Malta offers a range of residency options for non-EU nationals, from families seeking permanent residence to entrepreneurs and digital nomads. In this interview, Jonathan Cardona, CEO of Residency Malta, highlights the unique features of these programmes, the rigorous due diligence process, and Malta’s ongoing appeal in the global residency market.

New European Economy: Broadly speaking, who are the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, Malta Startup Residence Programme and the Nomad Residence Permit designed to appeal to?

Jonathan Cardona: Residency Malta offers three flagship programmes offering residency and catering to distinct groups of non-EU nationals, with tailored migratory pathways. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is designed for families looking to establish a permanent home in Malta. The Nomad Residence Permit targets digital nomads and remote workers, granting them a one-year temporary residence to work from Malta while keeping their employment abroad. The permit is renewable up to three times, for a maximum four-year stay. And for founders, co-founders and core employees of innovative ventures, the Malta Startup Residence Programme grants a 3+5 year residency (3+3 for core employees).

All of our programmes are designed with the family in mind and allow the inclusion of dependent immediate family members.  The MPRP goes a step further, allowing the inclusion of up to four generations in one application, plus, future spouses and grandchildren can be added post application. In fact, this programme is ideal for family relocation.

As you can see our programmes are very distinct and they offer different solutions for different migratory needs. But they have one thing in common – they are intended to attract fit-and-proper individuals. Our stringent due diligence checks on all individuals ensures that Maltese residency is only granted to persons of good conduct.

New European Economy: How do you ensure a seamless experience for applicants?

Jonathan Cardona: Service excellence is rooted in our brand promise. Our team places much importance on giving a great service to both our licensed agents and clients themselves and we try achieving this at all levels, whether it is face-to-face or through our digital touchpoints.  Our team is well trained to provide clear information on programme eligibility and requirements, as well as on application status. With an entire department dedicated to client relations, the team strives to give timely replies, capture biometric data, organise residency card collection and generally direct clients accordingly. MPRP applicants need to submit an application via one of our licensed agents who will act on their behalf throughout the process. This ensures an added level of peace of mind for families wishing to relocate permanently.

As for processing timeframes, we are currently experiencing some delays. This because last year was an exceptional year with record applications received, which strained our operations. However, we have recently already increased our output rate. We have made additional investments in resources and automation, and continue to streamline processes so that we can have faster response times. And this without compromising our due diligence checks.

New European Economy: What key due diligence aspects would you like to draw attention to, that evidence Malta’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency when assessing applications?

Jonathan Cardona: Our ethos is that of attracting only persons of good repute to our shores. So the due diligence is the cornerstone of all our programmes. It is on this that the stellar reputation of our Programmes pivots. For example, for our residency-by-investment programme we employ a multi-tier process which starts with KYC conducted by the Licensed Agent at onboarding stage, followed by document validation by our analysts, police clearance and thorough investigations. We also perform comprehensive checks on the source of wealth and funds. Additionally, we commission background verification reports from international due diligence companies. Approved beneficiaries must then submit annual compliance documents to maintain their status and to ensure ongoing adherence to programme requirements. Moreover, our team of professionals are regularly trained in auditing, compliance and anti-money laundering to keep abreast of developments in the field and in the regions from where our applicants hail.

“Individuals and families from countries experiencing geopolitical or economic instability are increasingly seeking second residencies.”

New European Economy: What serves to distinguish Malta from other jurisdictions in the residency space in what has become an increasingly crowded and competitive market?

Jonathan Cardona: It is Malta’s unique jurisdictional qualities that set it apart. Malta is one of the safest countries in the world with an English-speaking society based on family values. This is by no means a trifle for families wishing to give a better future to their children. Malta is also a stable democratic jurisdiction and a member of the European Union. Being an island nation located in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, we enjoy exceptional weather and an outdoors lifestyle. Again, for families who are putting their children first, Malta boasts excellent educational institutions and access to reputable healthcare Our multi-cultural, society, with abundant business opportunities further enhances Malta’s appeal as an ideal destination for residency.

New European Economy: To what extent would you say Malta is an innovator and pioneer in respect of its residency offerings?  How have prospective applicants’ wish lists evolved in recent years and how has Malta anticipated or adapted to changing requirements?

Jonathan Cardona: When it comes to residency by investment, we followed many other European countries to launch a programme that could offer residency to non-EU nationals, while channelling foreign investment funds into sovereign wealth. Of course, we have always strived to offer added value in our propositions. I believe, however, that it is in the due diligence processes we employ, that we stand out as leaders in the field. We have set high benchmarks for others to follow.

Where we have been much more agile than other European countries is in the launch of the digital nomad visa, even launching during the global Covid pandemic, which was a calculated risk.  This initiative responded to the emerging trend of remote work and the need for safer living environments and freedom of movement. Our agility reaped excellent results, and today the Nomad Residence Permit is one of the most sought-after digital nomad visas in Europe.

 With the exception of digital nomadism, that has seen a veritable surge post Covid, in reality people’s demands haven’t changed and they remain rooted in a handful of basic needs – safety and security, access to good education, access to healthcare, quality of life and freedom of movement.

New European Economy: What existing customer source markets do you anticipate will constitute the mainstay of applications in the near term? Are there any new geographies you are looking to reach out to?

Jonathan Cardona: Individuals and families from countries experiencing geopolitical or economic instability are increasingly seeking second residencies. Asia, in particular China, has always been the biggest market for this industry globally. To capitalise on this demand, we’ll strategically expand our outreach through our networks and target regions that have the potential of mutual benefit to both our country and prospective residents.

New European Economy: What is your vision for Residency Malta, and what is the roadmap to achieving that vision?

Jonathan Cardona: My vision is to take the Agency forward in a sustainable manner, offering applicants, beneficiaries and agents value and service excellence, whilst maintaining significant investments in technology, processes, due diligence and in our people, who are the driving force of all that we do.

For more information about Residency Malta’s Programmes visit www.residencymalta.gov.mt