dual citizenship permitted in Malta?
Absolutely.
Can stateless persons apply for citizenship in Malta through ancestry?
Yes, if they prove they have Maltese ancestors.
Are there any special cases of foreigners applying for Maltese citizenship by descent?
- persons whose Maltese parents died during 2007-2010 can apply to obtain this status,
- individuals from families that were under the UK colonies before 1964 can also apply,
- Maltese citizenship by descent applies to persons born between September 1964 and July 1989, with mothers born in this country or naturalized.
What are the benefits of a Maltese passport?
- visa-free or e-visa travel to the UK, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, etc.,
- no border controls throughout the Schengen countries,
- complete citizenship rights under EU laws,
- the right to live, work, and/or study in any EU member state. Including Norway, Switzerland, or Iceland,
- consular protection outside Europe, etc.
Interested in how to move to Malta? Feel free to get in touch with our Maltese immigration lawyers. You can collaborate with one of our lawyers if you want to obtain a residency permit in Malta. More about Maltese citizenship by descent and about immigrating to Malta can be offered by our experts.