Nationality of Malta: all obtaining pathways
Malta requires five years of legal residence and knowledge of Maltese and English for ordinary naturalization, with reductions for spouses of nationals. It also has a citizenship-by-investment pathway — the MEIN program, successor of the former IIP — with timelines of one to three years depending on the contribution made.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Full age and capacity (art. 10(1))
- 12 months of residence in Malta immediately before the date of application (art. 10(1)(a))
- ≥4 years of aggregate residence during the 6 years immediately before those 12 months (art. 10(1)(b))
- Adequate knowledge of Maltese or English (art. 10(1)(c))
- Good character (art. 10(1)(d))
- Would be a suitable citizen of Malta (art. 10(1)(e))
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Residence certificate (e-Residence card)
- Criminal record certificates from Malta and the country of origin
- Maltese and English proficiency certificates
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Declaration of loyalty
2Naturalization through marriage to a Maltese national
Naturalization through marriage to a Maltese national
Requirements
- Married to a Maltese citizen on the date of application and of registration, and living with them (marriage article after Act XV/2020)
- Marriage and cohabitation of ≥5 years up to the date of application
- The Minister must be satisfied the grant is not contrary to the public interest
- Registration (not naturalisation) + oath of allegiance
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Residence certificate
- Maltese and English proficiency certificates
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Maltese citizen at the time of birth
- Automatic transmission with no generational limit
- For descendants of Maltese born abroad: registration at the Maltese consulate
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the Maltese parent
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Maltese civil registry documents
- Where applicable, consular registry documents
4Citizenship by investment (MEIN / former IIP)
Citizenship by investment (MEIN / former IIP)
Requirements
- Non-refundable contribution of 600,000 euros (3 years of residence) or 750,000 euros (1 year of residence) to the National Development and Social Philanthropic Fund
- Real-estate investment of 700,000 euros (held for 5 years) or rent of 16,000 euros per year (held for 5 years)
- Philanthropic donation of 10,000 euros to a registered Maltese NGO
- Good-conduct certificates from the country of origin and Malta
- Passing the due diligence checks
- Effective residence in Malta during the required period
- Certificate of eligibility issued by the regulator (Community Malta Agency)
Documentation
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Criminal record certificates from Malta and the country of origin
- Proof of the non-refundable contribution
- Real-estate deed or rental contract
- Philanthropic donation receipt
- Community Malta Agency certificate of eligibility
- Due diligence report
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Malta
How many years of residence does Malta require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Malta (Naturalization by residence), the term is 12 months of residence immediately before applying + ≥4 years of aggregate residence in the preceding 6 years (art. 10(1)). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Malta be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage to a Maltese national pathway (≥5 years married to and living with the Maltese citizen (no separate residence period)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Malta require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport; Residence certificate (e-Residence card); Criminal record certificates from Malta and the country of origin; Maltese and English proficiency certificates; Proof of means of subsistence; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Malta?
Malta provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage to a Maltese national, Nationality by descent, Citizenship by investment.
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