Maltese Citizenship Through Ancestry
Malta is a sun-drenched Mediterranean nation with a complex past and a deep connection to its global diaspora. For generations, Malta’s people crossed oceans in search of opportunity, leaving behind a homeland shaped by centuries of empire and resilience. Today, their descendants have a chance to come home.
If your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents were Maltese citizens, you may be eligible to reclaim that citizenship. You don’t need to live in Malta or speak the language to qualify.
Eligible Generations
Great-grandparents or more
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
2 ways
Language requirement?
No
Your Maltese roots give you EU access.
If you qualify, Maltese citizenship gives you the right to live, work, study, and retire in any EU country. That means Paris, Berlin, Lisbon, or Rome—your EU rights move with you. Reclaiming your citizenship is a reconnection to your family’s legacy and a powerful tool for global mobility.
Why Does Malta Offer Citizenship by Descent?
When Malta gained independence from England in 1964, many Maltese abroad held British subject status and found themselves legally cut off from their homeland.
Meanwhile, massive waves of emigration, especially to the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K., left a third of Malta’s population overseas. Citizenship laws at the time often punished those who naturalized elsewhere, stripping them of Maltese nationality and disconnecting future generations.
Malta’s modern citizenship law is a correction to that legacy. It recognizes that most Maltese emigrants didn’t leave by choice, and that their descendants still belong.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You might be eligible if you can answer yes to one of the following:
- Was your parent a Maltese citizen when you were born?
- Was a grandparent or great-grandparent a Maltese citizen?
If one of these is true, you might be eligible to reclaim citizenship. We’ll help you navigate what applies to your family.
Want to find if you are eligible for Maltese Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Maltese Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
"The idea of applying for Hungarian citizenship always felt overwhelming—until I found Citizenship.EU. They helped me figure out if I could qualify through my great-grandfather and put me in touch with professionals who handled everything".
James Nagy
Chicago, USA
"My grandfather was born in Sicily, and I always dreamed of reclaiming that part of my identity. I had no idea where to start or whether I even qualified. Citizenship.EU made the process so much less intimidating".
Elena G
New York, USA
“I knew my grandmother was born in County Mayo, but I wasn’t sure if I could actually get Irish citizenship. Citizenship.EU walked me through the whole eligibility check. I received my Irish citizenship certificate last month and my passport is on the way”!
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New Hampshire, USA
Get the Maltese citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Maltese passport if my grandfather is Maltese?
Yes, you may be eligible for Maltese citizenship if you can prove direct descent from a Maltese-born ancestor. Specifically, if your grandfather was born in Malta and your parent (their child) was also born in Malta, you can apply for citizenship by registration. This process requires documentation demonstrating the unbroken lineage.
Who is eligible for Maltese citizenship?
Eligibility for Maltese citizenship by descent includes individuals born outside Malta who can prove direct descent from an ancestor born in Malta, with a parent also born in Malta. Additionally, children born in Malta to at least one Maltese parent are typically granted citizenship at birth.
Can I get citizenship if my mom was born in Malta?
Yes, if your mother was born in Malta, you may be eligible for Maltese citizenship. The eligibility depends on the date of your birth and your mother’s citizenship status at that time. For instance, children born after August 1, 1989, to a Maltese-born mother are generally eligible for citizenship by descent.
What is the Maltese citizenship by descent application form?
The application for Maltese citizenship by descent is made using Form K, which is designated for individuals applying under Article 3(3) or 5(3) of the Maltese Citizenship Act. This form requires detailed information about your lineage and supporting documentation.
Can I apply for Maltese citizenship through my grandparents?
Yes, you can apply for Maltese citizenship through your grandparents if you can demonstrate that your grandparent was born in Malta and that their child (your parent) was also born in Malta. This establishes the direct line of descent required for eligibility.
What is the cost of applying for Maltese citizenship by descent?
The application fee for Maltese citizenship by descent is €150. If the application is approved, an additional €50 is payable upon collection of the citizenship certificate. Additional fees may apply for document translations or notarizations.
Does Malta allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Malta permits dual citizenship. Since amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act in 2000, individuals acquiring Maltese citizenship are not required to renounce their existing citizenships.
Is there a residency requirement for citizenship by descent?
No, there is no residency requirement for individuals applying for Maltese citizenship by descent. Applicants can submit their applications through Maltese embassies or consulates abroad.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
