Citizenship

Acquisition of Citizenship by Naturalisation

The Maltese Citizenship Act provides a route for individuals residing in Malta for a number of years (without Maltese family ties) to apply for Maltese citizenship through a process called naturalisation. Even if the individual satisfies all conditions, it is up to the Minister responsible for this matter who has the ultimate discretion to grant or refuse an application.

Provided that the applicant is over eighteen (18) years of age, an individual may submit an application if:

• He/ She has resided in Malta throughout the period of 12 months preceding the date of the application, and
• During the 6 years preceding the said period of 12 months has resided in Malta for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than 4 years, and
• The applicant has an adequate knowledge of the Maltese or English language, and
• The applicant is of good character and the applicant would be a suitable citizen of Malta