The reference number that our Maltese legal firm gives to the PR applicant at the beginning of the application process is something like: IRD/1633/2008 and then the Malta PR certificate nr is 1633. Will the number in red always be the same as the PR cert

The reference number specified in the progress reports which we send to the applicant will be the same as the reference number on the PR certificate. However, please note that the client will be granted a different tax reference number and identity card number.

Whom can a PR sell and purchase property to and from in the Maltese PR scheme?

Kindly note that whether in a designated area or otherwise, there are no restrictions or limitations on whom the property is sold to. Properties in designated areas or non- designated areas can be sold to Maltese and foreigners alike.

Of course, if you are targeting to sell your properties to foreigners, a property in a designated area will potentially be easier to sell as foreigners can buy properties in designated areas without restrictions.

This in no way means that properties which are not in designated areas cannot be sold to foreigners. Properties in non-designated areas can be sold to foreigners, but, permits from the authorities in Malta may be needed depending on whether the foreigner buying the property:
- is a EU citizen or otherwise; and
- he is buying for his primary of secondary residence.
The requirement of permits does not exist for foreigners buying property in a designated area.

Can a Permanent Resident of Malta work?

Permanent residents cannot work in Malta. This general statement however is subject to the following clarification: the permanent resident cannot be employed by a Maltese person or Maltese registered company and cannot offer freelance services to Maltese persons or Maltese registered companies. However a permanent resident may use Malta as a base to work from, provided that he does not offer his services on the local market. A permanent resident may also be employed by or offer his freelance services to persons or companies outside Malta.

I need to confirm 100% that once I have the Maltese Residency stamped into my passport I can move around within the Shengen States without a Shengen Visa?

This was the answer from the Maltese Authorities:
The Residence Certificate issued in your respect by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue (CIR) to confirm that you may reside in Malta on a permanent basis needs to be reflected in your passport. This is done by the issue of a uniform residence permit (URP) in your respect which is then affixed in your passport. This URP allows you to visit countries in the Shengen Area without the need of a Shengen visa.

When does/can the PR applicant apply for the ID card?

The PR can apply for an ID card after s/he has obtained a Uniform Residence Permit.

How long does it take for the sticker in the passport to come through and does the PR applicant need to be physically present in Malta?

The application is processed within a week but the sticker can only be collected when the client visits Malta personally and have committed to buying or have signed a lease to rent in Malta. Once you have this you may travel freely with your Residency, throughout the Shengen States

Can the PR applicant apply for both the sticker and the ID card while they are signing their papers during their single mandatory visit to Malta?

The client has to visit Malta in order to sign the Final Declaration once they have completed their first year's requirements namely the remittal amount, min. annual tax payment and min. property commitment. On the same visit as signing the Final Declaration, we can help the client apply and collect his residence sticker (Uniform Residence Permit) and apply for his/her identity card on the same day.

Can the PR applicant travel to Malta using just the PR certificate that they have received for their successful application for their mandatory visit prior to getting the sticker in their passports and not get a Maltese visa?

The PR Certificate confirms that the client is a Permanent Resident of Malta but it is not a valid travel document so the client would still be required to apply for an entry visa for their first visit. Please also note that some clients have managed to use the PR Cert for travel to and from Malta however, it is advisable to check with the authorities in the country of departure.

When does the 2nd amount of tax need to be paid (next yearly payment)?

The yearly tax payments should reach the Inland Revenue Department before the end of April of each year.

When does the amount of Euro14,000 need to be paid?

The transfer to the Maltese bank account of EUR 14,000 can be done at any time during the year from January to December and it does not need to be done in one whole amount.
Remember that this is your money to do with it what you will. You can put it into your property or deposit it into a bank in Malta. The money does need to stay in Malta as long as you remain resident of Malta.
If you do decide to pack up and leave Malta then you are free to take your money with you.

Do dependants under 21 also need police clearance certificates?

Children may remain on their parent’s PR certificate until they are not completely financially dependent on their parents. As regards to Police Conduct Certificates, these are required for any applicants/dependents 18 years and older.

What happens to my Euro 14 000.00 that I bring into Malta each year?

The Euro 14 000 is your money and you can do invest in whatever you want with it. You need to pay your Euro 4000 per year for you and your family but the balance is yours. Invest in your property or place it in the bank.
We have looked at this money as forced savings in a safe haven in the EU.
Crusader Rock International is also looking at ways to re invest the balance of the cash for clients who want to see the money working rather than sitting in a bank account.

CAN I WORK IN MALTA?

An applicant ,regardless of nationality, can apply for a work permit for Malta. Technically applicants from EU countries will be favoured, however dependent on the employment required, the reality is that most South African applicants should be granted a Work Permit for Malta. Certain fields like medical, IT, and financial are sought after in the country.
We will be launching CRUSADER ROCK RECRUITMENTS in early 2009.

If the PR applicant gets approved etc and all goes through and then say 2 years later is married, would the wife then fall in as a dependant or what would be the case?

An applicant can decide to add dependants e.g. wife, children, parents etc at any time after his permanent residence status has been approved. The applicant will then be granted a new certificate including the added individuals.

How long can a police clearance be valid for before another one must be obtained for the application process?

Kindly note that I have just been in contact with Mr. Andrew Grech from the Inland Revenue Department and he informed us that for the purpose of the Permanent Residence applications, the Police Conduct Certificate should not be older than 6 months.

However, may I please point out that some Police Conduct Certificates do have an expiry date stated on them which might be only 1 month for example.

Must the applicant apply for the PR scheme in their country of Nationality?

Kindly note that the applicants for Permanent Residence are required to have their documents notarised, legalised and counter-legalised in their country of nationality.

If the PR applicant is travelling and would like to apply for a Visa as they are travelling outside of the EU then can they apply for a Visa in Malta or must they return to their contry of nationality?

Kindly note that the applicant might be able to apply for a Visa in Malta at the Embassy of the country he would be visiting. However, it depends from the country the client would be planning to visit since some Embassies have their own regulations and procedures.

If an EU passport holder applies for Ordinary Residence, is the wife (SA passport holder) entitled to this Ordinary Residence too like is applicable in the EU country of Spain for instance?

Yes, when an EU passport holder applies for Ordinary Residence, his/her spouse and children can obtain Ordinary Residence too as dependents.

Who is the Medical Insurance, that a passport sticker applicant takes up, underwritten by i.e. BUPA, AXA?

Kindly note that when an applicant would like to apply for a Residence Permit Sticker, s/he would be required to set up a Private Health Policy scheme with ANY medical insurance company s/he prefers.

Does vacant land count as a house or what is the ruling here? Is the future value of the building taken into account?

Kindy note that vacant land does not count as a house as long as the client does not have any building permits and building plans confirming that the land will be developed into property where the client would be able to reside.

Does one need an EU or Maltese drivers licence or can one use a SA licence? What if the applicant is in Malta permanently?

Please note that any one holding a valid E.U. driving licence who is over the age of 18 may drive in Malta until the expiry date of that licence. Any one holding a valid NON-E.U. driving licence who is over the age of 18 can drive in Malta for a period of twelve months from his/her last arrival in Malta.

As an EU passport holder i.e. (Ordinary Resident applicant), can the applicant be a beneficiary of a Guernsey company?

A PR or OR of Malta may be a beneficiary of a Guernsey company. A PR or OR registered as such with the Maltese tax authorities will be required to declare all income received in Malta during the basis year in which he was resident for tax purposes in Malta.

What is the process for applying for a Maltese drivers license?

Kindly note that if a holder of a NON-EU driving license would like to have a Maltese driving license, s/he would be required to attend a theory and practise examination in Malta.

If on the other hand, the person holds an EU driving license, s/he would be able to exchange the same to a Maltese driving license without having to do the examination.

Does a US passport holder need a visa to visit Malta?

Kindly note that a US passport holder does not need a visa in order to enter Malta. However, upon their arrival into any Schengen country, they will have their passport stamped at the airport and the stamp would be valid for 3 months.

If the PR wants to purchase a property while their application process in still in process, will this property commitment count as their property commitment in terms of the PR scheme or will they have to purchase a further property when their PR comes thr

Kindly note that any property purchased before the PR is approved is still considered as valid under the PR scheme.

If a PR applicant has both an EU passport and a South African passport, can the applicant choose to be a Permanent Resident with an EU passport rather than an Ordinary Resident and thereby achieve the tax benefits or would they have to apply with the SA p

Kindly note that EU nationals have the option of applying for both Ordinary and Permanent Residence.

An applicant who has both an EU and NON-EU passport can decide to choose whichever s/he prefers for his/her Permanent Residence Application.

Do PR holders get any travel preference to countries such as USA, Australia, UK, Scandinavia as do EU citizens without the need for a visa.

Please note that the Permanent Residence Status or the Residence Permit Sticker do not grant access to the USA, Canada, Australia and any other countries not part of Schengen.

Can older aged applicants easily get medical insurance for PR in Malta.

Please note that when NON-EU clients apply for a Residence Permit in Malta, they would be required to provide proof that they have a medical health insurance in Malta.

However, for clients over 60 years of age, the CEA department will accept a declaration signed by the applicant whereby they confirm that they will be liable for any Health Issues that occur in Malta since they cannot be covered by a private health policy due to their age.

Please note that it is very rare that people over 60 years of age get a new private medical insurance in Malta if they haven’t had it for a long time.

If the PR applicant was approved but was then to pass away for whatever reason would the PR dependents still retain their PR status and under what conditions?

Kindly note that if the PR main applicant passes away, his/her dependants would still be able to remain Maltese Permanent Residents. However, one of the dependants should take his place as a main applicant and this person would be required to satisfy the PR conditions on an annual basis.

Will my travel insurance suffice for medical insurance needed in order to have the PR sticker in my passport?

Please note that the Health Policy is to cover you for a whole year and not just for 90 days when you are travelling. This means that it should be a Health Insurance rather than a Travel Insurance.

Am I able to have the PR sticker inserted into my passport any time I visit Malta once I have my PR application approved?

Kindly note that it is extremely important that whenever clients plan to visit Malta to apply for and collect their Residence Permit Stickers, they should inform us at least 3 to 4 weeks before travelling and provide us with the flight tickets immediately.
 
It is important to note that whenever Residence Permit applications are submitted at the last miniute because of missing documents such as the flight tickets or a rental/purchase agreement, it might be that the permits are not issued before the client travels out of Malta.

What are the benefits of the Permanent Residence (PR) Scheme?

*Inexpensive qualification criteria & application fees for PR (min purchase price of property is €69,000 or rent €4,200 p/a). *Freedom of travel within the 24 Schengan States (countries of the EU). *Malta uses the Euro as its new currency. *Malta is a tax efficient financial service centre for PR's - very low tax rate, no wealth & capital gains tax, no estate duty. *English is an official language, cars are driven on the left side of the road. *Southern most country of Europe in the middle of the Mediterranean only 2 1/2 hours from London. *Massively rich culture dating back over 7,000 years with wondrous architecture, cuisine, people, coastline and sea (sailing Mecca). *Inexpensive living and setup costs very similar to SA. *Your spouse, children (under 21) and parents can fall under your application as dependents. *Strategic location, tax benefits, very stable government, inexpensive labour and great work ethic of workers is seeing the country thrive under the EU banner - the perfect country to set up a head-office or subsidiary. *Perfect destination to holiday in, live in, invest in and work in. *Great education system. *Fantastic medical services- 2nd most advanced hospital in Europe.

Re the first year PR tax payment, when is the calender year triggered from? Is is tied to the financial year? Does it run in the same year as the PR application year? If it is the financial year then is there a pro rata payment for the first year if the

Kindly note that the tax year in Malta is the same as the calendar year and therefore it runs from January to December for all individuals.
As regards to PRs, please note the examples below:
The client becomes a PR in August 2009, he pays the minimum tax of EUR 4,192, he chooses the property to rent/buy and signs the declaration of residence in 2009. In this case, the tax paid in August 2009 will cover only until December 2009 and the next tax payment will be due before April 2010.
The client becomes a PR in August 2009, he pays the minimum tax of EUR 4,192, he takes his time to choose the property to rent/buy and only signs the declaration of residence in 2010. In this case, the tax paid in August 2009 will be transferred to cover Basis Year 2010 and the next tax payment will be due before April 2011.

Can 1st year prepayment of tax count towards 1st year remittal amount?

Kindly note that if the tax payment is forwarded to the client’s bank account and then to the IRD, this payment will be considered as part of the remittance requirement.

Does the Privy Council still hear cases from Malta?

The Republic of Malta used to be a colony of the British Empire and during such times citizens of Malta could appeal to the British Privy Council since it was a former supreme court of appeal for the entire British Empire. Until this present day, the Privy Council continues to hear appeals from British Overseas Territories, Sovereign Base Areas, Crown Dependencies and some Commonwealth countries.

What is the judicial structure in Malta?

In 1972 Malta gained independence from the British Empire and it now has its own separate legal and juridical system. The courts of Malta consist of the Court of Magistrates (Gozo), the Court of Magistrates (Malta), the Civil Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court. Henceforth, Malta does not have any access to the Privy Council, but citizens of Malta will have to go through the law courts in Malta for any claim which arises.

A QUICK PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY IN MALTA

1. You don't intend to work, business investment is welcomed
2. You earn at least €23,000 p/a or have a Net Asset Value worldwide exceeding €349,000.
3. You will need to pay annual Maltese tax of €4,192 p/a
4. You will need to invest in real estate of either €102,000 for an apartment or €170,000 for a house or rent for €4,150 p/a . Mortgages of up to 80% are available at 3.22%
5. PLEASE NOTE - There is no minimum stay required for residency

Can anyone open a bank account in Malta or does one have to have PR status?

Kindly note that any foreigner can open a bank account in Malta even though they might not be residents here. This therefore means that if the clients open their bank account before they become Permanent Residents, they would have a non-resident account with a foreign residential address. They they can then change the same to a resident account with a Maltese residential address after their PR is approved and they have obtained a Maltese identity card.

Are EU nationals allowed free Health Care in Malta?

Kindly note that all EU nationals have got an EHIC card which entitles them to Free Health Care in all European Union countries. This card is obtained from the Health Department of their country of nationality.

What is a tumolo?

A tumolo is the equivalent of 1 124 metres squared.

How can I have my children over 21 years of age, but not able to qualify for this scheme on their own, benefit from this scheme?

Lately the IRD has been a lot more relaxed on children of applicants over 21 but still dependent on their parents. They request a letter stating the dependence and then will allow this.

This is not a long term solution though so the alternative is for the parents to pay their child the minimum qualifying annual income of €23 000 p/a and then the child can qualify themselves using the same accountants template that we supply to all other applicants.

How can my first "minimum tax payment" be considered part of my first year's "remittal amount" so that I don't have to remit the tax as an additional amount for the first year?

It is advised that the PR applicant open up a Resident bank account in Malta as soon as their application is approved (ask us for details). The PR would then transfer their tax payment to their Maltese bank account and then transfer from this account to either the attorneys or the IRD account as requested. This transfer would then count towards the PR's remittal amount for the first year.

As a UK passport holder, would a client be entitled to free health care?

EU citizens permanently residing in Malta are entitled to free health care from public hospitals and clinics. However one must apply for Form E121 from the overseas authority (in this case the UK). Once this is issued it will be registered with the Malta Health Department Entitlement Unit and a Certificate of Entitlement is issued.

There seem to be different minumum property purchase prices now to qualify for PR. What are these purchase values?

Should a PR purchase property outside a designated area then the present minimum purchase price in order to qualify for PR is €101,551 for an apartment and €169,205 for a house (keep in mind this is not a capital commitment - you can raise a bond of 80%).

Alternatively, in a designated area, the minumums are €69,000 for an apartment and €116,000 for a house.  In reality though, there are no properties in designated areas for less than €98,000 and you would want to spend at least €180,000 in order to achieve a good capital growth and rental yield.

What would happen should the primary applicant of a family that has PR in Malta pass away?

The wife would be able to take over upon submitting the declaration that she can annually remit at least Euro 14,000 + Euro 2,300 per dependent to Malta.

In the case of Ordinary residence (available to EU passport holders), am I right in understanding that similarly to the PR scheme, dependents on the application (dependent on the primary applicant) would also apply such as for PR applications?

Yes dependents of EU national would be eligible to apply to reside in Malta with the EU national.

Should the primary OR applicant pass away (the EU passport holder) and the rest of the dependents on the application are non-EU passport holders, would the dependents be able to remain in Malta?

Dependents could remain living in Malta if they would have been living in Malta together with EU national before his death, for at least 1 year.

Can dependents on an OR application work in Malta (let's say they don't have EU passports)?

No, immigration rules and employment rules are different. The Non-EU national would have to be included in a work permit application which will be considered on the basis of labour market considerations just like any other non-EU national.

If parents acquire citizenship in Malta, are the children also apply on this ground

Yes that would be the case. Children growing up and being educated in Malta would also serve as very good motivation for citizenship.

Can anyone apply for residency in Malta?

No, you need to fulfill certain requirements in terms of the amount of money needed or earned, clear criminal record and current passport. We will assist you through all the red tape to submit your application.

If you were to try to do the application yourself it would cost you more money and you may end up submitting the incorrect information. It is crucial that all your paper work and forms are 100% correct before submitting them to our offices in Malta.

Can I phone and ask questions as we go through the procedure?

Once you have been to see one of our consultants you will have a clear understanding of the way forward. We are certain there will be questions and this is what we are here for. We will assist you every step of the way.

The process is fairly paper intensive but once again after you have been to see Crusader Rock it will be very clear. We work a lot on the internet and via e mail so we are only a call or mail away.

How long will my application take once it arrives in Malta?

It normally takes no longer than three months. In our experience we have had a few that have come out before then but normally the full three months is needed.

How do I get my application to Malta?

Part of our service is to package all needed and necessary documentation. We then use our reliable courier company to deliver this documentation whilst we track the progress from date of departure to arrival in Malta.

How do I start the procedure for permanent residency?

The best way forward is to come in and see one of our team. They will go through a list of what you will require, how to go about getting it and giving you time frames on receiving each of these items. This allows you to plan your application and how to submit.

Why Malta?

Have a look at the positive facts on our About Malta page and talk to one of our directors who have successfully completed the Permanent Residency application process.

It is truly an intriguing, beautiful island with all the charm of the Mediterranean thrown in.

If you are running a business in South Africa and you feel you want the insurance of another country then Malta is perfect. You never have to go and live there and do not have to satisfy any number of days per year.

Please attend one of our seminars where we show you a little about Malta and chat more about what the island has to offer.

How do I track my application once it has been submitted?

We are in contact with our offices in Malta on a daily basis. Should you want an update please contact our office. Alternatively we provide updates every two weeks once the application has been received and is in process with the Inland Revenue Dept.

Why should I not go directly to the attorneys in Malta?

Our legal partners in Malta are the most organised when it comes to the permanent residency programme. You as the applicant get the benefit of our Malta legal and accounting services as well as the local expertise of Crusader Rock. These and other relationships that Crusader Rock afford you both in South Africa and Malta come without any extra cost. In fact you pay less and face a whole lot less trouble by using Crusader Rock International- you simply do not loose.

How long once I have my residency do I have to buy or let property in Malta?

Once you have your permit in your hands you then have one year in which to purchase or rent a property in Malta to fit in with the prerequisites of the PR application process.

Once I have residency and property do I have to go and live in Malta?

No. You need to visit Malta to collect and validate your Permanent Residence permit but after that you do not need to ever visit there until you wish to.

Does Crusader Rock renew the residency visa each year?

Yes. Along with our team in Malta, Crusader Rock will renew your residency permit as well as handle your tax return, renew your Uniform Residence Permit etc.

Can I travel in Europe without a visa once I have the Maltese Permanent residency?

If you apply for the Maltese Permanent Residency and are successful, this gets stamped into your passport. Once this occurs then you will no longer require a Schengen visa and you will then be able to move freely throughout the 26 European countries that have signed the Schengen treaty to date.

Is it worth getting the residency sticker for easy travel in Europe?

This would depend on how often you are going to travel in Europe. You will need to get the Uniform Residence Permit once you have been granted Permanent Residence in order to satisfy the PR requirements.

Do I need a visa for Malta once I have residency?

Yes, unless you have a Uniform Residency Permit sticker in your passport. You would need to apply for the Uniform Residence Permit in the first year of being approved for PR.

Do I get the Maltese ID card?

Yes you do get the ID card. It is much like our green ID book. If you do not have one then it is difficult to open telephone accounts, bank accounts and other daily issues related to running an organised life (again much like trying to get anything done in South Africa without and ID book).
The ID is only issued on the last stage of your PR application, when you commit to buying property or renting.

What is the crime like in Malta?

Malta has a very very low crime rate.Last year not one person was murdered on the island. Most of the crime that does occur is very petty like phones being stolen out of beach bags etc. Gozo, the smaller island, is virtually crime free.

Am I going to get by in an European country when I only speak English?

Malta has been occupied by the British for the last two hundred years so until 1964- most, if not all, Maltese speak English. Maltese and English are the two official languages and all legal and official documents appears in both languages. Maltese also drive on the left hand side of the road- the only country in Europe besides the UK.

Would you suggest buying or renting property in Malta?

Most of our applicants prefer to buy. Most cannot bring themselves to rent when they are not going to be there ( in the first few years) By buying at least you enjoy the capital growth.

Can we buy a property as part of a group?

Yes. As long as the purchase is in a designated area. The government though no longer accepts such ownership (syndication included) as meeting the PR property requirements but would be suitable for investments purchases.

Would you suggest buying within a group?

Again each person has a different idea. We have some people who buy simply to satisfy the permanent residency scheme requirements and others that really want to go and live in Malta within a few years and therefore want to own the property outright.
By buying within a group you would be getting better value for money however the property would not count to your PR property commitment.

Why have more South Africans not applied?

Our directors have been looking at options for years in Europe and Malta never came onto the radar screen. The biggest issue that the island was never part of the EU. This has now changed and so has the interest in the Island from many different angles.

Why Malta over other European Countries?

Malta is still the most reasonable country to apply for the scheme. Most of the European countries demand a vast sum of money, language skills and a commitment to live on a long term basis.

Why is everyone talking about Mauritius?

Simple. Like us we did not know about this option in the heart of Europe. Malta having taken over as prime Residence option to South Africans stands to reason being part of the EU with a stable government and Euro Zone Economy.

This is and has been our biggest promotion for the island...an island with first world infrastructure in the heart of Europe.

Does an applicant have to keep bringing in Euro 14 000 in to the country or does a bulk of funds contribute to following years?

Permanent Residence holder is required to transfer EUR 14,000 annually since at year-end our legal company would be required to submit a copy of the local bank statements to the Inland Revenue Department. A bulk transfer would not cover the following years and would be taken as the complete remittance for that year.

The best would be to remit what the Maltese tax office requires each year.

Can Maltese Permanent Residency (PR) be exchanged with other EU countries PR status?

An EU or NON-EU applicant who applies for Maltese Permanent Residence would be granted the opportunity to live in Malta as long as s/he satisfies on a continuing basis all the PR conditions. If the applicant wishes to move his residence to another country, s/he would need to check the regulations of the country where s/he wishes to move. The residence status here is therefore not automatically transferable to that of another country.

What is the process if applying with a different passport to that of a South African (SA). Do EU or any other region / country passport holders get advantages to that of a SA when applying from SA?

Please note that the Permanent Residence progress usually takes about 3 months to be completed and the department does not take into consideration the nationality of the applicant. There is therefore no difference in treatment between applicants of different nationalities or origins.

When does a successful applicant get an ID card?

When a client obtains the Permanent Residence Status (i.e. approximately 3 months after the application is submitted) and has satisfied all the first years requirements, s/he would be entitled to apply for an Uniform Residence Permit and also to apply for a Maltese Identity Card.

This ID card is like our green ID book. It entitles the holder to open bank accounts, applications on telephones and most of the daily issues that need to be done to run a smooth hassle free life.

When is the Uniform Residence Permit extended from 1 to 5 years?

The PR status is to be renewed every year and is automatically renewed providing the yearly commitments prescribed by the scheme are adhered to.

The Uniform Residence Permit (sticker in the passport) is also renewable every year but after 5 years renewal, the applicant might be granted a new Residence Sticker with a validity of 5 years. However, the Permanent Residence status would still need to be renewed annually. 

What are the rental returns on property in Malta (different areas of Malta if relevant) and likewise the capital growth of the asset?

The gross rental yield on property in Malta should be around 4% to 5% if the client purchase in the right areas- speak to our property advisors. The capital growth of the asset is around 5 to 7% per annum- again providing the client buys in the right area.

What confirmation of PR do visitors to Malta need when entering Malta? Is there a sticker or stamp for the applicants passport?

The NON-EU Permanent Resident holders will have a Residence Sticker in their passport that will grant them access to all the Schengen countries without the requirement of an entry Visa.

How does an applicant set about getting the police clearance certificate if the applicant holds a foreign passport but lives in SA?

The police authorities in SA would still be able to provide them with a Police Conduct Certificate and if they are not, the Police Authorities should explain the same in a letter addressed to the Inland Revenue Department.

What work can a PR perform and how does the PR go about getting the permission to perform this work?

Permanent Residence holders cannot be gainfully employed or have business interests in Malta. This is one of the conditions of the scheme.

If you are looking to bring a skill to Malta like tourism or manufacturing then the government will look at issuing you with a work visa however you can't hold both PR and work permit as they are conflicting status'.

This is a difficult question to answer on line as each applicant has different requirements. This will need to tailor made for your requirements.

Can an applicant buy, renovate and then sell property and then purchase again i.e. buy and sell property in Malta?

A Permanent Resident cannot conduct a business activity in Malta and therefore cannot make the act of buying and selling of property in Malta a habitual activity. Should the client however wish to change his abode this is possible.

What is the process for spouses, partners, children, parents, dependants and related family?

The main applicant can add dependents to his/her Permanent Residence applications and this applies to spouses, children that are still completely financially dependent, parents and grandparents of the primary applicant that are still completely financially dependent on the primary applicant. Partners and other family members cannot be included.

If a child of the primary applicant becomes not totally financially dependent on the primary applicant then what is the position of the child and what process needs to be followed?

Any child that becomes not totally financially dependent on the primary applicant would need to submit a separate Permanent Residence Application and to this end s/he would need to meet all the necessary requirements separately from his parents.

The parent can help the child qualify by paying them the necessary min. qualifying income of €23,000 per annum.

How many purchasers can be party to a syndication (Fractional Title) for investment reasons? Is there a maximum to the number of parties to a syndication?

No maximum number is known to exist.

When does one get the ID card and when is it needed/what is it needed for?

A NON-EU Permanent Resident can apply for a Maltese Identity Card as soon as s/he has obtained his/her Residence Permit sticker in the passport. The identity card is not a valid travel document and can be used only in Malta.

What is the Malta visa needed for?

Please note that until the NON-EU client has obtained the Residence Sticker in his/her passport, s/he would require an entry Visa to visit Malta. This is basically a Shengen visa for South African passport holders. The visa can be obtained from the Italian Consulate in Cape Town. They process the Shengen on behalf of Malta

Does a PR applicant need to actually visit Malta?

The PR applicant will only need to physically visit Malta once and that will be to sign the Final Declaration when the application is approved and all requirements for the first year are met. This can be done any time in the 12 months. Once you have taken transfer of your qualifying property then you can apply for the Permanent Residency to get stamped into your passport (Uniform Residence Permit). Thereafter you will be able to travel within the Shengen area without a visa.

What is the duration of this ID card and when does the PR applicant get it?

Maltese Identity cards have a validity of 5 years but next year they should all be changed to an EU format identity card which shall still be valid for 5 years. The applicant can apply for one after having obtained their Uniform Residence Permit.

Can the PR applicant purchase the Hospital Cover without getting the sticker?

No, the applicant would need to obtain the Uniform Residence Permit in order to fulfil the PR requirements. Remember the PR in anticipated to live in Malta however there are no min. stay requirements and thus does not need to spend time Malta. Owing to this, the applicant would need to have the Uniform Residence Permit in order to allow s/he to potentially reside in Malta on a continuous basis.

If the PR applicant does not apply for the sticker then are they liable for their own medical bills?

The Permanent Residence Scheme does not grant the applicant free use of the Public Medical Facilities in Malta so in order to be covered for the same, the applicant needs to take up a Private Hospital Scheme.
 

Does the Hospital Cover also cover the PR applicant for travel outside of Malta?

The applicant can decide to set up a Private Hospital policy covering the benefits s/he would like such as medical cover when abroad, dentist visits, pregnancy entitlement etc.

Can the incomes asset value of all the applicants that fall under the main applicant contribute to the earnings minimum/net asset worth of the main applicant?

No, the main applicant should have the income/asset value in his name although the Inland Revenue Department sometimes accepts financial declarations stating that the applicant and his/her spouse have a joint income amount.

What is the Malta visa needed for?

Please note that until the NON-EU client has obtained the Residence Sticker in his/her passport, s/he would require an entry Visa to visit Malta.This is known as the Shengen Visa and can be obtained from the Italian Consulate in Cape Town or Johannesburg. Once you have your residency and it gets stamped into your passport then you no longer need a Shengen Visa for travel in Europe.

Can Maltese Permanent Residency (PR) be exchanged with other EU countries PR status?

An EU or NON-EU applicant who applies for Maltese Permanent Residence would be granted the opportunity to live in Malta as long as s/he satisfies, on a continuing basis, all the PR conditions. If the applicant wishes to move his residence to another country, s/he would need to check the regulations of the country where s/he wishes to move. The residence status here is therefore not automatically transferable to that of another country.

When does an applicant get a passport?

Kindly note that being a Maltese Permanent Resident and living in Malta for 5 years gives you the right to apply for Maltese citizenship.
However, the outcome of your application for citizenship is entirely at the discretion of the minister and there are no guarantees that it is obtained. In fact it is very unlikely that citizenship is granted to a person who has lived in Malta for less than 20 years.  Another requirement is that the person would have to be fully integrated into Maltese society, take part in cultural events and be active in local organizations etc.

Having said this, permanent residents do enjoy various benefits that are similar to those of citizens including freedom of movement into and out of Malta and the right to apply for and be granted a Maltese Identity Card. Some advantages, including the applicable flat rate of 15% on all remitted income are not available to citizens, and are exclusive to permanent residents permit holders. Therefore more often its best to retain permanent residence rather than convert this into citizenship.

What work can a PR perform and how does the PR go about getting the permission to perform this work?

Permanent Residence holders cannot be gainfully employed. This is one of the conditions of the scheme. However the Maltese goverment is very keen on encouraging certain industries like tourism so the answer is not set in stone on this question. 

When does one get the ID card and what is it needed for?

A NON-EU Permanent Resident can apply for a Maltese Identity Card as soon as s/he has obtained his/her Residence Permit sticker in the passport. The Identity Card is like the green SA ID book. It is crucial for daily life organisation like telephone accounts and bank accounts. Currently it is a Maltese ID card but will change over in the next few months to an European Residency ID card as the EU rules start to apply to Malta.

What will the ID card entitle the PR applicant to and how will it assist the PR applicant?

Whenever a foreigner applies for internet, telephone, television and other services in Malta, he would be required to submit as deposit of approximately EUR 500 to cover the company providing the service. However, when the foreigner has got a Maltese Identity Card, s/he would not need to submit any deposits.
 
We prepare the necessary documentation and forms for the client when he decides to apply for a Maltese Identity card and we also accompany him/her on both visits to the ID cards department.

Will PR applicants that fall under the main applicant also need to prove their individual earning capacity?

This is not necessary since only the main applicant needs to submit a financial declaration.

Will PR applicants that fall under the main applicant receive their own residency number and will they be processed individually or under the same application?

Dependants who are added on to the PR Application of another person will also be listed on the same certificate and they will therefore be holding the same PR number.

Will PR applicants that fall under the main applicant need to fill out their own application forms or will their listing in the main application form suffice?

Dependants are not required to submit their own Permanent Residence application forms since they can be included on the application form of the main applicant. As regards to the Residence Sticker application, all applicants are to submit their own application form as this sticker is your permanent residency stamp that would go into your own passport. This is what will allow you free access to travel around the Shengen States.

Can the incomes/asset value of all the applicants that fall under the main applicant contribute to the earnings minimum/net asset worth of the main applicant?

No, the main applicant should have the income/asset value in his name. On saying this however the Inland Revenue Department sometimes accepts financial declarations stating that the applicant and his/her spouse have a joint income that goes toward the Permanent Residency Application. Once again we can submit the application and see what the Inland Revenue comes back with.

Please would you clarify what the PR applicant receives with the sticker application i.e. Is the Hospital Cover included and what else; why the applicant would require it and when should this be applied for?

When the applicant is granted the residence sticker in his/her passport, the applicant would be able to travel to all the Schengen countries without the requirement of an entry Visa. In order to apply for the residence sticker, the applicant is required to have a Full Medical Private Hospital Policy which covers any medical assistance that the applicant might require while in Malta. This can be a Maltese Private Hospital Policy or a Foreign Policy which the applicant might have in place already.

When/does an applicant get a passport?

Being a Maltese Permanent Resident and living in Malta for 5 years gives you the right to apply for Maltese citizenship. However, the outcome of your application for citizenship is entirely at the discretion of the minister and there are no guarantees that it is obtained. In fact it is unlikely that citizenship is granted to a person who has lived in Malta for less than 20 years.
Another requirement is that the person would have to be fully integrated into Maltese society, take part in cultural events and be active in local organizations etc.Having said this, permanent residents do enjoy various benefits that are similar to those of citizens including freedom of movement into and out of Malta and the right to apply for and be granted a Maltese Identity Card. Some advantages, including the applicable flat rate of 15% on all remitted income are not available to citizens, and are exclusive to permanent residents permit holders and therefore more often its best to retain permanent residence rather than convert this into citizenship.