Malta citizenship by descent
Malta passes citizenship to children of citizens, and lets descendants of a Malta-born ascendant register — if the line has two consecutive Malta-born ascendants and each generation registers. Check whether you qualify, build your lineage, and get a primary-source-backed document checklist and cost estimate.
Who may qualify
- A Maltese-citizen parent → citizenship by descent.
- Or two consecutive Malta-born ascendants in your direct line → registration.
- Each generation must register to keep the chain unbroken.
- A link-severance rule applies (deadline extended to 1 Aug 2028).
A general overview — your eligibility depends on the specifics of your line. The free check gives a personalized answer.
Not sure where to start?
The free eligibility check takes about two minutes.
By ancestor path
Your relationship to the Malta ancestor determines which rules apply.
What you'll need
- Government fee
- ≈ €150 application + €50 certificate (varies by category)
- Typical timeline
- ~6–18 months
- Where
- Community Malta Agency (Identità)
Key dates & laws
2007 amendment
Extended registration to 2nd-and-later generations born abroad of a Malta-born ascendant.
1 Aug 2028 (Act XXI of 2025)
Extended deadline for the link-severance rule.
Where it's processed
Community Malta Agency (Identità)
Tools
Guides
Frequently asked questions
- Who qualifies for Malta citizenship by descent?
- Eligibility runs through the Descent (grandparent + great-grandparent) pathway and depends on your specific line of descent — which ancestor was a citizen, when, and whether the chain was ever broken by naturalization or other events. Run the free eligibility check for a personalized answer.
- Which authority decides Malta citizenship cases?
- Community Malta. EasyPassport is not affiliated with them; we help you organize and verify, and you submit to the authority directly.
- How long does it take?
- Timelines vary widely by route and backlog and are outside any service's control. Treat published averages as estimates and confirm current waits with the authority.
- Do I need to upload my passport or ID?
- No. EasyPassport never stores passports or government IDs — it's a checklist and organization tool, not a document vault.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. We use “may qualify” language because the authority makes the final determination. For an individualized opinion, consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.
Other countries we support
EasyPassport is not affiliated with Community Malta, any government, or any consulate. This is a document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.