Uncover One of the Global Elite’s Best Kept Secrets

An IMGW News Feature

In what has been a tumultuous period for residency-by-investment programmes recently, among programme closures, shifting regulations, removal of investment options, and waiving of deadline extensions for renewals, Malta’s Residency-by-Investment programme – the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) – stands out as one of the most stable programmes that offers a clear and transparent route to securing permanent residency status in a strong European jurisdiction.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is a streamlined, dependable path for fit-and-proper investors via which they can establish a base in a well-connected, secure country with a fast-growing economy and a pleasant Mediterranean lifestyle.

A year on from taking the headship of Residency Malta Agency, CEO Jonathan Cardona talks to IMGW News about the jurisdictional strength of Malta as a country, the reputational strength of Residency Malta, and the future of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.

Question 1: Recent shifts in the global RCBI sector reflect a trend towards tightening regulations, increasing investment thresholds, and enhanced scrutiny. How is the MPRP positioned in this landscape?

💬 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒂: Malta has joined the fray in increasing the financial outlay required to secure permanent residency. We deemed this pivotal to enable us to continue giving value to investors and maintaining the MPRP’s unique position in the sector, while also reflecting current economic and market trends. Despite this, the programme remains one of the more accessible migratory pathways for non-EU individuals seeking a better future for themselves and their families

In terms of the tightening of regulations and enhanced scrutiny, Malta has always been at the forefront of conducting stringent due diligence to ensure that only persons of good conduct are granted Maltese residency. Indeed, our multi-tier due diligence process, which includes background checks through a network of international due diligence providers, has become an international benchmark. This system ensures that only those who meet the highest standards of integrity are granted residency, strengthening the country’s security. Residency Malta invests significant funds in people development to ensure our analysts are kept abreast of the latest trends and developments. Additionally, we collaborate with due diligence companies that have an extensive international footprint and boots on the ground in several regions, conducting comprehensive background verification checks as part of our robust process.

“Investors are granted permanent residency from day one without the need for renewals, provided that all programme eligibility criteria and requirements are maintained. For investors seeking swift movement, Visa-free access to all Schengen countries for 90 out of 180 days is extremely convenient.”

We not only welcome a commitment to enhanced scrutiny by other countries in this regard but also encourage it. This can only strengthen the sector and ensure the reputation of this industry, which generates billions annually and offers valuable migratory solutions to individuals who value global mobility for themselves and their families.

Question 2: What does the MPRP offer that other programmes don’t?

💬 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒂: We offer unmatched advantages and unique benefits. Investors are granted permanent residency from day one without the need for renewals, provided that all programme eligibility criteria and requirements are maintained. For investors seeking swift movement, Visa-free access to all Schengen countries for 90 out of 180 days is extremely convenient. For those interested in family relocation, our application is open to four generations, with the possibility of adding future spouses of children and grandchildren after residency is granted.

We are also one of the few programmes to offer the option to lease property, which gives investors flexibility to explore the Island before committing to a property purchase in their preferred location. Furthermore, the investments required by the programme are only made after approval in principle, meaning no major financial outlay needs to be committed beforehand.

“Currently, our processing timeline stands at 5 to 6 months, and we are looking at bringing this timeframe down even further by the second quarter of the year, without, of course, compromising our due diligence commitments.”

Of course, Malta as a jurisdiction holds major appeal. Malta is one of the safest countries in the world, boasting a pleasant Mediterranean lifestyle that is also cosmopolitan, with a third of the population being expats. English is an official language, meaning foreigners will feel right at home communicating and settling down. We boast reputable educational institutions, excellent healthcare, exceptional connectivity, and a rich cultural ambiance. Despite its size, Malta punches above its weight and consistently ranks as one of the fastest-growing economies among its EU peers.

Our business-friendly ecosystem has fostered highly successful and varied industries such as iGaming, semiconductor, e-sports, game development, pharma, aviation, maritime trade, film, hospitality, and fintech. With a population of just above 500,000, we boast a thriving GDP of an estimated €22 billion and a per capita income of circa €33,000, outpacing several larger EU economies. Indeed, it is an attractive destination for investors looking for stability and business growth opportunities.

Question 3: What has been your biggest challenge at the helm of Residency Malta?

“we boast a thriving GDP of an estimated €22 billion and a per capita income of circa €33,000, outpacing several larger EU economies. Malta is an attractive destination for investors looking for stability and business growth opportunities”

💬 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒂: The disruption caused by COVID was significant. As markets closed, investors put their business growth plans on hold and postponed their global mobility aspirations. Once restrictions were lifted, we faced a barrage of applications as people realised the extent of how valuable freedom of movement is.

This deluge of applications in a very short time created a huge backlog. But we immediately put our best foot forward to address the situation. We invested heavily in additional recruitment, training, streamlined processes, automation, and technological development. Currently, our processing timeline stands at 5 to 6 months, and we are looking at bringing this timeframe down even further by the second quarter of the year, without, of course, compromising on our due diligence commitments.

Question 4: It has become increasingly difficult to accurately plan for the future, and all the more important to future-proof businesses against the geo-political and economic volatility of these turbulent times. What are your plans to future-proof the MPRP?

💬 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒂: Our tenet has always been sustainability. We have always strived to strike and maintain a balance between offering value-added migratory solutions to investors, ensuring security via rigorous due diligence, and generating the best value for Maltese citizens while keeping our people at the core of all that we do. Not an easy task, and the current international backdrop makes our task even more testing. It involves a combination of business acumen and emotional intelligence while drawing on the latest industry insights and navigating the sometimes mind-boggling global political events as they unfold.

Detailed information about the Malta Permanent Residence Programme can be found at residencymalta.gov.mt

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme has proven to be a cornerstone in the investment migration sector, offering a reliable and flexible pathway to permanent residency in one of Europe’s most attractive jurisdictions. As global mobility continues to grow in importance, the MPRP’s commitment to due diligence, family relocation, and investor flexibility positions it as a leading choice for those seeking stability and opportunity in uncertain times. Under the leadership of Jonathan Cardona, Residency Malta looks set to maintain its reputation as a secure, dynamic, and future-ready programme.