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.
Are you ready to check your eligibility to apply?
Malta Eligibility Live Results
The results below are based on the users who complete our Free Eligibility Assessment tool on the Citizenship.EU app, and are updated in real time.
*Represents submissions received since February 15, 2026
Do you think you might qualify for Maltese citizenship through ancestry?
Receive a no-commitment preliminary eligibility analysis from us to learn if you are eligible to apply. If eligible, our team can connect you to industry experts who can help file your application.
Malta Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Eligibility to apply for Maltese citizenship depends on a mix of historical eligibility criteria and generations removed. Those with a Maltese parent, grandparent, or occasionally great grandparent may be eligible to apply if they meet the other qualifying criteria.
Travel Required?
Varies
In most cases, you are not required to travel to Malta or to a Maltese Embassy to present your application in person. Depending on your path to citizenship, a trip to your nearest Maltese embassy or consulate may be required to make your final declaration for citizenship.
Language requirement?
No
While other application criteria must be met to apply, you are not required to learn Maltese to successfully file your Malta citizenship application.
Ways to Apply
Two Pathways
Malta allows citizenship through ancestry to be obtained for interested applicants whose connection back to Malta meets one of two different sets of requirements:
- Your parent was Maltese or remained a Maltese citizen at the time of your birth, particularly if you were born after September 21, 1964.
- Your grandparent and great-grandparent in the same line were born in Malta, especially where a parent did not secure recognition earlier, naturalized elsewhere, or died before later law changes.
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Maltese Citizenship Quote
Our team will reach out with an estimated quote and next steps to confirm your eligibility – no commitment required!
Likelihood of Eligibility
Maltese Citizenship May Be Closer Than You Think
Eligibility to apply for citizenship through ancestry isn’t always obvious. But based on real user data, for many, it may be closer than expected.
With citizenship comes the opportunity to live, work, study, and retire across the European Union—along with a meaningful way to honor your ancestry and reconnect with your family history.
This chart reflects real results from users who completed our Free Eligibility Assessment, highlighting that a simple verification can uncover life-changing opportunities.
I May Be Eligible
What Are Next Steps?
Confirm your Eligibility and Begin Your Application Today!
Step 1.
Sign Up and Assess Eligibility
Use our free eligibility assessment tool to learn if your EU lineage is potentially qualifying. For more complex lineages, subscribe for access to our Eligibility Report where we will verify your eligibility to apply.
Step 2.
Complete Citizenship Application Your Way
Whether you are looking for DIY-application instructions, additional genealogy research, or a vetted citizenship expert to help you file your citizenship application, our network of providers and tailored packages are ready to assist you.
Step 3.
Obtain Citizenship
Do you have questions about your recently obtained citizenship? Our network of country-specific experts can advise you about next steps related to your dual citizenship.
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.
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.
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* Marked countries are supported by Citizenship.EU, but are not a part of the European Union.
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Maltese Citizenship?
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