How does Malta define “genuine links” to the country for its CBI program?

Answers

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  Charles Scerri

  Charles Scerri & Associates

  November 01, 2018

  Regarding the genuine link: While is not required for the main applicant to reside constantly in Malta, he would still need to have an apartment leased on his name for the period of 12 months. In addition to rental cost, this requirement can also be qualified by: effecting donations to Maltese charitable institutions (no minimal requirements; it’s up to client’s discretion); effecting donations for particular projects (no minimal requirements, it’s up to client’s discretion); joining special interest clubs in Malta (circa 100 euros per month); utilizing Maltese telephony and internet services (from 30 euros per month); utilizing Maltese cable television services (from 30 euros per month); registering one’s pleasure vessel in Malta (case-to-case basis); leasing a yacht in Malta (case-to-case basis); registering one’s private aircraft in Malta (case-to-case basis); incorporating a Maltese company (case-to-case basis.

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  Matthew Cassar

  Advocate

  October 31, 2018

  The genuine links are the commitments and investments that the applicant is required to do in order to qualify for the IIP program. If the applicant adheres to all the requirements listed in the application, then the genuine links between the applicant and the country have been created.

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  Valentina Sammut

  BIZ Consult Limited

  November 01, 2018

  The Maltese citizenship program, as approved by the European Commission, is based on establishing a “genuine link” between the applicant and Malta. The applicant does not need to move to Malta or live in the country for a full year to establish a genuine link. The Maltese authorities have accepted the following as genuine links: donations to local charities, institutions; memberships with Maltese clubs, professional associations; sponsorships; local philanthropy; enrolling to English schools established in Malta; and conducting business in Malta.

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  Benjamin Griscti

  November 01, 2018

  With genuine links, we normally refer to things of substance, which really indicate that Malta is part of your regular order of life. Other means of how to create such links could be via memberships in clubs and maybe attending to some meeting when in Malta, donations to local associations, etc.

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  Michael Mercieca

  Arthur and Partners

  November 04, 2018

  The links than one can make would include opening a bank account, paying a membership to a social club, obtaining a telephone or mobile phone connection in Malta, appointing a medical practitioner and others.

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  Joseph Portelli

  RSM Malta

  November 07, 2018

  One of the requirements of the Malta Individual Investor Program is that the applicant must hold a Maltese residency status for a minimum period of 12 months. This does not mean that the applicant would need to be physically present in Malta for a period of 12 months. For the purposes of the program, residency is determined by considering the applicant’s connecting factors to Malta, which include the number of visits to Malta, any subscriptions that he/she may have with Maltese service providers (depending on the applicant), a significant donation to a Maltese charitable institution, proof of commercial or financial ties and proof of any other expenses incurred in Malta.