Legal Reforms To Modernise Malta’s Public Registry Announced

A package of legal reforms has been announced to further modernise the Public Registry, strengthen its operational capacity and improve the service provided to citizens. The reforms are guided by principles focused on dignity, reduced bureaucracy and lower costs for the public, while also reinforcing the administrative systems that support civil status services.

Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri said the reforms are designed with clear objectives that prioritise people’s wellbeing and dignity. He stressed that even measures which may appear minor can have a meaningful impact on individuals and families, particularly when they relate to sensitive personal circumstances.

A key element of the reforms is a clearer organisational structure within the Public Registry, separating the Searches and Records Section from the Civil Status Acts Section. Each section will be led by a dedicated Director responsible for operations in both Malta and Gozo, with the aim of ensuring greater consistency, efficiency and strategic coordination.

The reforms also address complex family situations, including cases where a mother is not legally separated but is married to a man who is not the biological father. A new legal mechanism will allow biological parents to register the child directly, reducing administrative burdens and associated costs.

Another change removes the five year restriction for couples married before 2021, allowing them to change their surname without time limitations. Additional amendments introduce new provisions regarding death certificates, ensuring that in sensitive cases the cause of death is not made publicly visible, while remaining officially recorded.

Improvements are also being introduced in adoption records to ensure accurate recognition of biological parents where appropriate. Alongside these legal changes, further modernisation efforts include expanded digital systems for notarial registrations and simplified property registration procedures, reducing duplication of fees. A new electronic portal is also being rolled out, with further digital services to follow in phases.

The reforms additionally standardise the use of Latin characters and the Maltese alphabet across all civil status records, ensuring greater consistency in official documentation.

Identità Chief Executive Edric Zahra said the reforms reflect a broader commitment to modern, accessible public services that simplify processes, reduce costs and improve the overall experience for citizens.

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