Maltese Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide for How to Apply

Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean, has one of the oldest continuous populations in Europe and a diaspora that stretches across the globe. For these descendants, Maltese citizenship by descent offers a way to reconnect with heritage and gain European Union rights. This guide covers eligibility, history, and the application process under the Maltese Citizenship Act.

Why Malta Citizenship by Descent Matters

As an EU member since 2004, Malta grants its citizens rights even outside of Malta itself. Reclaiming citizenship in Malta means you can get special rights and privileges in Italy, Greece, Spain, or any of the other EU member countries. That can look like:

• The right to live and work in all EU countries.
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 180+ destinations.
• Reduced university tuition fees across the EU.
• Access to Malta’s healthcare system and EU protections.

And just as importantly for families abroad, Maltese citizenship is not only about opportunity, but also about preserving identity across generations. It can serve as a basis for citizenship for dependent children or even a spouse or partner, depending on the family’s eligibility and registration under the law.

Who Qualifies for Maltese Citizenship by Descent?

Eligibility depends heavily on the date of birth and the nationality of the parent. It can also vary case by case, since every family’s situation is so unique.

Core Eligibility Rules

• Before 21 September 1964 (independence): Persons born abroad to a Maltese father automatically became Maltese citizens.
• After 1964: Citizenship extended to children of Maltese mothers as well.
• After 1 August 2007: Amendments allowed both maternal and paternal lines equally, with no generational limit.

Generational Reach

• Children, grandchildren, and further descendants of Maltese citizens may apply, provided they can document lineage.
• Unlike other countries, Malta places no strict generational cut-off. However, this is only true if the chain of citizenship was maintained (that is, each generation could have maintained citizenship).
• There is also a recent exception: If any parent in the chain was alive on 1 August 2007 and had not acquired Maltese citizenship, then descendants might lose eligibility unless that parent would have been eligible.

For this reason, it’s important to consult with a professional while you’re determining your eligibility and gathering your application materials. Citizenship consultants often perform due diligence checks and ensure compliance with diligence standards set by the Agency responsible for citizenship matters.

Special Cases

• Adopted children under 18 may be eligible if adoption is legally recognized.
• Descendants of Maltese emigrants to countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the U.S. often qualify.
• In some fields of service, such as sports, arts, or science, individuals with extraordinary achievements and major achievements who can demonstrate successful integration and adequate knowledge of Malta’s culture may also be considered under specific sections of the Maltese Citizenship Act.

Historical Context

• 1964: Malta gained independence from the UK. Citizenship law initially favored paternal descent.
• 1989 and 2007 reforms: Expanded eligibility to maternal lines and removed generational limits.
• 2010 amendment: Allowed recognition of individuals born abroad to Maltese citizens, even if they had not previously registered.

These reforms make Malta one of the most generous EU countries for descent-based citizenship. The Agency overseeing citizenship conducts vetting of applicants to confirm family connections and ensure the integrity of each claim.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before beginning the process, it’s important that you know whether your case is likely to qualify.

Citizenship.eu can help you determine your eligibility for Maltese citizenship by descent through one of our service packages, offering exceptional service from start to finish.

Step 2: Document Ancestry

Collect records like birth, marriage, and death certificates to create a document trail linking you to a Maltese ancestor.

Step 3: Confirm Citizenship Status

Obtain your ancestor’s Maltese birth certificate or proof of nationality. This will play a key role in proving your link to Maltese ancestry.

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications are filed with the Public Registry in Malta or through Maltese embassies and consulates abroad. Each application for naturalization may include dependents or dependent children if they also qualify by descent or through marriage

Step 5: Pay Fees and Provide Translations

All non-English documents must be translated into English by an official translator and be legalized with apostilles.

Step 6: Processing and Decision

Applications usually take 12–24 months, depending on volume and complexity. During this time, you may need to provide additional records and documents. The Agency performs due diligence and vetting of applicants before granting final approval.

Required Documents

The actual documents you’ll need to gather might vary depending on the complexity of your case. However, almost every Maltese citizenship application should include the following:

• Applicant’s birth certificate.
• Parent’s and grandparent’s certificates.
• Ancestor’s Maltese birth certificate or registry extract.
• Applicant’s passport.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Apostilles and certified translations.

Dual Citizenship Rules

Malta allows dual citizenship, which means applicants do not need to renounce their existing nationality. Holding two separate passports can open up access to visa-free travel in hundreds of countries.

Common Challenges

• Proving Lineage: Your records must show a clear connection from you to your most recent Maltese ancestor.
• Colonial-Era Documents: For ancestors born before Malta’s independence, British colonial records may be needed. These can be difficult to track down, and may take additional time.
• Processing Delays: The Registry may take up to two years to process applications, especially in complicated cases. During this time, you may need to provide additional information, so it’s important to be prepare.

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship

Maltese citizenship makes you an EU citizen, and that has big implications in all 27 countries. As a citizen, you’ll have special rights and privileges, including:

• EU Rights: Freedom of movement, work, and residency.
• Education: Lower tuition rates in Malta and across the EU.
• Healthcare: Access to Malta’s public healthcare and EU systems.
• Property and Investment: Easier access to Malta’s real estate and financial systems.
• Heritage Recognition: Citizenship formalizes Maltese identity for descendants abroad.

FAQs

Malta Lineage Citizenship

Malta’s citizenship by descent law is one of the most inclusive in Europe, and provides access to huge opportunities for work, education, travel, and investment across the EU. As a Maltese dual citizen, you can effectively multiply your options for building the life you want for you and your family.

Your first step is to discover whether you’re eligible for Maltese citizenship by descent.

Start now by signing up for one of our guided service packages.