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Maltese citizenship through naturalization

Maltese citizenship through naturalization

Comprehensive legal support throughout the naturalization process in Malta

  • Visa-free access to 170+ countries worldwide
  • Right to live, work and study in the EU
  • Ability to retain your original citizenship

Apply now to get expert advice

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Briefly about the program

The Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188) regulates the grounds and conditions for acquiring Maltese citizenship by foreign nationals. An adult applicant may submit an application if they have resided in Malta for 12 months immediately before applying and for a total of at least 4 years during the preceding 6 years. In addition to meeting the residence requirements, the applicant must have a good reputation, demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Maltese or English for naturalization purposes, and meet the requirements of a suitable candidate for citizenship. The final decision on granting Maltese citizenship is made by the Minister responsible for citizenship matters.

Visa-free access 170+ countries
Eligibility for citizenship after 4 years

Benefits of Maltese citizenship

  • Visa-free global mobility

    A Maltese passport provides visa-free access to 170+ countries worldwide, including all EU and Schengen Area countries, making it highly attractive for international mobility.

  • Living and working in the European Union

    Maltese passport holders automatically become EU citizens, gaining the right to freely travel, live, work and conduct business in 27 European countries without additional permits.

  • Developed country with a British-based legal system

    Malta’s legal system is based on the principles of British common law, providing effective and fair protection of the interests of citizens and residents.

  • Favorable tax regime

    Maltese citizens are not subject to separate wealth, inheritance or gift taxes — only certain real estate transactions and asset transfers may be subject to taxation.

  • Favorable living conditions

    Malta combines European infrastructure, a Mediterranean climate and rich historical heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • High-quality education and healthcare

    Maltese citizens have access to free public education of European standards, preferential study conditions at EU universities and an advanced healthcare system.

  • Stable economy and political system

    Malta has been part of the eurozone since 1 January 2008, demonstrates sustainable economic growth and offers a developed economy with a comfortable business environment.

  • Right to hold multiple citizenships

    Maltese law allows multiple citizenships, enabling naturalized citizens to retain their original passport if this does not conflict with the legal requirements of their country of primary residence.

Unlock business and financial opportunities with the program

  • Banks and accounts Maltese citizens can open a multi-currency bank account within 1–2 weeks, including remotely. The country’s banking system is stable and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, ensuring a high level of security.
  • Asset protection Maltese legislation provides for the use of corporate structures and trusts for asset management, ownership structuring and estate planning, while complying with EU and Maltese requirements regarding transparency and disclosure of beneficial ownership information.
  • Taxes Malta’s tax system includes a full imputation system, under which corporate tax paid by a company is credited against the taxation of distributed profits. Subject to meeting specific conditions, shareholders of Maltese companies may be eligible for a partial refund of corporate tax after receiving dividends.

Step-by-step guide to a Maltese passport

  • Specific requirements and expected costs
  • A clear step-by-step plan for obtaining Malta citizenship
  • Up-to-date citizenship options
Step-by-step guide to a Maltese passport

Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists

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Visa-free travel map

The Maltese passport ranks 5th in the international mobility ranking and allows holders to visit more than 170 countries without obtaining a visa in advance, including all EU and Schengen Area countries. A Maltese passport also allows visa-free travel to Canada, the USA, the UK and New Zealand with an electronic travel authorization (ETA).

  • Mobility index 172
  • Visa-free travel 122
  • Visa on arrival 40
  • E-visa 10
  • Passport power ranking 5
map

170+ countries accessible visa-free with a Malta passport

The Americas

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uruguay
  • The USA
  • Venezuela

Asia

  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Georgia
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mongolia
  • Nepal
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam

Africa

  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Burundi
  • Cape Verde
  • Comoros
  • DR Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Europe

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine
  • The UK
  • Vatican City

Oceania

  • Australia
  • Fiji
  • Kiribati
  • Marshall Islands
  • Micronesia
  • New Zealand
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu

Middle East

  • Bahrain
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Syria
  • Turkey
  • The UAE
  • Palestinian Territories

Discover a world without visa restrictions with a Maltese passport

  • Access to more than 170 countries without going through visa procedures
  • Opportunity to live and work throughout the EU
  • Access to advanced healthcare in leading European clinics
  • Favorable tax system and services of reliable banks

Apply now to get expert advice

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The path to citizenship begins
with obtaining residency status

The process of obtaining Maltese citizenship through naturalization starts with securing legal residence in the country and meeting the required residency period. A Maltese residence permit can be obtained on various grounds, including employment, entrepreneurship, financial independence, education, family reunification and participation in residency programs established under Maltese legislation. Regardless of the chosen pathway, an experienced team of iWorld lawyers will support the applicant throughout all stages of the naturalization process.

Comparative overview of Malta citizenship and other popular citizenship options

Category
Malta Malta
Cyprus Cyprus
Spain Spain
Visa-free destinations
170+
170+
170+
Minimum residency period
4 years
8 years
10 years
Personal income tax
from 0% to 35%
from 0% to 35%
from 19%
Corporate tax
35%
15%
from 15%
For the whole family
yes
yes
yes

Citizenship application process

Obtaining the first residence permit

With the support of iWorld, you obtain a Maltese residence permit based on employment, investment, entrepreneurship or financial independence. The validity period of the initial residence permit depends on the grounds for obtaining it and the applicant’s category.

Learn more

Maintaining residence status and meeting residency requirements

Over the following years, you regularly renew your residence permit while complying with the requirements regarding minimum stay in Malta, timely tax payments and compliance with local laws.

Learn more

Preparing documents for naturalization

iWorld specialists assist you in preparing your application dossier: completing the application form, arranging the required certificates and collecting documents confirming residence, good reputation and knowledge of one of the country’s official languages — Maltese or English.

Learn more

Submitting the application to Community Malta Agency

Your citizenship application is submitted by iWorld lawyers to the government agency Community Malta Agency. The procedure includes mandatory verification of the submitted documents and an assessment of your eligibility and suitability.

Learn more

Taking the oath of allegiance and receiving the certificate

After the application is approved by the Minister responsible for citizenship matters, you take the oath of allegiance to Malta, receive the naturalization certificate and apply for a Maltese passport with the support of iWorld specialists.

Learn more

Get a personalized cost estimate for Malta citizenship

iWorld specialists will prepare a tailored estimate covering each stage, expected timelines, your family situation, eligibility grounds, and all applicable fees.

Get a personalized cost estimate for Malta citizenship

Citizenship by naturalization: alternative programs

Cyprus Country Cyprus
Cost upon request
Processing time from 8 years
Key advantages
  • Free access to the liquid real estate market
  • Favorable taxation system for individuals and businesses
  • The right to work in all EU countries
Learn more
Spain Country Spain
Cost upon request
Residency requirements from 10 years
Key advantages
  • Visa-free access to 176 countries worldwide
  • Access to healthcare and education systems
  • Freedom of travel, work, and living in the Schengen Area
Learn more
See All Programs

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FAQ

What is the minimum residence period required for naturalization in Malta?

To apply for naturalization, an applicant must have resided in Malta for 12 months immediately before submitting the application and have accumulated at least 4 years of residence in Malta during the previous 6 years.

Where is the application for Maltese citizenship through naturalization submitted?

The naturalization application is submitted to Community Malta Agency, which is responsible for matters related to the acquisition of Maltese citizenship.

Is it necessary to renounce the first citizenship when obtaining Maltese citizenship?

Maltese legislation has allowed dual and multiple citizenship since 2000, so renouncing the passport of the country of origin is not required.

Are the applicant’s documents and profile subject to legal review by Maltese authorities?

Yes. During the application process, authorities verify the submitted documents, compliance with legal requirements and the applicant’s suitability.

Is knowledge of the Maltese language required for naturalization?

The applicant must demonstrate adequate knowledge of either Maltese or English.

How long does the citizenship application review process take?

Maltese legislation does not establish a fixed processing period for naturalization applications. The duration depends on the scope and complexity of the required checks.

Can citizenship be applied for without permanent residence?

Holding permanent residence is not a mandatory requirement for submitting a naturalization application.

Does the period of study or employment in Malta count towards naturalization?

Yes. Subject to legal requirements, any period of lawful residence in Malta is taken into account, regardless of the basis of residence, including employment, studies or entrepreneurship.

Can family members be included in the application?

There is no single family application: each applicant must independently meet the naturalization requirements and submit their own application.

What should be done if citizenship is refused?

The decision on naturalization is made by the Minister within the powers established by law. After addressing the possible reasons for refusal, the applicant may consider submitting a new application.

Get expert advice — contact us today

You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.

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Aleksey Nosovsky Head of Legal Department

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