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Expertise

Private Clients – MALTESE CITIZENSHIP BY MERIT

The Citizenship by Merit process in Malta is governed by Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188) and LN 159 of 2025, and grants the Minister in charge the authority to confer citizenship to individuals who have rendered exceptional services to the Republic of Malta and/or to humanity.

Exceptional services may include contributions in the fields of science and research, arts, sports, culture, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, technology, etc. Ideally, these contributions should align with Malta Vision 2050, the national initiative shaping the country’s long-term development.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible, the main applicant must first obtain residency in Malta. Thereafter, an application is submitted to the Evaluation Board in the form of a Proposal Letter, presenting the main applicant, their dependents, and an overview of their achievements, alongside a detailed description of the exceptional service or contribution the applicant intends to provide for the benefit of the Republic of Malta or humanity.

Prior to submission, the agency undertakes a four-tier due diligence process through international private agencies and issues the relevant administrative fees. Once fees are paid, the Proposal Letter is formally submitted to the Evaluation Board. 

The application is considered lodged at this stage, marking the start of the evaluation process.

Assess Your Eligibility Today

EVALUATION PROCESS

The Evaluation Board reviews the submission and provides an opinion to the agency, which is then forward it to the Minister in charge. The Minister retains full discretionary authority to grant or deny citizenship, and the decision is final.

If approved, the main applicant must submit a naturalisation application on the basis of merit, which must include:

  • Proof of residence in Malta for at least eight months in the period preceding the application date
  • Proof of ownership of title to adequate residential property
  • Proof of exceptional service or contribution, endorsed by the designated competent body
  • Confirmation of adequate knowledge of Maltese or English
  • Evidence of all ties created with Malta

FINAL STEPS

The final step is the oath of allegiance, which must be taken within six months from the issuance of the Approval Letter, with extensions granted in exceptional circumstances. 

Prior to taking the oath, applicants must confirm in writing their continued commitment to fulfilling all obligations and honouring all commitments undertaken.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

At InariLaw, we provide comprehensive assistance throughout the entire process. This includes assistance through the residency application process, identifying opportunities for the main applicant to render an exceptional service and/or contribution, liaising with all relevant authorities, and managing compliance obligations through to the oath of allegiance and beyond. We ensure that all procedural requirements are met and that applicants remain fully compliant at every stage of the process.


Please feel free to complete the eligibility assessment form above if you would like to confirm your eligibility or if you wish to receive further information and discuss the procedure and timeline in details. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Initial consultations are provided free of charge.