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Identità · Expatriates Unit
Permanent residency & citizenship in Malta
Long-term residence, family reunification and citizenship rules for non-EU nationals in Malta, from Identità’s Expatriates Unit and the Maltese Citizenship Act.
At a glance
- Long-term residence
- 5 years of legal and continuous residence
- Long-term residence fee
- €500
- Naturalisation (legal minimum)
- 5 years of residence; the grant is discretionary
- Citizenship language
- Adequate knowledge of Maltese or English
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed under Maltese law
Permanent residence
Pathways to permanent status
Third-country nationals who have been legally and continuously residing in Malta for a period of five (5) years or more, have stable and regular resources and their own accommodation, and fulfil the integration measures can apply for long-term residence status. The status is permanent, and the residence permit is issued for a period of five (5) years.
Compare pathways below — full eligibility, documents, and authority links are in each expandable section.
| Pathway | Minimum stay | Language | Income | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term residence Non-EU nationals legally and continuously resident in Malta | At least 5 years of legal and continuous residence | You must fulfil integration measures set in Maltese law | Stable and regular resources | €500 application fee |
Non-EU nationals legally and continuously resident in Malta Long-term residence Expand for criteria, documents, and references.
Key facts
- Minimum stay / timeline
- At least 5 years of legal and continuous residence
- Income / maintenance
- Stable and regular resources
- Language / knowledge
- You must fulfil integration measures set in Maltese law
- Processing
- Identità’s long-term residence page does not state a processing time
- Costs / fees
- €500 application fee
- Renewal / validity
- The status is permanent; the residence permit is issued for a period of five (5) years
Eligibility triggers
- legally and continuously residing in Malta for a period of five (5) years or more
- Stable and regular resources
- Your own accommodation
- fulfil integration measures
Documents & evidence
- See Identità’s long-term residence page for the current document list
Typical process
- Check you meet the residence, resources, accommodation and integration conditions
- Apply through Identità’s Expatriates Unit portal
- Pay the €500 fee
Benefits
- ✓ Permanent status
- ✓ Years on an EU Blue Card count towards it
Limitations & cautions
- ! You must meet the residence, resources, accommodation and integration conditions when you apply
Official references
FAQ — Permanent residence
Who can bring family members to Malta?
Do Single Permit years count towards long-term residence?
Does the EU Blue Card count toward long-term residence?
Does the Nomad Residence Permit lead to permanent residence?
Citizenship
Naturalisation & special routes
Naturalisation under the Maltese Citizenship Act requires residence in Malta throughout the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application, plus residence for periods amounting to not less than four years in the six years before that: 5 years in total as the legal minimum. The grant is discretionary: the Minister decides whether to grant a certificate, including on language, good character and suitability, and may allow other periods in special circumstances. You need an adequate knowledge of the Maltese or the English language. Malta allows dual citizenship.
Snapshot across citizenship pathways — detailed rules are in each expandable section.
| Pathway | Minimum stay | Language | Income | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalisation by residence Non-EU nationals with long residence in Malta | At least 5 years in total: residence throughout the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application, plus not less than four years in the six years before that | an adequate knowledge of the Maltese or the English language | Assessed by the Minister together with good character and suitability | Not stated in the sources Settily has checked |
Non-EU nationals with long residence in Malta Naturalisation by residence Expand for criteria, documents, and references.
Key facts
- Minimum stay / timeline
- At least 5 years in total: residence throughout the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application, plus not less than four years in the six years before that
- Income / maintenance
- Assessed by the Minister together with good character and suitability
- Language / knowledge
- an adequate knowledge of the Maltese or the English language
- Processing
- Not stated in the sources Settily has checked
- Costs / fees
- Not stated in the sources Settily has checked
- Renewal / validity
- Not applicable once citizenship is granted
Eligibility triggers
- Residence throughout the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application
- Residence of not less than four years in the six years before that
- an adequate knowledge of the Maltese or the English language
Documents & evidence
- Evidence of the qualifying periods of residence
Typical process
- Check you meet the residence minimum
- Apply under the Maltese Citizenship Act (see the official link)
Benefits
- ✓ Maltese and EU citizenship
- ✓ Dual citizenship allowed under Maltese law
Limitations & cautions
- ! The grant is discretionary: meeting the residence minimum does not guarantee citizenship
Official references
FAQ — Citizenship
Can I keep my original nationality?
Is citizenship guaranteed once I reach the residence minimum?
Reference desk
Official source index
Primary legislation portals and migration authorities cited across this page.