Malta Citizenship by Descent: A Complete Guide

Malta offers a clear legal pathway
to citizenship for individuals with Maltese ancestry.

Maltese citizenship by descent, also known as “citizenship by registration” is governed by the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the laws of Malta, which outlines eligibility, required documentation, and procedural steps.

A person obtaining Maltese citizenship by descent, will achieve European citizenship. European Union citizenship allows individuals to live, work, and travel freely across all 27 EU member states, access high-quality healthcare and education, participate in political life, enjoy strong legal protections, and benefit from social and financial opportunities throughout the European Union.

Malta’s Citizenship by Descent programme offers a direct route to an EU passport for individuals who can prove their Maltese heritage. This process, also known as Citizenship by Registration, is based on the principle of *jus sanguinis* (right of blood), connecting you to your Maltese roots regardless of where you were born.

Unlike other citizenship pathways, this option does not require investment or long-term residency in Malta. It is a unique opportunity to reclaim your heritage and unlock the extensive benefits of European Union citizenship for yourself and your future generations. This guide outlines the key requirements, benefits, and steps involved in the application process.

• EU citizenship: Maltese citizens also become European Union citizens, with associated rights and benefits – i.e. EU freedom of movement, EU freedom of establishment
• Dual citizenship: Malta permits dual citizenship, so applicants generally do not have to renounce their previous nationality – subject to the laws of their current country
• No residency requirement: Applicants can apply from abroad
• Ability to pass citizenship to future generations

• Any person born outside Malta who can prove they are a direct descendant – child, grandchild, etc. of an ascendant born in Malta of a parent likewise born in Malta is entitled to apply for citizenship by descent
• Both paternal and maternal lines are considered
• There is no residency requirement to apply for citizenship by descent
• Applicants must show an unbroken direct line; if a parent or earlier ancestor who was eligible is still alive, they must also register for citizenship to maintain the chain

• Provisions allow applications based on ancestry as far back as records support, but practical applications often focus on up to the grandparent generation, due to documentation and historical citizenship rules
• The key requirement: each ancestor in the chain must have either acquired citizenship or died before certain cut-off dates – explained below

• If a parent of the applicant was alive on 1 August 2007 and passed away after 1 August 2010 without applying for Maltese citizenship themselves, the descendant loses the right to apply – the “link is broken”
• If an eligible ancestor died before 1 August 2007, or within three years after this date without applying, their descendant may still qualify

Applicants must provide the following:

• Their own birth certificate and recent passport-sized photo
• Their passport or official ID
• Full birth and marriage certificates for each generation, demonstrating the direct lineage back to the qualifying Maltese ancestor
• Death certificates for deceased ancestors, where applicable

And gather required documentation.

Along with supporting documents.

Swear the Oath of Allegiance

And apply for a Maltese passport and ID card – note that to acquire an ID card, an address in Malta must be provided, but you may apply for a Maltese passport and not apply for a Maltese ID card

• Main application fee: €150
• Certificate of citizenship: €50
• Additional small fees for re-registration, Oath of Allegiance, affidavits, and declarations
• All documents must be in Maltese or English, otherwise translations are required

Navigating the complexities of the Maltese Citizenship Act requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of legal precedents. The process of gathering genealogical evidence, ensuring documents are correctly certified, and meeting strict submission deadlines can be challenging.

Working with an experienced law firm like Acumum eliminates guesswork and prevents costly errors. Our legal team will:
– Conduct a thorough assessment of your eligibility.
– Guide you in sourcing and preparing all necessary documentation.
– Manage communication with the relevant Maltese authorities on your behalf.
– Ensure your application is complete, accurate, and professionally presented to maximize its chances of success.

We are experienced in assisting individuals and entire families obtain Maltese citizenship by descent – whether such individuals are in Malta, or whether the application is submitted whilst the individuals are abroad.

Please contact us for more information.