Dual citizenship with Malta: is it possible, how to keep an RF passport

The question we hear almost every week: "Can you have dual citizenship with Malta and not lose your native passport?" The short answer is yes—Malta is one of the most liberal EU countries in this regard. Since 2000, the law explicitly allows holding Maltese and any other citizenship simultaneously, and renouncing your previous citizenship is not required. Complications arise not on Malta's side, but on your home country's side: Russia has its own notification rules, and it is important to follow them. In this material, we will analyze who and how can realistically obtain dual citizenship with Malta in 2026, how it differs from tax residency, and what changed after the cancellation of the "golden passport" program.

Can you have dual citizenship with Malta

Yes, and this is enshrined in law, not just practice. Section 7 of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188) explicitly states: a person can be a citizen of Malta and simultaneously a citizen of another country. There is no upper limit on the number of passports—you can hold two, three, or more, provided the laws of other countries permit it.

This was not always the case. Before 2000, Malta took a strict approach to dual citizenship: an adult obtaining a foreign passport typically lost Maltese citizenship. A relaxation for emigrants appeared in 1989, and full freedom came only on 10 February 2000. Since then, both Malta's own citizens and foreigners obtaining Maltese citizenship through naturalization or registration can freely maintain their previous nationality.

For a Russian, this means something important: Malta will not require you to renounce your RF passport. All restrictions and obligations concerning second citizenship come not from Valletta, but from Russian legislation—discussed in detail below.

What is second and dual citizenship—and what is the difference

In common usage, these terms are used as synonyms, but legally there is a difference, and it is sometimes important. "Dual citizenship" in the strict sense is when there is a special international treaty between two countries whereby they recognize each other's status and coordinate matters such as military service and taxes. Russia has such a treaty only with a very limited number of countries, and Malta is not among them.

"Second (multiple) citizenship" is when a person simply holds passports of two states between which no treaty exists. Each country in this case considers him exclusively its own citizen and is not obliged to recognize the second passport. This is precisely the case relevant to the Russia–Malta combination.

Practical conclusion: holding an RF passport and a Malta passport, on Russian territory you are regarded by the state as only a Russian citizen, while in Malta and the EU you enjoy all rights of a Maltese citizen. This is not a loophole, but normal legal logic, which is important to understand in advance.

The real ways to obtain a Malta passport

To be frank: you can no longer purchase Maltese citizenship. Therefore, second citizenship of Malta today is obtained only through classical legal means, and all of them permit retention of your previous passport:

• Through naturalization —via prolonged legal residence in the country. This is the main route for those who actually relocate to Malta.
• Through descent (ancestry) —if among parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents there were Maltese citizens. The fastest and cheapest option when applicable.
• Through marriage —the spouse of a Maltese citizen may obtain citizenship after a specified period of joint residence.
• Through registration —for certain categories, for example former Maltese citizens and their descendants.

A detailed breakdown of each pathway we have compiled in separate materials: overview of pathways to Malta citizenship and what a Maltese passport provides.

Citizenship through naturalization: residence requirement and language

Naturalization is the path for those who actually live in Malta, not simply those who want a second document. The logic is straightforward: the country grants a passport to a person who has become part of it.

Basic requirements for 2026 are as follows: you must have lived in Malta for at least four years out of the last six (in aggregate) plus continuous twelve months immediately before submitting your application. This is often referred to as "approximately five years" in total. Additionally, they check for good character and proficiency in Maltese or English—and Malta has an advantage here since English is official.

It is important to understand: naturalization requires genuine presence and integration; it is not a remote procedure. However, as a result, a person obtains full EU citizenship with the right to retain a Russian passport. We discuss details and pitfalls in our guide. on naturalization in Malta..

Why "buying a Maltese passport" no longer works.

For many years, Malta was known for its "naturalization for exceptional services through direct investment" program—essentially selling passports for large contributions. From April 2022 onwards, it was already restricted for Russians due to sanctions, and on April 29, 2025, the EU Court (case C-181/23) ruled the scheme itself illegal: trading in EU citizenship is not allowed.

This means the option of "depositing money and getting a passport" is closed permanently, and any such offers in 2026 are a red flag. Malta is discussing a new "citizenship by merit" format for people with genuinely outstanding contributions to the country, but this is not investment-based purchasing.

If the goal is a legal status in Malta and the EU, it makes more sense to look at residency permits and permanent residence rather than the defunct CBI. On the tax side of such a move—in our article. on Malta's tax residency..

Dual citizenship of Malta for Russians: what you need to know.

For Russian citizens, the situation is twofold. From Malta's perspective, there are no obstacles—dual citizenship is legal and the Russian passport is retained. From Russia's perspective, there are specific rules that must be strictly followed.

Key points for a Russian in 2026:

• Russia in principle permits its citizens to hold dual citizenship—it is not prohibited.
• Dual citizenship does not affect entry and residence in Russia itself: for the Russian state, you remain its citizen with all accompanying rights and obligations.
• For travel to Malta and Schengen prior to obtaining citizenship, a Russian citizen needs a Schengen visa.
• After 2022, the EU and Malta tightened the acceptance of applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens under several programs—checks are stricter, and any attempts to circumvent sanctions are impermissible.

We handle such cases exclusively in the legal sphere: with full compliance, transparent source of funds, and without gray-area schemes. The client decides where to live and which set of statuses to choose, while our task is to resolve the matter correctly from both countries' perspectives.

How to retain Russian and Maltese citizenship simultaneously.

Good news: you do not need to specially "retain" Russian citizenship—it does not automatically cease when you obtain a Maltese passport. Russia does not deprive citizens of citizenship for acquiring a second one, and voluntary renunciation is a separate complex procedure that is not initiated without your consent.

What a Russian who has obtained citizenship or a residence permit in another country must actually do:

• Remember the obligation to notify about the existence of foreign citizenship or a residence permit—this is a requirement of Russian law.
• Comply with the established deadline for submitting notification (general guideline—60 days from the moment of receiving the corresponding document; for those permanently living abroad, a special procedure applies).
• Submit notification in the established manner through the authorized body.

The exact procedure and deadlines in your specific situation should be clarified in advance, as regulations change periodically. Russia has established liability for failure to comply with notification procedures, so this step is treated seriously. We help structure the process so that both sides—Malta and Russia—are covered by law.

Citizenship and tax residency—do not confuse them.

The most common mistake in people's minds: "I will get a Maltese passport—so I will pay taxes in Malta." This is not correct. Citizenship and tax residency are different things and may be located in different countries.

Citizenship is about who you are legally: which passport, what political rights. Tax residency is about where you actually live and where you pay taxes on worldwide income. A third layer is immigration status (visa, residence permit, permanent residence)—the right to live in a country. A person can quite easily have citizenship of one country, a residence permit of a second, and tax residency of a third.

Tax residency in most countries is determined not by passport but by presence and "center of vital interests." The famous 183-day rule is just one test and does not work the same way everywhere. Therefore, a Maltese passport itself does not make you a tax resident of Malta and does not automatically create new tax obligations. Malta's tax regimes are discussed in the article. on Malta's tax residency..

What a second Maltese passport gives in practice.

Malta is an EU member and part of the Schengen Zone, uses the euro, and English is official. Therefore, dual Maltese citizenship is not just a backup document but full EU citizen status.

What this essentially means:

• Freedom of movement —the right to live, work, and study in any EU/EEA country without separate permits.
• Strong passport —wide visa-free access worldwide for travel.
• Access to EU banks and services —easier to open accounts, conduct business, and invest within the European framework.
• Stability for family —EU-level education and healthcare, reliable jurisdiction.
• Flexibility in taxes and place of residence —the passport does not bind you to one tax system.

At the same time, a passport is a tool, not an end in itself. What exactly it will give you depends on how you structure your residence, business, and taxes around it.

Conditions and procedure: how to start for a Russian citizen.

To briefly summarize everything, the path to dual Maltese citizenship for a Russian citizen looks like this:

• Step 1. Determine the basis—roots, marriage, or residence (naturalization). This determines timelines and budget.
• Step 2. If there are no grounds for expedited pathways, establish legal residence in Malta through a residence permit/permanent residence permit and gradually accumulate the requirements for naturalization.
• Step 3. Undergo enhanced compliance – confirm the source of funds and a clean reputation, especially considering the sanctions perimeter.
• Step 4. Obtain a Maltese passport while retaining your RF passport.
• Step 5. Properly fulfill the Russian obligation to notify of dual citizenship/residence permit within the established timeframe.

At each step there are nuances that are easier to navigate with professional support than to correct later. We address the issue of obtaining status – lawfully, without circumventing sanctions, and with all obligations to both countries properly resolved.

Discuss your situation with a BRIDGES GLOBAL expert – we will explain which pathway is realistic for you and develop a plan.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Over years of practice we observe the same set of illusions that costs people dearly. We have compiled them in one place:

• "Malta's passport can be purchased through a financial contribution" – no longer; the CBI program was annulled by the EU Court in 2025.
• "To obtain a Maltese passport, you must renounce your Russian passport" – incorrect; Malta permits multiple citizenship.
• "Once I obtain a passport, I will immediately become a tax resident of Malta" – no; tax residency is determined by actual residence, not documentation.
• "You do not need to notify Russia about dual citizenship" – there is a notification obligation; ignoring it is subject to penalties.
• "Sanctions can be circumvented through intermediaries" – impermissible and dangerous; we operate only within the legal framework.

Once these misconceptions are removed, the picture becomes clear: dual Maltese citizenship for Russian citizens is achievable, but through legitimate grounds and a careful procedure, not through promises of "passport in a month."

Dual Maltese citizenship: questions and answers

We consolidate key points into one table for easy reference.

Figures are approximate and change periodically – they should be verified against current requirements before submission.

Where to verify official information

The topic of dual citizenship is sensitive to details and timelines, and rules on both the Maltese and Russian sides change periodically. Therefore, it is important to rely on primary sources rather than hearsay.

For Malta-side guidance, refer to the official portal of the State of Malta. gov.mtwhere current requirements on citizenship, residence, and related procedures are published. On the Russian side - the text of the relevant law on the obligation to notify and clarify the authorized bodies.

We cross-reference official sources and updated practice, not outdated internet articles. If you read material where Malta still "sells passports," - this is a sure sign that the information is outdated and should not be trusted.

BRIDGES GLOBAL Expert Commentary

Below is a practitioner's perspective on how to approach the question without illusions and without risks.