FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS WE RECEIVE ABOUT MALTA CITIZENSHIP

Can Americans hold dual citizenship in Malta?

Yes. Both Malta and America allow dual citizenship, and there are many people (especially those who take the citizenship by investment route) that are citizens of both countries.

To qualify, you’ll need to understand the pathways to citizenship. This might be through investment. However, there are also other paths that are possible but require close ties to Malta. In particular, you have strong eligibility if you have Maltese ancestry and can apply by descent or a Maltese spouse and can apply through marriage.

If you don’t have the means to make a large investment and you don’t have familial ties to the country, you can still qualify through naturalization, which takes 7 years.

Applications are processed through Maltese diplomatic missions in the United States. Your local Maltese consulate or embassy manages citizenship applications.

For everything you need to know about the Maltese citizenship application, you can read our guide to learn how apply for Maltese citizenship.

The most popular way is by investment. That means making a large, direct contribution to the government and a charitable donation. However, family ties (like Maltese ancestors or a Maltese spouse) can also qualify you. Last but not least, a long residency in the country can make you eligible for naturalization.

The CES program requires you to make a direct contribution to the government, secure property (buying and renting have different rules), and contribute to a Maltese NGO.

For the contribution, either pay €600,000 (which will require a 36-month legal residence before citizenship) or €750,000 (which requires a 12-month legal residence before citizenship). For property, either purchase property worth at least €700,000 (held for 5 years) or rent it with a minimum annual lease of €16,000 (held for 5 years). The charitable donation will need to be a minimum of €10,000 and given to an NGO registered in Malta.

Essential documentation includes:

  • Official birth records
  • Parental birth and marriage documentation
  • Current passport
  • Legal name change documentation (when applicable)

For detailed document requirements, consult our comprehensive guide for Maltese citizenship by descent.

Processing times range from 4 months to 2 years, varying by application type. Investment and descent applications typically process more quickly than naturalization cases.

The application fee is typically €150, with an additional €50 to get your certificate of citizenship. Additional expenses can be considerable and include document authentication, translation services, and mandatory administrative procedures.

Yes, US citizens can obtain Maltese citizenship and simultaneously retain their US citizenship.

Dual citizenship requires:

  1. Current citizenship in a country permitting multiple nationalities
  2. Successfully obtaining Maltese citizenship
  3. Maintaining original citizenship after acquiring Maltese nationality

No. Maltese citizenship follows the principle of jus sanguinis (descent-based citizenship). At least one parent must hold Maltese citizenship, or citizenship must be acquired through naturalization. Citizenship by registration gives those with complicated familial ties a way to become a citizen of Malta.

Standard naturalization requires a minimum residency period spanning 7 years. You must be entirely residing in Malta for the 12 months leading up to your application. In the 6 years before that period, you’ll need to reside in Malta for 4 years.

Yes. Malta fully accepts multiple citizenships without restriction.

No. Children born to non-Maltese parents must qualify through naturalization processes.

Yes. Malta places no restrictions on the number of citizenships an individual may hold.

While not automatic, having a Maltese child may facilitate residence permits and eventual naturalization.

The citizenship by investment pathway in Malta is perhaps the easiest and fastest path to EU citizenship—as long as you have the means to afford it.

US citizens may enter Malta without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Stays longer than that require a visa.

Without a residence permit, stays are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. Various permit options exist for longer stays.

Living costs vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Valletta and tourist destinations typically have higher costs than other regions.

Permanent residence may be granted through investment using the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP).

Initial registration with local authorities is required, followed by obtaining appropriate residence permits for stays exceeding 90 days.

Costs generally fall below Western European averages, varying between urban and rural locations. Before rent, a single person has estimated monthly costs of about €800.

Employment requires appropriate work authorization. Job offers typically precede permit issuance.

Annual salaries of €25,000-40,000 are considered normal. Monthly net income of €1,800-2,500 typically supports comfortable living standards.

Yes, although citizenship makes this process much simpler.

Retirees must demonstrate adequate pension income and comprehensive health coverage. Malta’s climate and lifestyle make it an attractive retirement destination.

Malta uses the Euro as its official currency.

US citizens enjoy 90-day visa-free stays. Extended residency requires appropriate permits or visas.

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MDC was established to assist individuals in obtaining Malta citizenship by investment and an EU passport. Obtaining dual citizenship with Malta and Maltese nationality with a Golden Visa opens up several opportunities for you and your family within both Malta and the European Union.

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