The National Order of Merit pays tribute to Maltese citizens who distinguish themselves in different fields of endeavour. The motto of the Order is "Virtute et Constantia". Only Maltese citizens are eligible to be appointed members of the Order. However, honorary membership may be conferred on foreign nationals who have distinguished themselves by their service in the promotion and fostering of international relations, or who have earned the respect and gratitude of the people of the Maltese Islands.

The four grades of the Order – Companion of Honour, Companion, Officer and Member – are designed to embrace a wide spectrum of achievement and service.

In addition to past and present Presidents and Prime Ministers who are by virtue of their offices members of the National Order of Merit in the grade of Companion of Honour, there can be only three other members in this grade at any one time. In the other grades the maximum at any one time is twelve Companions, twenty Officers and one hundred Members. Annual appointments may not exceed two Companions, three Officers and ten Members, provided that in determining the number of appointees to the Order, no account shall be taken of the appointment of Honorary Members.

Appointees to the National Order of Merit are entitled in terms of the law to place the following letters after their names – K.U.O.M. in the case of Companions of Honour, K.O.M. in the case of Companions, U.O.M. in the case of Officers and M.O.M. in the case of Members.

• Appointments to the National Order of Merit
• Honorary appointments