Citizenship by

Naturalisation

Malta’s laws allow for a person to attain citizenship by way of naturalisation on the basis of either of the underlying connections.

Oathbound Consultancy is experienced in:

  • advising our clients in determining the route of eligibility available to them,
  • assisting in the preparation of the documentation required for the submission to the relevant authorities, and
  • representing its clients throughout the relevant processes involved,
  • facilitating with the application for the renewal of passports to Maltese citizens living abroad.

Feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in understanding whether you are entitle to Maltese citizenship or need assistance with any of the steps involved in being naturalised. 

Exceptional Service by Direct Investment

(ESDI)

The Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is regulated by the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.06).

The Minister may grant a certificate of naturalisation as a citizen of Malta to an alien or stateless person, who has rendered exceptional services to the Republic of Malta or to humanity, or whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta, and who satisfies the requirements prescribed by regulation. The law defines “exceptional” as manifestly superior, and refers primarily to contributions by scientists, researchers, athletes, sports people, artists, cultural performers, investors and entrepreneurs.

Click here for the for further information on the Malta’s ESDI regulations concerning naturalization by direct investment.

 

Exceptional Service by Merit

(ESM)

For an individual to be considered eligible for Maltese Citizenship by way of Merit, their contribution, which shall be either to the Republic of Malta or to humanity,  must be manifestly superior and primarily relating to those made by scientists, researchers, athletes, sports people, artists and cultural performers and/or whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta.

The individuals must provide an endorsement by the designated competent body and also present recommendations from two people who are qualified to act as sponsors for the applicant for certificate of naturalisation for Maltese citizenship for exceptional services.

Residence

A person of good character, being a foreigner or stateless and is over the age of eighteen (18), may (if they are considered suitable) apply for Maltese citizenship by way of naturalisation in so far as they are able to evidence that they have:

 

  • resided in Malta throughout the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of application; &
  • resided in Malta for an aggregate period of a minimum of four (4) years, during the six (6) years preceding the above period of twelve (12) months;
  • adequate knowledge of Maltese or English language; unless they are not of full capacity and the Civil Court (Voluntary Jurisdiction) authorises for an application to be submitted on behalf of the same).

Acquisition of Maltese citizenship by minors

A person, being a minor, the parent or parents of whom were non-Maltese at the time of their their birth and later (either one or both) acquired Maltese citizenship, may have an application submitted on their behalf, by the latter, to be naturalized as citizens of Malta.

 

Ministers Discretion

What must be clearly understood is that ultimately, the Minister responsible for citizenship matters has the discretion to grant or refuse the application under either of the relevant provisions.