Get Birth Certificates in Malta

A birth certificate in Malta is a vital legal document used for obtaining a Maltese identity card, applying for a passport, enrolling in school, and many other official purposes. Malta’s civil registration system is managed by the Public Registry, and birth certificates are a key entry point into Malta’s civil records. This guide covers how to get birth certificates in Malta, including in the capital Valletta and in Birkirkara.

How Birth Registration Works in Malta

In Malta, births must be registered within five days at the Public Registry (Reġistru Pubbliku), which operates under the Ministry for Justice. When a baby is born in a hospital, the hospital provides the parents with a notification of birth. Parents — or one parent — must then attend the Public Registry within five days to officially register the birth and obtain the birth certificate.

Malta issues a full birth certificate (ċertifikat tat-twelid in Maltese), which is a certified extract from the public registry. The birth certificate contains details of the child’s birth, parents, and any acknowledgments. Malta has also developed digital services through servizzi.gov.mt for requesting civil documents online.

Documents Required for Birth Registration in Malta

To register a birth and obtain a birth certificate in Malta, parents typically need:

Hospital birth notification
Valid identification of both parents (Maltese ID card or passport)
Marriage certificate if married
If unmarried: both parents must attend to register the father’s details, or the mother can register alone (father’s details can be added later)

The Public Registry is located in Valletta. Birth certificates can be collected in person or requested by post. Malta has also introduced online ordering through servizzi.gov.mt.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Valletta

Valletta is the capital of Malta and home to the Public Registry. All births in Malta are registered at the Public Registry in Valletta, regardless of where in Malta the birth occurred. Parents must attend the Valletta office in person within five days to register the birth and collect the first copy of the birth certificate.

The Public Registry in Valletta also holds historical civil records going back many generations, which is useful for genealogical research. Subsequent certified copies of birth certificates can be requested at the Public Registry counter, by post, or online through servizzi.gov.mt. The Public Registry is located at Palazzo Ferreria, Republic Street, Valletta.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Birkirkara

Birkirkara is Malta’s most populous town, located in the central part of the main island. Despite being the largest town by population, all civil registration for Maltese births — including those in Birkirkara — is centralized at the Public Registry in Valletta. There is no separate birth registration office in Birkirkara.

Birkirkara residents must travel to the Valletta Public Registry to register a birth or can request duplicate birth certificates through the online portal servizzi.gov.mt. Malta’s small geographic size makes this practical, as Valletta is easily reachable from all parts of the main island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Public Registry in Malta?

The Malta Public Registry (Reġistru Pubbliku) is located at Palazzo Ferreria, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1115, Malta. All civil registrations including births are handled there.

How many days do you have to register a birth in Malta?

Births in Malta must be registered within five days at the Public Registry in Valletta. Late registration may require a declaration before the registrar explaining the delay.

Can I get a Maltese birth certificate online?

Yes. Duplicate certified copies of birth certificates can be ordered online through servizzi.gov.mt with a Maltese e-ID. Documents are delivered by post. The initial registration, however, must be done in person.

Can a Maltese birth certificate be apostilled?

Yes. Malta is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles for Maltese civil documents are issued by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Malta involves registering the birth within five days at the Public Registry in Valletta. Whether you live in Valletta, Birkirkara, or anywhere else on the island, all registrations are centralized at the same office. Certified copies can be requested in person, by post, or online through servizzi.gov.mt. The Maltese birth certificate is the foundation of civil identity and is required for passports, ID cards, and all major life events.