Maltese nationality law

The primary law governing nationality of Malta is the Maltese Citizenship Act (Maltese: Att dwar iċ-Ċittadinanza Maltija), which came into force on 21 September 1964. Malta is a member state of the European Union (EU), and all Maltese nationals are EU citizens. They are entitled to free movement rights in EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, and may vote in elections to the European Parliament.

All persons born in Malta between 21 September 1964 and 1 August 1989 automatically received citizenship at birth regardless of the nationalities of their parents. Individuals born in the country since that date receive Maltese citizenship at birth if at least one of their parents is a Maltese citizen or was born in Malta. Foreign nationals may become Maltese citizens by naturalisation after meeting a minimum residence requirement (usually five years).

Individuals who make a substantial financial investment in the state are eligible for a facilitated naturalisation with a shortened residence period. Applicants making a €600,000 donation are subject to a 36-month residence requirement while those contributing €750,000 qualify with a 12-month period. Additionally, they are required to make a real estate purchase valued at least €700,000 or lease a residence with a minimum annual rent of €16,000. Dependents of principal applicants can be naturalised for a further €50,000 donation per person regardless of age. This citizenship pathway has been condemned by the European Commission for its high risks in aiding money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption.

Malta was previously a colony of the British Empire and local residents were British subjects. Although Malta gained independence in 1964 and Maltese citizens no longer hold British nationality, they remain Commonwealth citizens under British law. When residing in the United Kingdom, Maltese citizens are eligible to vote in UK elections and serve in public office there.