Malta Citizenship by Marriage: Guide on Getting a Maltese Nationality for Spouse

Spouses of Maltese nationals get their citizenship by registration. The process is regulated by the provisions of the Maltese Citizenship Act ^{[1]Source: Chapter 188 of the Maltese Citizenship Act}. 

There are a few categories eligible for Maltese citizenship by marriage.

Spouse of a Maltese citizen

Foreign spouses of Maltese citizens may apply for citizenship if they follow two main conditions:

1. They have been married for at least 5 years.
2. They are still married and living together at the time of application.

Spouses may live together in Malta or outside the country.

The Maltese Citizenship Act states that Malta citizenship can also be obtained by a foreigner whose spouse got a Maltese passport by registration or naturalisation.

Malta citizenship for a widow or a widower

The Maltese Citizenship Act allows a widow or a widower to obtain a Maltese passport. According to the regulation, a foreign spouse can apply for citizenship 5 years after the wedding date. In this case, spouses must live together until the death of the Maltese citizen.

Unregistered partnership

A foreigner who is in a civil union with a Maltese citizen is eligible for Malta citizenship. The primary condition is that the applicant must be in a civil union at the time of submission of documents and live with their partner for at least 5 years. In addition, Maltese authorities must ensure that granting citizenship to persons in an unregistered marriage doesn't conflict with public interests.

Same-sex marriages

In 2014, Malta's parliament recognised same-sex unions, including those concluded abroad. And most importantly, it gave same-sex partners the same rights as opposite-sex partners.

Thus, a foreigner in a same-sex marriage may qualify for Malta citizenship. It is necessary to fulfil the same requirement: to be married to a Maltese citizen for at least 5 years.

The documents that the applicant must provide:

• Form B of an application for obtaining citizenship;
• recent passport-size photo;
• joint affidavit confirming that the spouses have been married for 5 years and still live together;
• passports or IDs of both spouses;
• birth certificate of a foreign spouse;
• marriage certificate registered in Malta;
• additional documents like certificates of previous marriages, if applicable.

All documents must be in English or Maltese. The translation must be carried out by a certified translator.

Besides citizenship by marriage, Maltese law provides several other routes to citizenship, including naturalisation, birth or descent, family reunification, citizenship by merit, and citizenship for refugees.

Citizenship by naturalisation

Foreigners who have lived in Malta for 5 years may apply for citizenship by naturalisation. Applicants must be over 18, have lived in Malta continuously for the 12 months before applying and for a total of 4 years during the preceding 6 years, be of good character, and demonstrate adequate knowledge of Maltese or English.

Citizenship by birth or descent

Maltese citizenship may be available to children of Maltese citizens and to direct descendants of Maltese nationals. 

The exact eligibility requirements depend on the applicant's date and place of birth and on how their parent or ancestor obtained Maltese citizenship. Applications by descent can also be submitted from abroad through a Maltese representation.

Citizenship by family reunification

Close relatives of Maltese citizens qualify for citizenship by naturalisation. They obtain a residence permit for family reunification, but they have no separate route to citizenship. As a result, they must first live in the country for 5 years to become eligible for citizenship. 

It applies to people with Maltese parents, siblings, or grandparents permanently living in Malta, as well as foreign children adopted by Maltese nationals and foreign guardians of minor Maltese citizens.

In some cases, relatives of Maltese citizens may apply for citizenship by registration.

Citizenship by merit

Malta citizenship by merit is a discretionary form of naturalisation intended for individuals whose exceptional achievements, talents, or proposed contributions support Malta's national interests. Relevant areas may include entrepreneurship, innovation, science, education, healthcare, culture, sport, philanthropy, social impact, and strategic national initiatives.

Applications are assessed individually by Community Malta Agency. Applicants are expected to show recognised professional achievements, a genuine connection to Malta, and a contribution that goes beyond ordinary professional activity and creates clear value for the country.

Citizenship for refugees

Foreign nationals who receive refugee status in Malta may become eligible for citizenship after living in the country for 6 years. Refugees are not required to take language or public integration exams and do not pay a state fee when applying.

1. A foreign spouse may apply for Malta citizenship after at least 5 years of marriage, provided the couple is still married and living together at the time of application. They may live either in Malta or abroad.
2. Widows and widowers, partners in civil unions, and same-sex spouses may also qualify if they meet the 5-year requirement.
3. The process includes preparing documents, submitting the application and paying a €150 fee, taking the oath of allegiance after approval, and receiving a certificate of registration for a €50 fee.
4. Fictitious marriages are prohibited. Entering into a fictitious marriage to obtain citizenship is a criminal offence in Malta and may lead to imprisonment for up to 2 years.
5. Malta also provides routes through naturalisation, birth or descent, family reunification, refugee status, and citizenship by merit. The last way is a special naturalisation form for those who have contributed significantly to Maltese development.