CBM — Family Benefits & Inclusion | Malta Citizenship by Merit (2025)

Q: Can adult children be included?

Often yes if unmarried and financially dependent and under 29, subject to age/dependency limits and documentary proof. We assess eligibility at intake and advise on evidence such as enrollment letters, support statements, or medical/financial records if relevant.

Q: Can we add a newborn or new spouse later?

Yes—additions are possible subject to eligibility and procedure. We handle post-approval additions by preparing the civil and supporting documents, aligning translations, and filing the request with the authority.

Q: Do family members need to visit Malta?

Some steps may require presence such as biometrics or the oath/pledge. We map each person’s touchpoints and coordinate appointments around travel schedules.

Q: Will my family have the same EU mobility as me?

Yes—once naturalized, each included family member who receives Maltese citizenship is an EU citizen with the same free movement rights.

Q: Does dual citizenship affect my family’s current nationality?

Malta permits dual or multiple citizenship, but home-country rules vary.

Q: Can we start with the main applicant and add others later?

Yes. We can stage the strategy—proceed with the principal and add eligible family members later—while managing document freshness and minimizing duplicate work.

Who can be included?

Spouse or long-term partner (gender neutral), documented as required by Maltese law/practice.
Children: minors, and adult children under 29 who are unmarried and financially dependent (subject to age/dependency criteria confirmed at filing).

Dependents aged 29 years and above, as well as parents and grandparents, are no longer eligible to be included as dependents. Proposals should be submitted prior to the day the dependent turns 29 years of age. Should the proposal letter be submitted on or after their 29th birthday, the individual would be ineligible to be included in the main applicant’s application. Exact eligibility is confirmed case-by-case during file preparation. We outline documentary proofs, draft the necessary affidavits, and coordinate any legalizations.

Key benefits after citizenship

EU mobility & residence: Live, work, and study across EU/EEA/Switzerland without additional permits; travel visa-free to many countries (visa policies may change).
Education: Access to EU education systems per local rules; eligibility for home/EU tuition bands depends on host-country policy.
Healthcare: Access to Maltese public healthcare as citizens; coordination rights within the EU apply subject to local schemes.
Employment & business: No work permits needed in Malta; EU labor market access follows EU free movement rules.
Security & continuity: A robust second citizenship for family planning, mobility, and succession.

How inclusion works

Profile & relationship mapping: We verify who qualifies under your household and list proofs needed (civil status, dependency, custody where applicable).
Document preparation: We manage certified translations, notarizations/apostilles, and consistency checks across jurisdictions.
Filing & updates: Family members’ evidence is submitted with the main file or as permitted later; we handle clarifications and any refreshes.
Grant & issuance: After approval and oath/pledge, we coordinate civil registration and passport issuance for each included family member.

FAQs

Can adult children be included? Parents and grandparents?

Children if under 29 years of age, unmarried, and financially dependent can be included, subject to age/dependency limits and documentary proof. We assess eligibility at intake and advise on evidence such as enrollment letters, support statements, or medical/financial records if relevant.

However, individuals aged 29 or older, along with parents and grandparents, can no longer be included as dependents. The proposal letter must be submitted before the dependent child reaches their 29th birthday.

Can we add a newborn or new spouse later?

Yes - additions are possible subject to eligibility and procedure. We handle post-approval additions by preparing the civil and supporting documents, aligning translations, and filing the request with the authority.

Do family members need to visit Malta?

Some steps may require presence (e.g., biometrics, oath/pledge). We map each person’s touchpoints and coordinate appointments around travel schedules, with consolidated trips where possible.

Will my family have the same EU mobility as me?

Yes - once naturalized, each family member who receives Maltese citizenship is an EU citizen with the same free movement rights.

Do I need to maintain property or insurance for my family after citizenship?

CBM is a citizenship pathway, not a residence permit, so ongoing property or insurance undertakings typical of residence programs do not necessarily apply in the same way. Contact us for details.

How are custody or guardianship issues handled for minors?

Where parental responsibility is shared or contested, additional consents or court orders may be required. We review your situation confidentially and help obtain compliant documentation to avoid delays.

Does dual citizenship affect my family’s current nationality?

Malta permits dual/multiple citizenship, but home-country rules vary.

What if a family document is unavailable?

We propose acceptable substitutes such as certified registry extracts, affidavits, or letters from competent authorities. Our team coordinates translations and notarizations so the evidentiary chain stays intact.

Can we start with the main applicant and add others later?

Yes. Strategy can be staged: proceed with the principal now and add eligible family members subsequently. We’ll outline timelines, document freshness, and the best way to minimize duplicate work.