Maltese Citizenship by Registration in 2026: Updated Requirements & Process

Registration is a path to citizenship for Maltese nationals’ family members: spouses or descendants. It is also a way for former citizens to reobtain their Maltese nationality  ^{[1]Source: Acquisition of citizenship by Malta Community Agency}.

This route usually doesn’t include an obligation to live in Malta continuously before submitting documents.

The complete list of categories of people who can apply for Malta citizenship by registration includes the following: 

1. Spouse of a Maltese citizen who has been married for five years and is married and living with the spouse at the time of applying.
2. Widow or widower of a person who was a citizen of Malta at the time of death, provided that the spouses have been married for at least five years.
3. Widow or widower of a Maltese citizen who would have been married to them for five years if not for the death of the person.
4. Widow or widower of a person who died before 21.09.1964, and if not for this death, the person would automatically become a Maltese citizen. In this case, the spouses are also required to live together for at least five years.
5. Person born before 21.09.1964 to a female native of Malta who became or would have become, but for her death, a citizen of Malta on a specific date.
6. Person born abroad between 21.09.1964 and 31.07.1989 to a Maltese mother.
7. Former Maltese citizen who is unable to acquire dual citizenship due to not having lived abroad for six years or who was a Maltese citizen by registration or by naturalisation.
8. Maltese descendant who was born abroad if either parent is a citizen of Malta. The legal guardian files the application on their behalf if the descendant is a minor.

An applicant must submit some documents alongside their citizenship application. The list depends on the applicant’s category. Documents must be translated into English or Maltese.

When applying for citizenship by registration, an applicant must also pay several fees. The fee of €150 is paid for applying. However, it is not charged if the application is submitted by an adult but not a fully capable person. In addition, another €50 is paid upon obtaining a certificate of citizenship.

Spouse of a Maltese citizen

Required documents:

• joint affidavit confirming that the applicant and their Maltese spouse have been married for at least five years and are still living together;
• marriage certificate registered in Malta;
• birth certificate of the applicant indicating the parents’ names;
• passports of both the applicant and their spouse;
• passport-size photo;
• birth certificate of a spouse;
• birth certificate of the spouse’s Maltese parents;
• marriage certificate of the spouse’s Maltese parents, if applicable.

Widow or widower of a Maltese citizen

The list of required documents contains:

• affidavit confirming that the applicant and their Maltese spouse lived together till the latter’s death;
• marriage certificate, registered in Malta;
• birth certificate of the applicant indicating the parents’ names;
• passport;
• passport-size photo;
• birth certificate of a former spouse;
• certificate of death of a former spouse;
• spouse’s passport if the document is still in the applicant’s possession;
• birth certificate of the spouse’s Maltese parents;
• marriage certificate of the spouse’s Maltese parents, if applicable.

Former citizen of Malta

Those who want to reobtain their Maltese citizenship must provide:

• passport;
• birth certificate indicating parents’ names;
• marriage certificate, if applicable;
• birth certificate of the applicant’s parents;
• letter stating why the applicant is unable to provide 6 years of documented proof of residence abroad or a copy of the letter of renunciation of Maltese citizenship;
• passport-size photo;
• copy of the applicant’s certificate of acquisition of citizenship.

Son or a daughter of a female Maltese citizen

Children of a Maltese mother provide:

• birth certificate indicating parents’ names;
• applicant’s marriage certificate, if applicable;
• passport;
• passport-size photo;
• birth certificate of the applicant’s mother;
• marriage certificate of the applicant’s mother;
• mother’s passport;
• birth certificates of maternal grandparents;
• a maternal grandparents' marriage certificate.

If the applicant was born after 21.09.1964, the Agency may also require documentary evidence that the mother was a citizen of Malta at the time of the applicant's birth.

Descendant of Maltese citizens

The required documents are the following:

• birth certificate of the applicant indicating the parent’s names;
• marriage certificate, if applicable;
• birth and marriage certificates of ascendants to show a direct relationship with ascendants born on the island;
• passport-size photo;
• passport.

In the case of the third and subsequent generations:

• death certificate of the applicant’s ascendant born in Malta;
• copy of the registration certificate of the applicant’s ascendant born in Malta.

If the application is filed on behalf of a minor, their legal guardian will need to provide the necessary documents on behalf of that child.

Publicity. The Malta Government Gazette annually publishes a list of all people registered or naturalised as Maltese citizens during the previous year.

Dual citizenship. The Maltese legislation allows dual or multiple citizenships. However, applicants must check whether their country of origin allows it as well. If not, they will lose their first citizenship upon receiving a second one.

Revocation of citizenship. Under the Maltese Citizenship Act, a person who acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation may be deprived of it in specific circumstances. These can include cases where citizenship was obtained through fraud, false representation or concealment of important information, as well as certain other circumstances established by law.

Besides citizenship by registration, Maltese law provides several other routes to citizenship, including naturalisation, birth or descent, 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

Foreigners with Maltese spouses are eligible for citizenship by registration after 5 years of marriage.

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.

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. Malta citizenship by registration is available to spouses, widows or widowers of Maltese citizens, as well as descendants and former Maltese citizens. Residing in the country is not required.
2. Processing applications for Malta registration generally takes 4—6 months, although complicated cases can take up to 2 years.
3. Applicants must provide evidence supporting their family relationship, previous citizenship or other circumstances, with documents translated into English or Maltese. The application fee is €150; the citizenship certificate fee is €50.
4. Multiple citizenship is permitted by Malta. Applicants should also consider the rules of their country of origin, as receiving Maltese citizenship may affect their existing nationality.
5. Other ways to get Malta citizenship include naturalisation.