Grant of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations

By means of Legal Notice 335 of 2017, the Government of Malta has published the Grant of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations.

Through these Regulations one may be granted Maltese Citizenship for exceptional services to the Republic of Malta or to humanity. Exceptional has been defined within the Regulations as “unusually excellent or manifestly superior at a local level, and refers primarily to contributions by scientists, researchers, athletes, sports people, artists and cultural performers.”

In order to be eligible, the applicant would need to satisfy the following:

1. That he  resided  in  Malta  for  at least  eight  months  in  the  period  preceding  the  date  of application;
2. Provides proof of title to residential property in Malta;
3. Provides proof  of  the  exceptional  services rendered to the Republic of Malta or to humanity, or if the individual  claims  that  his  naturalisation  is  of  exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta, provides an endorsement by the designated competent body;
4. He must be recommended  by  two  people  who  are qualified to act as sponsors for persons that apply for Maltese citizenship by naturalisation.

The applications will need to be made to and examined by the Citizenship Unit within Identity Malta, and the applicant will be subject to due diligence checks performed by one or more internationally specialised due diligence agents.

For further information about how GVZH Advocates can help you with your citizenship and/or residency requirements, kindly contact us on privateclients@gvzh.mt.