Malta Permanent Residency Program

HARVEY LAW GROUP PRESENTS A FAST, AFFORDABLE AND ELEGANT RESIDENCY-BY-INVESTMENT PATHWAY Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) is one of the simplest European residency programs around. It gives applicants and their dependents the right to live in Malta indefinitely, has no language requirement, no minimum education or professional experience requirement and, above all, it has no physical residency requirements. On top of gaining the right to live in Malta permanently, MPRP holders and their families can enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period, basically treating world-class European wineries and beaches as their extended backyard. The MPRP should not be confused with the Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program which was recently found by the European Court of Justice to be non-compliant with EU laws. The MPRP is well-established: it can be used as a pathway to citizenship after five years of residence in Malta and it attracts individuals from all over the world. An important feature, particularly appealing to nationals from the Asia region, is the ability to include up to four generations of one family in a single application. Applicants can choose between purchasing a proper ty worth at least EUR375,000 or renting an apartment for no less than EUR14,000 annually. This flexibility means applicants can either invest in a comfortable house to accommodate all family members, or rent a small flat to use during the holidays. Those choosing the rental option are required to make a government contribution of EUR60,000; the contribution amount is reduced to EUR30,000 for applicants choosing to purchase property. The proper ty holding period is at least five years. Although the Maltese Government also imposes an administration fee of EUR50,000 for the main applicant plus EUR10,000 per dependent, the MPRP remains one of the most affordable permanent residency-by-investment programs, estimated at around EUR212,000 for a family of four. The application process typically takes six to eight months from submission to approval. Some applicants are drawn to Malta for its relaxed environment, Mediterranean climate and year-round sailing and travelling opportunities, while others appreciate its world-class health and academic institutions, and safe and politically stable environment. What’s more, English is one of Malta’s two official languages, alongside Maltese. Malta is also, arguably, the most tax-efficient jurisdiction within the EU. Hong Kong residents benefit from a tax system that is hard to beat: it’s possible to adopt a non-domiciled tax status, meaning no tax of foreign incomes that remain outside Malta. If you are considering Malta as a possible destination of choice or even simply as a possible back-up plan, you may contact Harvey Law Group. With over 32 years of experience in investment residency and citizenship programmes all over the world, we would be happy to advise on the destinations and programmes most suited to your personal goals. Day 1 ⇢ Valletta -Base yourself in Valletta, Malta’s tiny (0.55km2), picture-postcard capital. Nestled on a peninsula surrounded by the deep blue Mediterranean, the walled fortress town dates back to the 1500s and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site -Marvel at the Baroque glory of St John’s Co-Cathedral – modest on the outside, all gold leaf and marble inside. Wander Republic Street to tour the Grandmaster’s Palace and admire the domes of Our Lady of Mount Carmel -End the day at Lower Barrakka Gardens watching the sun set over the seven forts that guard the Grand Harbour. Eat rabbit stew or seafood ravioli Day 2 ⇢ Gozo & Comino -Hop on a combo boat-and-quad bike tour to explore Gozo and Comino, two smaller islands in the Maltese archipelago – way easier than navigating ferries and much more fun -On Comino: head to the Blue Lagoon, a picturesque cove surrounded by rugged cliffs and rock formations. Its shallow, clear, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving -On Gozo: visit a ‘place of giants,’ Ggantija Archaeological Park. In this Neolithic temple complex, the gigantic megaliths (standing stones) are dated around 3200 BC, older than the Egyptian pyramids Day 3 ⇢ Mdina & Rabat -Drive 18 minutes inland from Valletta and you get to step back in time in golden-hued Mdina. Malta’s capital in medieval times, it’s now known as the ‘silent city’ thanks to its cloistered atmosphere and narrow, car-free streets -Put plenty of time aside to explore Mdina’s myriad museums, palaces and churches. Check out Palazzo Falson, a beautifully restored medieval palace, and stop for lunch at the relaxing rooftop café -Walk to Rabat, just outside Mdina’s walls, for a more bustling and everyday Maltese experience, plus Roman ruins, crypts and catacombs, most notably St Paul’s Day 4 ⇢ The Northwest coast -Make a beeline for Ghajn Tuf fieha: pack water, wear hiking shoes and follow the rugged cliffside trail to Gnejna, a glorious, sandy beach Day 5 ⇢ South Malta -Stop by the Blue Grotto early in the morning to see the sea caves lit by the morning sun. Stay on for a seafood lunch – grilled swordfish, mussels in garlic wine sauce, or octopus stew -Walk Marsaxlokk harbour, known for its Sunday fish market and vibrant display of luzzus (traditional fishing boats). The luzzus are brightly coloured and feature an ‘eye of Horus’ on the bow, believed to offer protection