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WHY IS INNOVATION SO IMPORTANT FOR MALTA ’ S RBI STARTUP PROGRAMME ?
Business innovation is at the heart of the MSRP . Eligible business projects must meet at least two of the following criteria :
1 . Offer innovative products or services .
2 . Generate income from multiple markets .
3 . Use a new or improved process .
To be eligible , startups must operate in advanced manufacturing , software development , biotechnology , sustainable industries , or other innovative economic activities .
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ENTREPRENEURS INTERESTED IN MALTA ’ S STARTUP OPTION
The MSRP is open to founders , co-founders , core employees , and immediate family members . Family members may include spouse , a defacto partner , minor children , and principally dependent adult children .
Also , applicants for this RBI program must be over 18 years of age , have no criminal record , be third-country nationals , excluding the European Union , the European Economic Area ( EEA ), and Swiss nationals , and be dedicated to developing and expanding their business in Malta .
Other requirements include :
• A tangible investment and / or paid-up share capital of at least € 25,000 .
• Startups with up to six co-founders can apply for the MSRP . If more than four co-founders apply , for the residence permit , an additional € 10,000 in share capital will need to be added for each additional co-founder . At least one non-EU co-founder must be registered as an employee .
• The startup may not have been registered in any country for more than seven years .
• Beneficiaries must demonstrate :
• Tangible presence by living and paying taxes in Malta .
• Applicants and their dependants must hold health insurance and intend to reside in Malta for at least 183 days .
• Founders , co-founders , and core employees must possess sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependants .
In addition , core employees must show specialist skills to help start the business and be on a full-time contract of at least € 30,000 .
KEY BENEFITS THAT DRAW INTEREST TO MALTA ’ S STARTUP VISA PROGRAM
Malta is a favorable business environment with English as an official language strategically located in Europe to target European , African , and Middle Eastern marketplaces . The island nation is a full member of the EU and Schengen Zone , so holders also gain visa-free access to Schengen for 90 days out of every 180 days .
“ To be eligible , startups must operate in advanced manufacturing , software development , biotechnology , sustainable industries , or other innovative economic activities .
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