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Citizenship by Registration

Maltese generations born abroad have been able to acquire Maltese Citizenship1 by registration for years. However, thanks to amendments made back in 2007 to the then existing Maltese Citizenship Act, it is now possible for second as well as subsequent Maltese generations born abroad to apply for and eventually be granted Maltese citizenship.

Liana Falzon

Liana Falzon

Manager - Private Clients (Residence & Citizenship)

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Who is eligible?

  • Spouses and/or widows/widowers who were married to a Maltese citizen;

 

  • Sons or daughters born of a female born in Malta or who acquired Maltese citizenship by birth in Malta;

 

  • Former citizen of Malta who does not qualify automatically for dual citizenship because he/she had not resided for a minimum of 6 years abroad;

 

  • Former citizen of Malta who was formerly a citizen of Malta by Registration or by Naturalisation;

 

  • A descendant in the direct line of an ascendant born in Malta of a parent likewise born in Malta.

 

All the above options are considered on a case by case basis. More information regarding every option mentioned may be discussed in person or over online meetings, in order to ensure a smooth and timely process.

    Required Documentation

    1. Depending on the option which would suit your need best, ACT is in a position to assist you with providing the list of documentation required for submission. You may have a preview of these documents by viewing the below.

    A Spouse of a Maltese Citizen

    A Spouse of a Maltese Citizen is required to provide the following documentation:

    • A joint affidavit confirming that the applicant and the Maltese spouse have been married for a minimum of 5 years and are still living together at the time of application;
    • One recent passport-sized photo of the applicant;
    • A marriage certificate, duly registered in Malta;
    • Any marriage certificate/s of previous marriage/s of both applicant and the Maltese spouse (if applicable);
    • A full birth certificate of the applicant (showing the parents’ names);
    • A passport, ID card or residence card of the applicant and of the Maltese spouse;
    • The spouse’s birth certificate;
    • The birth certificate of the spouse’s Maltese parents; and
    • The marriage certificate of the spouse’s Maltese parents (if applicable).

    A Widow/Widower of a Maltese Citizen

    A Widow/Widower of a Maltese Citizen is required to provide the following documentation:

    • An affidavit confirming that the applicant and the Maltese spouse resided together till time of death;
    • One recent passport-sized photo of the applicant;
    • A marriage certificate, duly registered in Malta;
    • Any marriage certificate/s of previous marriage/s of both applicant and the Maltese spouse (if applicable);
    • A full birth certificate of the applicant, showing the parents’ names;
    • A passport, ID card or residence card of the applicant and of the Maltese spouse;
    • The spouse’s birth certificate;
    • The birth certificate of the spouse’s Maltese parents;
    • The marriage certificate of the spouse’s Maltese parents (if applicable); and
    • The spouse’s death certificate.

    A Former Citizen of Malta

    A Former Citizen of Malta is required to provide the following documentation:

    • A passport copy, including all pages in the case of a non-EU passport holder;
    • A full birth certificate, showing the parents’ names;
    • A marriage certificate (if applicable);
    • The birth and marriage certificates his/her parents;
    • A letter stating why documentary evidence of residence abroad or a copy of the Maltese Citizenship Renunciation letter for the 6 years immediately preceding the submission of application cannot be forthcoming;
    • One recent passport-sized; and
    • A copy of the certificate of acquisition of the citizenship he/she now holds

    A Son/Daughter of a Female Citizen of Malta

    A Son/Daughter of a Female Citizen of Malta is required to provide the following documentation:

    • A full birth certificate, showing the parents’ names;
    • A marriage certificate (if applicable);
    • A passport copy;
    • One recent passport-sized photo;
    • A full birth certificate of the mother;
    • The marriage certificate of the mother;
    • The passport of the mother; and
    • The birth and marriage certificates of the applicant’s maternal grandparents;

    In cases where the son/daughter applying for Maltese citizenship was born after the 21st September 1964, the Agency may also require documentary evidence showing that the mother was a citizen of Malta at the time of the applicant’s birth.

    A Descendant in the Direct Line of an Ascendant born in Malta of a parent likewise born in Malta

    The following documentation is required;

    • A full birth certificate, showing the parents’ names;
    • A marriage certificate (if applicable);
    • One recent passport-sized photo;
    • A passport copy;
    • The birth and marriage certificates of the applicant’s ascendants, showing the direct link to two consecutive generations of ascendants born in Malta;
    • In case of third and subsequent generations, the applicant is required to present as well:

        • The death certificate of the applicant’s ascendant/s born in Malta (in case of death); and
        • A copy of the registration certificate of the applicant’s ascendant/s born in Malta (as applicable)
    It is important to note that every document submitted is required to be in English or Maltese [1]. All original documents are required upon submission of application. The Agency will retain a copy upon verifying the original.

    [1] ACT may assist you with getting translation quotes if needed

    Application Procedure

    • The required documentation is submitted in person to Aġenzija Komunità Malta (henceforth referred to as the ‘Agency’), either by the applicant or by the Agent assisting;
    • Upon the completion of the document’s review, the applicant signs the duly completed application form;
    • The Agency will administer all the oaths, including the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta;
    • Applicable fees, payable to the Agency are to be made on the day of submission via card or cheque. Cash payment is not accepted.

    Review of Application & Granting of Maltese Citizenship

    The Agency processes the application and successful applicants will be granted Maltese citizenship. They will be considered citizens of Malta from the date printed on their certificate of registration.

    If an applicant was born abroad, the Agency will inform the Director of Public Registry about the  granting of Maltese citizenship so that the birth certificate may be registered at the Public Registry Office.

    Important Note

    The full name of all those persons who were naturalised as citizens of Malta during the preceding year is published in the Government Gazette on an annual basis.

    Applicable Fees

    For a full list of of applicable fees payable to the Agency, kindly contact the manager in charge of the firm’s private client’s section, Liana Falzon, on [email protected] who will also provide you with a tailor‑made quote for the professional services rendered.

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