Maltese nationality law

Maltese nationality law is based primarily on the principles of Jus sanguinis, although prior to 1 August 1989 the principle of Jus soli was the basis of the law.

Dual citizenship was severely restricted under Maltese law from independence in 1964 until 10 February 2000, when all restrictions were removed. Dual citizenship had been allowed in limited circumstances from 1989, but only for persons born in Malta who met specific residence criteria.

Prior to 21 September 1964, Malta was a British Crown colony and Maltese persons held British nationality.

Maltese citizenship was conferred at independence, 21 September 1964, upon persons born in Malta who had a Maltese-born parent.

Persons acquiring Maltese citizenship at independence generally lost their British nationality (Citizenship of the UK and Colonies) unless they had ties by way of birth or descent (father or paternal grandfather) to the United Kingdom itself or a place which remained a colony.

Any Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKC) connected with Malta who did not acquire Maltese citizenship at independence retained their CUKC status. Based on their ties with the United Kingdom, they became either British citizens or British Overseas citizens on 1 January 1983. See History of British nationality law

Any person born in Malta between 21 September 1964 and 31 July 2001 automatically acquired Maltese citizenship at birth.

From 1 August 2001, a person born in Malta only acquires Maltese citizenship at birth if a parent of that person is

Persons born outside Malta between 21 September 1964 and 31 July 1989 only acquired Maltese citizenship by descent if the father was:

Women could not pass on their Maltese citizenship unless they were unmarried.

From 1 August 1989, children born outside Malta to Maltese born or naturalised mothers acquired Maltese citizenship by descent automatically.

From 10 February 2000, a person born outside Malta between 21 September 1964 and 31 July 1989 to a Maltese born or naturalised mother may apply for Maltese citizenship by registration.

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