How to Obtain Maltese Citizenship Through Marriage

After the fall of the "Iron Curtain," people from post-Soviet countries fully embraced the advantages of the European way of life. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many of them are looking to change their place of residence today or secure a "backup option" for the future.

What are the legal ways to achieve this goal? One of the options is thoroughly analyzed by the experts at Garant.in.

Maltese Passport – Your Gateway to Europe

This small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. At the same time, Malta is not as selective and rigorous in its approach to foreigners who wish to become citizens compared to other EU countries. Malta has turned this desire into a significant source of income for the state budget.

Since 2014, a government investment program has been in place, allowing individuals to obtain a Maltese passport in exchange for a financial contribution. This contribution consists of three mandatory parts, which sets this program apart from similar Caribbean programs, where investors can choose from several options.

However, this more stringent approach has led to the program’s success, as the EU’s thorough migration policy commissioners have called Malta’s investment conditions the "gold standard" that other countries offering citizenship should aspire to. So, what are these conditions?

• Purchase real estate on the island worth at least €350,000.
• Buy government bonds worth at least €150,000.
• Make a charitable donation to the Development Fund of at least €650,000.

As we can see, the total cost amounts to over €1 million. And that’s just for the primary applicant!

Along with the primary applicant, citizenship can be granted to the spouse, children, parents, and even the grandparents (the latter option is rarely seen in other investment programs). You can learn more about the conditions for obtaining citizenship for family members and the requirements for the main applicant on the GARANT.in website.

What will a potential investor receive in exchange for such a large financial investment?

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship

A Maltese passport opens up enticing opportunities for its holder:

• Visa-free travel to 168 countries, including European countries, as well as Canada and the USA.
• The ability to live, work, receive medical treatment, and study in any EU country.
• Employment and residency benefits in the UK, as Malta is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
• No tax on worldwide income.
• The ability to pass citizenship on to descendants.
• Using Malta as a "backup option" in case of problems in the home country.

The Future of the Program

These opportunities attract a significant number of potential investors each year. As a result, Maltese authorities have implemented a quota for economic citizenship, which stood at 1,800 applicants in 2019.

There are good reasons to believe that the investment program will remain quite popular in 2020. In addition to the traditional investors – Russians and Chinese – there is a growing interest from UK residents seeking to maintain their "gateway to the EU" in case of Brexit.

To maintain the value of its passport, Malta conducts a thorough four-tiered background check on future citizens and publishes open lists of new passport holders annually.

The time required to obtain citizenship through investment is around one to one and a half years.

Experts from Garant.in provide legal and organizational support for obtaining a Maltese passport. With us, you’ll avoid paperwork headaches and steer clear of the "pitfalls" of the process.

Maltese Citizenship Through Marriage

Malta is well-known in the investment market for its program that allows wealthy foreigners to purchase citizenship, bypassing the stages of temporary and permanent residency. It’s a reliable and straightforward mechanism for affluent individuals. However, this option is not available to everyone, as it comes with a high financial threshold.

Recognizing that applicants have different starting points, Malta offers alternative pathways to citizenship:

Citizenship can be obtained by marrying a Maltese citizen. This path to a Maltese passport is the least expensive. However, don’t let your guard down! To prevent fraud, special regulations have been established to control and regulate the process.

Important! A progressive step for this Catholic country was the recognition of same-sex marriages in 2014, reflecting its tolerance toward European values. Accordingly, such unions also lead to citizenship for one of the spouses.

Naturalization, a standard procedure in most countries, also applies in Malta. However, those seeking a passport through this method must be patient, as the process takes over 10 years. In practice, this is a relatively rare method of acquiring citizenship.

Marriage with Maltese Citizens: Conditions and Steps

The first version of the law allowed for immediate citizenship following the official marriage registration. This led to a rise in fraudulent marriages. Under the new rules, citizenship can be granted only after five years of married life. However, the law does not impose any restrictions on where the couple can live during this time.

It’s worth noting that the monitoring of compliance with the law begins long before the foreign spouse submits their citizenship application.

Steps to Obtain Maltese Citizenship Through Marriage

Step 1: Submit documents for marriage registration with local civil authorities (Public Registry). All documents from third-country nationals (passport, birth certificate, proof of unmarried status) must be translated into English and apostilled. A mandatory part of the process is an interview with the couple to ensure the sincerity of their intentions and to explain the consequences of a marriage of convenience. Foreigners found guilty of entering into such a marriage can face up to two years in prison.

Step 2: Official marriage registration. The couple can choose the location, but the registrar has the final say. Maltese marriages can be either religious or civil. Witnesses are key participants, one from each side, and must present ID cards and sign the necessary documents.

Step 3: Gather documents for the new legal residency status. After marriage, foreign spouses can apply for a document allowing them to reside in Malta without renewing visas or work permits. This improves their quality of life, allowing them to:

• Open a bank account.
• Find a job more easily.
• Travel to Schengen countries without waiting in border queues.

Step 4: (Final) Obtain citizenship. After five years of marriage, foreign spouses can apply for Maltese citizenship. The required documents include:

• Marriage certificate.
• Applicant’s birth certificate (with parents' names).
• Passport.
• ID card (if applicable).
• Three photographs.

Note: If the Maltese spouse passes away before the five-year mark, the foreign spouse retains the right to Maltese citizenship.

Similarly, divorce after five years of marriage will not disqualify a foreign spouse from applying for citizenship.

Conclusion

The specialists at GARANT.in will help you find the best path to Maltese citizenship. Our many years of experience allow us to assess each situation and make the right decision. If you plan to marry a Maltese citizen, be sure to familiarize yourself with the country’s traditions and lifestyle beforehand.