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Papers · Malta
Updated September 2026

🏳️ How do I apply for citizenship, and who helps with the application?

Direct answer

Naturalisation has conditions (years of lawful residence, language level, integration test, income, no serious record), a procedure (application at Expatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità) (2590 4800), fee, interview, a decision within a legal deadline that is often exceeded), and consequences you should check first — whether you may keep your current nationality. Identità — Uffiċċju tar-Reġistru Pubbliku / ID cards (2590 4300) confirms your registration history, which is the proof of residence years. Aġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali (2567 4200) advises for free if the case is complicated (gaps, a refusal, a criminal record).

Call firstExpatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità)
Report toIdentità — Uffiċċju tar-Reġistru Pubbliku / ID cards
If that failsAġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali

🗣️ What to say

"I have lived lawfully in Malta since [date] and hold [permit]. I would like to apply for naturalisation. Which conditions apply to my case, which documents do you need, what is the fee and the expected processing time?"

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check the conditionsYears, language level, test, income. Expatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità)'s site has a checklist; migrant-support organisations run free info sessions.
  2. Collect proofRegistration history from Identità — Uffiċċju tar-Reġistru Pubbliku / ID cards, permits, language certificate, tax and income records, birth certificate with apostille and translation.
  3. Dual nationality?Check both countries' rules before applying; some require renunciation, some do not.
  4. Apply at Expatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità)Fee is due at filing. Ask for the legal decision deadline and note it.
  5. Refused: objectWithin the deadline, with reasons; Aġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali helps. Many refusals are about missing documents, not eligibility.

📇 All contacts

Expatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità)Residence permits and citizenshipApplication, renewal, refusal📞 2590 4800🔗 identita.gov.mt
Identità — Uffiċċju tar-Reġistru Pubbliku / ID cardsID cards, certificates, address registrationOn settling in Malta📞 2590 4300🔗 identita.gov.mt
Aġenzija għal Għajnuna LegaliFree lawyer below the income thresholdWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 2567 4200🔗 legalaidmalta.gov.mt
Uffiċċju tal-OmbudsmanComplaints about public administration, freeWhen the authority does not answer or acts unfairly📞 2248 3200🔗 www.ombudsman.org.mt

❓ Frequently asked

Do my children get citizenship too?

Usually included in the parent's application if minors and living with you; ask to add them explicitly.

I was abroad for a year in between

Long absences can break the residence count; check the rule for Malta before you apply, and explain the reason if allowed.

How long does it take?

From several months to a couple of years. The legal deadline gives you a lever (notice of default) if it is exceeded.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “apply citizenship Malta”
  • “naturalisation requirements Malta”
  • “citizenship test language level”
  • “dual nationality allowed Malta”
  • “naturalisation refused appeal”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

⏳Residence permit delay→🔢National ID number→📜Apostille→🎓Diploma recognition→

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