Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March 2016 | Page 57

One of the focus areas in the guide is Malta. The
Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP) – a
modern citizenship-by-investment initiative designed
by Henley & Partners for the Maltese government
under a Public Services Concession – is among
the most attractive and comprehensive programs
in the world. A Maltese citizen gains the right of
establishment in all 28 member states of the European
Union (EU), as well as visa-free travel to more than
165 countries around the world. A second passport,
particularly an EU passport, offers greater security for
families from countries currently facing political and
economic instability.

Malta is ranked first among
citizenship-by-investment
programs worldwide in
the Global Residence and
Citizenship Program Report
Malta is ranked first among citizenship-byinvestment programs worldwide in the Global
Residence and Citizenship Program Report and has
weathered the recent global economic downturn
gracefully, seeing steady growth of over 3% in 2015
and a thriving property market.
During the third quarter of 2014, the Maltese
economy rose by 3.8%, significantly faster than the
Eurozone’s year-on-year economic growth of 0.8%.
Malta continued to grow throughout 2015, recording
the highest expansion in over a decade. Buoyant
domestic demand underpinned by an improving
labour market and robust investment has allowed
the economy to consistently outperform most of its
Eurozone peers.

In a time of uncertainty for
the Rand, eyeing foreign
shores is fast becoming a
sound economic strategy
for investors.
In fact, demand for property is increasing.
Strategically situated between Sicily and the coast of
North Africa, Malta has evolved into an international
business hub with reputable infrastructure over the
past decade.
www.reimag.co.za

During the third quarter of 2014, the Maltese
economy rose by 3.8%, significantly faster than the
Eurozone’s year-on-year economic growth of 0.8%.
Malta continued to grow throughout 2015, recording
the highest expansion in over a decade. Buoyant
domestic demand underpinned by an improving
labour market and robust investment has allowed
the economy to consistently outperform most of its
Eurozone peers.
Malta continues to be ranked among the top five
providers of healthcare in the world by the World
Health Organisation and the island has one of
the lowest crime rates to be found anywhere in the
world. The educational system is first rate with a good
selection of private, international and public schools,
enjoying a long-established reputation for excellence.
Malta offers relocation flexibility, transparency,
compliance – with best practice in processing
procedures - and visa-free access which allows for
investor mobility.
The due diligence standards for the MIIP are
the most rigorous of all the programs in the world,
and so only the most respectable applicants are
successful. The process is transparent, predictable and
trustworthy.
The MIIP requires investors to contribute a nonrefundable donation to the National Development and
Social Fund of EUR 650,000 (approximately R11.5
million) for the main applicant, and an additional
contribution of EUR 25,000 (R440,000) for a spouse
and each child under the age of 18.
In these times, offshore investments make more
sense than ever before, as long as they form part of
long-term financial plan; and through residence and
citizenship-by-investment programs can significantly
improve privacy, security and personal freedom.

RESOURCES
Henley & Partners
MARCH 2016 SA Real Estate Investor

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