Get Maltese Citizenship With Our Expert Guidance
If you’re looking to get Maltese Citizenship through investment, marriage, descent, or naturalisation, we can help. Click the button below and tell us a bit about your situation and we’ll guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
How to Get Maltese Citizenship (2025 Guide)
Malta offers one of the most attractive citizenship programs in Europe—backed by EU membership, a strong economy, and visa-free travel to over 190 countries. Whether you’re an investor, a spouse, or have family ties to Malta, this guide walks you through every way to become a Maltese citizen and answers all the common questions along the way.
7 Ways to Get Maltese Citizenship
1. Citizenship by Investment (Exceptional Services by Direct Investment)
Malta offers a fast-track citizenship route for high-net-worth individuals through its Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program.
Requirements:
- Minimum investment of €600,000 (36-month residency) or €750,000 (12-month residency)
- Real estate purchase of at least €700,000 or lease of €16,000/year for 5 years
- Donation of €10,000 to an approved Maltese NGO
- Legal residence in Malta with a valid residence card
- Due diligence checks (Tier 1 to Tier 4) performed by the Community Malta Agency
- Good health and valid international health insurance
Timeline:
- Receive a residence card
- Apply for eligibility
- Undergo a thorough vetting process
- Fulfill all financial, property, and donation obligations
- Take the Oath of Allegiance in Malta
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization and Maltese passport
🕒 Processing time: 12 to 36 months (depending on investment level)
✅ Family members (spouse, children, parents, grandparents) can be included
💡 Dual citizenship is allowed under Maltese law
2. Citizenship by Birth or Descent
You are automatically a Maltese citizen if:
- You were born in Malta before 1 August 1989
- You were born after that date and at least one parent is Maltese
- You are a grandchild of a Maltese citizen
- You were born to a Maltese father before 2000 (even if born abroad)
Malta also grants citizenship to abandoned children found on Maltese soil.
3. Citizenship by Marriage
Foreign nationals married to Maltese citizens can apply for citizenship after 5 years of marriage, provided the marriage is genuine.
- You can still apply even after divorce or spouse’s death, if the marriage lasted at least 5 years
- Sham marriages are criminal offenses and can lead to fines or imprisonment
4. Citizenship by Naturalisation (Long-Term Residency Route)
This is the traditional route to citizenship and requires the longest stay.
Requirements:
- 7+ years of legal residency in Malta
- 12 months of continuous residence before applying
- A clean criminal record
- Proof of legal income and health insurance
- Pass language, law, and history exams
- Two Maltese guarantors (not family): one must be a professional like a lawyer, doctor, or judge
This route is best for those living and working in Malta long-term without investment means or family ties.
5. Citizenship by Family Reunification
If you’re closely related to a Maltese citizen or were previously a citizen yourself, you may qualify for citizenship.
Eligible cases include:
- Children of Maltese citizens (born in or outside Malta)
- Former citizens
- Adopted children of Maltese parents
- Guardians of Maltese minors
- Siblings or grandchildren of Maltese citizens (in special cases)
6. Citizenship for Exceptional Merit
The President of Malta may grant citizenship for:
- Outstanding cultural, scientific, sporting, or business contributions
This route is extremely rare and has no formal application process.
7. Citizenship for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Refugees granted asylum in Malta may eventually become eligible for citizenship.
- No investment or language tests required
- Must prove danger or discrimination in the home country
- Must reside in Malta for a number of years