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:
- That he resided in Malta for at least eight months in the period preceding the date of application;
- Provides proof of title to residential property in Malta;
- 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;
- 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.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.