The Legal Notice 159 of 2025 has been published to amend the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 188.06 of the Laws of Malta). This reform reinforces Malta’s commitment to fostering national development, strategic goals and solidarity, as envisioned in the Malta Vision 2050.
Through Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit, an applicant may obtain Maltese citizenship by showing exceptional merit or making meaningful contributions aligned with Malta’s national goals and values. Interested individuals need to prove their exceptional service, contribution or interest to Malta or humanity at large.
Eligibility is also extended to the main applicant’s spouse, children under 18 years of age, unmarried dependant children between the ages of 18 to 29 years, and adult dependant children with a disability as defined in the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act.
The Application process is structured in two distinct phases:
- Proposal Letter
Applicants are required to draft a detailed Proposal Letter as an introduction to themselves and to outline the exceptional service/contribution/interest he/she would offer to Malta. This letter is submitted to Community Malta Agency, which conducts an extensive due diligence review, including background checks and risk assessments. Afterwards, an independent Evaluation Board reviews the letter and submits their recommendation back to Community Malta Agency, which then forwards this recommendation to the Minister. The Minister makes the final decision whether to approve or reject the proposal.
2. Application
Should the Proposal Letter be approved, the applicant may then proceed with submitting the full Application for citizenship to Community Malta Agency. The Application must include proof of residence, proof of ownership or lease of property in Malta (except minors), an indication of the exceptional service or the exceptional contribution rendered or made or to be rendered or made to the Republic of Malta, language proficiency in Maltese or English, and proof of ties to Malta. Following the renewed due diligence, the Evaluation Board will assess the Application to provide their recommendation, after which the Minister makes the final decision.
Successful applicants must submit a written statement undertaking and confirming continued compliance with all obligations and commitments. Afterwards, the applicant shall take an Oath of Allegiance within six months of approval of the Application pledging loyalty to the Republic of Malta and adherence to the Constitution of Malta. Upon completion, a Certificate of Naturalisation is issued.
For further information or assistance, please feel free to contact us directly!