The Maltese passport is a significant document issued to Maltese citizens, offering a range of benefits and conveniences.

As a member of the European Union, Malta provides its passport holders with the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere within the EU, along with visa-free access to numerous countries worldwide.

This powerful passport represents a means of travel and symbolizes Malta's rich cultural heritage and its ties to the Commonwealth and the European Union.

Let’s dive in…

*Disclaimer: All amounts quoted in this article were correct and accurate at the time of publication and may have shifted since.

What Do You Need to Know About Maltese Passports?

We’re here to tell you everything you should know about Malta’s passports.

Read on. 

What Are the Design Features of Maltese Passports?

The design of Malta passports is in line with EU standards.

They feature a burgundy cover with the Coat of Arms of Malta and the words "European Union Malta" and "Passport" in Maltese and English.

Additionally

Inside, the passport contains biographic information about the holder, a photograph, and a machine-readable zone.

Maltese passports also feature cultural and historical symbols and landmarks unique to Malta, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

What Biometric Security Features Are in Maltese Passports?

Malta passports incorporate biometric and security features to combat forgery and identity theft.

These features include biometric data chips storing digital photographs and fingerprints, holographic images, watermarks, and security threads.

The passports comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring their integrity and global acceptance.

Who Is Eligible for a Maltese Passport as a Non-Resident?

Non-residents can acquire Maltese citizenship and a Malta passport through naturalization, marriage, descent, or the Malta citizenship by investment program.

However

Eligibility criteria vary for each pathway.

Applicants must usually meet residency requirements, show good character, and have a clear criminal record.

Can You Hold Dual Citizenship With a Maltese Passport?

Malta allows dual citizenship, meaning Maltese citizens can hold citizenship in another country without having to renounce their Maltese citizenship.

This policy is advantageous for individuals wanting to maintain ties to another country while enjoying the benefits of EU citizenship.

However, checking if the other country also permits dual citizenship is essential.

What Are the Key Regulations for Maltese Passport Holders?

Maltese passport holders must adhere to specific regulations.

Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the travel date.

Reporting lost or stolen passports immediately is crucial to prevent misuse.

Additionally

Maltese citizens are required to use their Maltese passport when entering or leaving Malta, even if they hold another nationality.

What Are the Costs and Fees for a Maltese Passport?

Obtaining a Maltese passport through investment involves a series of investments starting at €600,000, plus additional costs.

Standard passport application fees are €70–80 for adults and €40 for minors​​.¹

How Does Citizenship by Investment Work for Maltese Passports?

The Malta citizenship by investment program, also known as the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP), allows individuals to acquire Maltese citizenship by making significant investments.

This program requires a substantial financial contribution to the national development of Malta, investment in real estate, and a commitment to reside in Malta for a certain period. 

Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and study in Malta, along with visa-free travel to numerous countries.

What Are the Different Types of Maltese Passports?

Malta issues various types of passports to cater to different categories of its citizens and their specific travel requirements.

These passports vary in terms of privileges, usage, and eligibility criteria.

Our seasoned passport team has compiled the key details for you below. 

What Is a Regular Maltese Passport?

The regular passport is the standard passport issued to Maltese citizens for international travel.

It's the most commonly issued type for personal and business trips.

But wait, there’s more

This passport contains biometric data for added security and is valid for travel worldwide.

It's available to all Maltese citizens meeting essential passport issuance criteria.

What Is a Diplomatic Maltese Passport?

Diplomatic passports are issued to Maltese diplomats, high-ranking government officials, and representatives.

These passports signify a higher status and usually have certain privileges and immunities, especially when traveling on diplomatic business.

Also

They facilitate more straightforward clearance at borders and provide additional protection under international law.

Holders of diplomatic passports are often exempt from visa requirements in many countries.

What Is a Service Maltese Passport?

Service passports, or official passports, are issued to government employees and officials traveling abroad on official state business.

This type of passport is meant for individuals who don’t qualify for diplomatic passports but must travel for government-related work.

While they don't provide the same level of privileges as diplomatic passports, they do often facilitate more accessible travel procedures compared to regular passports.

What Is a Temporary Maltese Passport?

Temporary passports are issued in emergencies or under particular circumstances, such as a lost or stolen passport while abroad.

They’re valid for a limited time, usually just enough to allow holders to return to Malta or reach their next destination.

Typically, Maltese diplomatic missions or consulates abroad issue these passports with limited travel restrictions and short validity periods.

How Powerful Are Maltese Passports?

The Malta passport is regarded as one of the most powerful in the world due to its extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival access.

Here are the details:

What Are the Benefits of Holding a Maltese Passport?

Maltese passport holders enjoy the right to reside, work, and study in any EU country, with expedited naturalization in some cases​​.

It offers visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK​​.

Furthermore

Maltese citizens have access to high-quality education and healthcare across the EU​​.

Malta's stable economy offers secure investment environments and favorable tax conditions​​.

Which Countries Offer Visa-Free Travel With a Maltese Passport?

Holders of Malta passports enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries worldwide.

The list of 151 visa-free countries that Malta passport holders can visit includes Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, Singapore, the US, the UAE, and Switzerland.²

Furthermore

The extensive list of accessible countries allows Maltese citizens to travel for business or tourism with relative ease and minimal bureaucratic hurdles. 

Visa-on-arrival countries, such as Egypt, allow Maltese citizens arriving in Egypt to obtain a visa at the airport before entering the country.

How Does a Maltese Passport Rank Globally?

In global passport rankings, which measure the strength of passports based on their visa-free access, the Malta passport consistently ranks high.

Typically

These rankings consider the number of countries a passport holder can visit without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival.

Malta's high ranking reflects its good international standing and the ease of travel it offers its citizens.

On the Global Passport Index’s power rank scale, Malta’s passport ranks 7th globally​​.³

How Do You Renew Your Maltese Passport?

Renewing a Malta passport involves a few important steps.⁴

It looks something like this:

• Eligibility: Renew when the passport has less than 6 months of validity.
• Documents needed: These include a completed application form, current passport, recent passport-sized photos, identification proof (e.g., national ID card), and additional documents for changes in personal details (if applicable).
• Application process: Apply at a passport office or through the Identity Malta Agency. Online renewal may be available, involving electronic form submission and document upload. A renewal fee is required, which varies by passport type and processing speed.
• Processing time: It typically takes a few weeks, with expedited services available at an additional cost.
• Collection: A new passport can be collected in person or mailed.
• Special considerations: Additional documents, like parental consent, may be required for minors. For Maltese citizens abroad, renewals can be processed at the nearest embassy or consulate.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

The Maltese passport is a powerful and versatile document, providing its holders with extensive benefits such as global mobility, access to the European Union’s myriad opportunities, and a stable investment environment.

A Maltese passport, whether obtained through birth, marriage, naturalization, or investment, opens doors everywhere and reflects the nation's distinctive position within the European and global landscape.

Read our other articles about powerful passports and become passport-wise.