Malta Citizenship by Ancestry / Descent

New online assessment tool available now.

Many people are surprised to discover that a parent, grandparent, or earlier ancestor born in Malta may open the door to Maltese citizenship; and with it, the right to live, work, study, and travel freely across the European Union. To make this process easier to explore, we’ve launched a new online eligibility assessment tool designed specifically for individuals researching Malta citizenship by ancestry.

What Qualifies as Evidence of "Descent"

Unlike Malta’s merit-based immigration pathway, citizenship by descent focuses on family lineage and historical connections to Malta. In many cases, eligibility may arise through:
• Parents or grandparents born in Malta
• Maltese citizens who emigrated abroad
• Historical family registration records

However, ancestry-based citizenship is rarely straightforward. Eligibility can depend on:
• Dates of birth and migration
• Whether citizenship was retained or lost across generations
• Registration history
• Changes in Maltese nationality laws over time

This is why an initial assessment is so important. You can try it here: Malta Citizenship by Ancestry Eligibility Assessment

Our new tool helps identify whether your background may warrant a deeper legal review before investing time into document collection and genealogy research. If the assessment suggests potential eligibility, our team can then guide you through the next steps, including document review, lineage analysis, and formal citizenship procedures.

Alternatively, if you are interested in Malta permanent residency or the new Malta Citizenship by Merit option, you can try our general Eligibility Quiz here: Check Your Eligibility for Malta Residency or Citizenship

Please note that both tools provide preliminary guidance only and do not constitute formal legal advice or a government determination of eligibility.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions about Malta’s citizenship regulations or residency programs. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service.

Take the Quiz: Malta (EU) Residency or Citizenship. Which one is right for me?

Find out if you qualify for Malta permanent residency or Malta citizenship, including an EU passport / dual citizenship status.

Program Interest

Permanent Residency: Non‑EU nationals who obtain permanent residence in Malta under the MPRP program are granted the right to live, work, study, or retire in Malta. The program requires a minimum investment from €99,000, in addition to either purchasing or renting property, along with applicable professional and legal fees.

Citizenship: Malta citizenship under the Malta Citizenship by Merit framework grants the right to live, work, study, or retire in Malta, along with access to public healthcare and education. It also provides an EU passport, allowing holders to live and work in any EU member state, not just Malta. Eligible applicants typically include individuals with exceptional achievements in science, technology, or innovation; those distinguished in culture, the arts, or sports; business leaders and entrepreneurs whose ventures create employment in Malta; and philanthropic or humanitarian figures whose work and contributions demonstrates a broader international impact.

I am interested in:

Eligibility Screening

Do you have a criminal record?

Are you a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)?

Are you a citizen of one of the currently prohibited countries (Afghanistan, Belarus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela)?

Contact Information

Because residency and citizenship frameworks can evolve over time please contact us to speak with an advisor or to receive a preliminary quotation. The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal or financial advice.

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