Who qualifies
- Can registerA direct-line ancestor born in Malta to a parent also born in MaltaAny generation. You need two consecutive generations born in Malta somewhere in your line.
- Likely MalteseA Maltese parentAsk a Maltese embassy or high commission about registering your birth.
- CheckOnly one Malta-born generationThe registration route needs two consecutive generations born in Malta. Ask the Agency if your line doesn’t fit.
How to apply
- Trace two consecutive Malta-born generationsFor example, a great-grandfather born in Malta whose father was also born in Malta.
- Gather certificates for every linkBirth and marriage certificates from those ancestors down to you.
- Apply to Community Malta AgencyOn forms K and M for descendants, through a Maltese embassy or high commission if you live abroad. The fee is €150.
- Take the oath and collect the certificateIncluding the Oath of Allegiance. A further €50 is paid on collection. You’re Maltese from the date on the certificate.
Documents
- Your full birth certificate, showing your parents’ names
- Your marriage certificate, if applicable
- One recent passport photo
- Your passport
- Birth and marriage certificates of your ancestors, showing the link to two consecutive Malta-born generations
- For third and later generations: the Malta-born ancestor’s death certificate, if they’ve died, and their registration certificate, if they had one
For UK, Irish and US certificates, see where to order certificates.
Common questions
How far back can it go?
There’s no generation limit. What matters is a direct line to an ancestor born in Malta whose parent was also born in Malta.
Can I keep my other passport?
Yes. Malta allows dual citizenship.
Do I need to speak Maltese or live in Malta?
No, not for registration as a descendant.
How much does it cost?
€150 to apply and €50 when you collect the certificate, plus the cost of certificates and any oaths sworn at the Agency (€10 each).
What a Maltese passport gives you
The right to live, work, study and retire across all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. See what an EU passport lets you do.
Living there
A Maltese passport lets you live and work in any EU country, and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Not eligible? The long way round
If descent doesn’t work for you, you can still become a citizen by living in Malta and applying to naturalize. It takes longer, but it’s open to anyone who meets the conditions.
A shortcut for people with Maltese roots
Descendants of two consecutive Malta-born generations can register without living there. See the guide above.
- Time living there first
- 5 years living in Malta.
- Language and tests
- Enough Maltese or English.
- Keep your current passport?
- Yes. Malta allows dual citizenship.
- Main ways to get residence
- Work permits, the nomad residence permit and the global residence program.
Naturalization is at the minister’s discretion, with no reasons given and no appeal.
Already have, or able to get, a passport from an EU country through another family line? Then you can live and work in Malta without a visa. See what an EU passport lets you do.
General information, not immigration advice. Residence rules change often, so check the official source before you plan a move. Sources: UNHCR Malta: citizenship (secondary source).