MALTA | CITIZENSHIP | BY DESCENT
Maltese Citizenship By Descent
The regulations governing Maltese citizenship by descent offer a structured pathway for individuals with ancestral ties to Malta to obtain citizenship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate direct lineage from a Maltese-born ancestor, with specific provisions for those whose parents, grandparents, or even further ascendants were born in Malta. The process involves registration and, where applicable, the taking of an oath of allegiance. Citizenship by descent in Malta ensures the preservation of Maltese heritage and identity, allowing qualified individuals to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
MALTA | Citizenship By Descent
To acquire Maltese citizenship through descent, applicants must meet the following criteria as established under the Maltese Citizenship Act.
Criteria
• The applicant must be a direct descendant of an ancestor born in Malta to parents who were also born in Malta.
• If born before 21st September 1964, the applicant qualifies if either parent was a Maltese citizen by birth.
• If born on or after 21st September 1964, at least one parent must have been a Maltese citizen at the time of birth.
• The Minister must be satisfied that granting citizenship is not contrary to the public interest.
Dependents
Citizenship by descent in Malta does not automatically extend to dependents such as a spouse or children. However:
• A spouse of a Maltese citizen may apply for citizenship after being married and living together for at least five years.
• Minor children of a newly registered Maltese citizen may be eligible for citizenship if they are dependent on the Maltese parent. Adult children do not qualify.
Non-eligibility
• The applicant was born outside of Malta, and in their direct lineage has no ascendants that were born in Malta, to parents who were also born in Malta.
• The applicant’s parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was eligible to apply for Maltese citizenship but did not do so before 1st August 2010, and they passed away after that date.
MALTESE CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT | The Process
Typically, applying for Maltese citizenship by descent starts with an in-depth genealogical study, which Yakof Agius & Associates provide in-house. This means that you do not have to engage a separate genealogist for obtaining historical documents as this service is also provided by us.
A full birth certificate that includes the applicant’s parents’ names, date, and place of birth, along with a marriage certificate if applicable, and a current passport as proof of identity will be required.
If any of these documents are not in Maltese or English, a certified translation must be provided.
To establish Maltese lineage, birth and marriage certificates of both parents, as well as those of the Maltese-born ancestor(s), must be included to demonstrate two consecutive generations born in Malta. If the Maltese descent is through a deceased parent, a death certificate for that parent is also required.
Additionally, the applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance, which must be sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths. The entire process typically takes between 6 to 12 months.
Typically, applying for Maltese citizenship by descent starts with an in-depth genealogical study, which Yakof Agius & Associates provide in-house. This means that you do not have to engage a separate genealogist for obtaining historical documents as this service is also provided by us.
A full birth certificate that includes the applicant’s parents’ names, date, and place of birth, along with a marriage certificate if applicable, and a current passport as proof of identity will be required.
If any of these documents are not in Maltese or English, a certified translation must be provided.
To establish Maltese lineage, birth and marriage certificates of both parents, as well as those of the Maltese-born ancestor(s), must be included to demonstrate two consecutive generations born in Malta. If the Maltese descent is through a deceased parent, a death certificate for that parent is also required.
Additionally, the applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance, which must be sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths. The entire process typically takes between 6 to 12 months.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To become a Maltese citizen by descent, you must prove that you are a direct descendant of a Maltese-born ancestor, such as a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. This requires submitting official documents, including birth and marriage certificates for both your parents and Maltese-born ancestors, along with your own birth certificate and passport. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you must also take an Oath of Allegiance before a Commissioner for Oaths to complete the process.
No, there is no residency requirement to obtain Maltese citizenship by descent. You only need to prove your direct lineage to a Maltese-born ancestor by submitting the required documents. Once your application is approved and the Oath of Allegiance is taken, you can obtain citizenship without residing in Malta.
Since 2000, Malta permits individuals to hold multiple nationalities, allowing you to retain other citizenships alongside Maltese citizenship. However, it is essential to verify whether the laws of your current citizenship permit dual or multiple nationalities, as some countries may restrict or revoke citizenship in such cases.
Maltese citizenship offers EU rights, including freedom to live, work, and study across EU member states, visa-free travel to over 180 countries, access to Malta’s diplomatic missions worldwide, excellent healthcare and education, and a secure Mediterranean lifestyle.
It is also worth noting, that children born to Maltese citizens are automatically deemed Maltese citizens.
The processing time for Maltese citizenship by descent varies but typically takes several months to over a year. Delays may occur due to document verification, application volume, or additional information requests. It is advisable to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid unnecessary delays.
Anyone who has an ancestor who was born in Malta, to Maltese parents, may be eligible for Maltese citizenship by descent. The applicant must provide official documents proving direct lineage, such as birth and marriage certificates of both parents and Maltese-born ancestors. Eligibility may also depend on whether the ancestor applied for or retained their Maltese citizenship within the required legal timeframes.
No, Maltese citizenship by descent applies only to the individual applicant and cannot be extended to dependants. Each eligible relative must submit a separate application and independently prove their direct Maltese lineage. There are no provisions for including spouses, children, or other family members under a single descent-based application.
Proof of Maltese ancestry requires official birth and marriage certificates tracing direct lineage to a Maltese-born direct ascendant. Additional supporting documents may include passports, death certificates, or historical records confirming the ancestor’s Maltese citizenship or place of birth. All documents must be official, certified copies, and translations are required if they are not in Maltese or English.
No, owning or leasing property in Malta is not required when applying for Maltese citizenship by descent. The application is based solely on proving direct lineage to a Maltese-born ancestor through official documents. Residency or property ownership in Malta is not a condition for obtaining citizenship by descent.
The standard application fee for Maltese citizenship by descent is €150, with an additional €50 fee payable upon approval for the certificate. If re-registering, additional fees apply: €15 for the first re-registration, €20 for the second, and €25 for the third. Other potential costs include translation, notarization, and legal fees, as well as genealogical research services, which may be time-consuming and expensive, especially if records need to be located from historical archives.
