Malta - Passport & Nationality - Maltese Citizenship (Naturalisation)

Government websites ambiguously state that it is possible 'to become eligible' to acquire Maltese citizenship by naturalisation after 5 years of legal residence in Malta. In practice applications are only given a favourable consideration to persons who were born in Malta, have resided there for more than 18 years (6 more than Switzerland, have a Maltese parent, or based on humanitarian grounds. Under Maltese law, naturalisation is said to be at the sole discretion of the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs but curiously letters of denial are sent by the Director of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.

Prior to 1 August 1989, the residence period for naturalisation was 6 years, and those from Commonwealth countries could acquire Maltese citizenship by registration after 5 years residence. On 1 August 1989, the distinction between naturalisation and registration was removed.

Prior to 10 February 2000, persons acquiring Maltese citizenship by naturalisation or registration were obliged to prove they had lost or renounced any other citizenship they held.

Since 10 February 2000, all former citizens of Malta (who were not automatically given Maltese citizenship back) have the right to re-acquire Maltese citizenship by registration.

Beware, as this is recent legal change it appears to have caused some confusion as to what set of laws applies to who in High Commissions and Embassies. Despite being certain I was a Maltese citizen as defined by the guidelines on The Maltese Government web site my experience saw me having to apply for nationality only to be written to by the Maltese Government confirming I was Maltese under the new law and therefore there was no need for the nationality application.