Interview with Charles Mizzi, CEO of the Residency Malta Agency
In times of nervousness and instability, the notion of living in an island paradise with a fascinating cultural heritage and a strong community spirit will surely appeal to many. The Mediterranean island of Malta offers both a Permanent Residence Programme and a Nomad Residence Permit. Charles Mizzi, CEO of the Residency Malta Agency, tells us more.
Hello, Mr Mizzi! It’s lovely to speak with you today. Can we begin with a few words on why Malta, in particular, holds a special place in your heart?
I believe that most, if not all, people hold a sense of national pride when they think of the country where they were born and raised. This is especially true for Malta. It is just a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, but it has had such a great impact, be it historically, geographically, commercially, or politically. There is a lot to be proud of. I have mentioned points of importance and success.
However, if I had to choose my favourite thing about being Maltese, it would be the character of Malta’s people. Being a small island, Malta has a very strong sense of community. Solidarity is among the core values on which our nationality is built, and we are very quick and eager çiğli çiçek to welcome others into the fold. Our rich and colourful history has imbued our culture with great variety and many riches, and has also instilled in us a predisposition to seek and thirst for diversity and positive change.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is the latest from the Residency Malta Agency. How does this differ from its predecessor?
We believe that the new programme presents an improved proposal and will give more added value to applicants. Similarly to its predecessor, the MPRP is open to third-country nationals and continues to keep family at the centre. The programme accepts four generations in one application. Like I said, community is very important to us, and family is at the very heart of it.
Approved applicants will be entitled to permanent residency from the first day and will benefit from visa-free travel across Schengen for 90 days every 180 days.
The programme offers access to our property market and is one of the few programmes that offers both leasing and purchase as an option. Beneficiaries can also choose to purchase an additional property in special designated areas as a rental investment. Those who choose to purchase real estate will enjoy a lower contribution fee of €68,000, whereas those who choose to rent will pay a contribution of €98,000. There is a slightly higher fee for dependants, as well, over the old programme, and the beneficiary’s health insurance now covers Malta rather than the whole EU. The EU component is replaced by a travel insurance.
We have also introduced a new initiative: a donation of €2,000 to a Maltese charity or NGO. We want to foster a strong sense of belonging between the beneficiaries and the local community.
Our agency is now committing to a time frame of 4 to 6 months from submission of a complete and correct application, a very competitive time frame, and we take pride in the level of our customer care service. At the same time, due diligence will remain at the top of our list of priorities.
Another difference between the programmes is that the Agency will invest a portion of received funds directly in CSR projects to make benefits more tangible to local citizens and residents. We have removed investments in stocks and bonds, and instead we are directing the investment to the Government’s Consolidated Fund.
This new programme boasts a four-tier due-diligence process coupled with a meticulous screening process. Can you briefly walk us through the processes?
Yes, due diligence is a crucial element of our programme and we seek to lead by example. In the case of the MPRP, the process begins with the KYC, which is conducted by the agent at application stage. Once the application reaches us, we check the validity of each document and check out anything that may be missing or incomplete.
This is followed up by police clearance and conduct investigations, as well as the commissioning of background verification reports from international due-diligence companies. This helps to create a complete picture.
Once all of this information is at hand, case officers compile a final report and present it to the board of approvals for their final decision. Once this has been concluded, applicants will be requested to settle programme requirements, and they will be invited to visit Malta to begin the residence card process with the capturing of biometric data.
How has this programme been performing in the past year during the pandemic? In particular, how has it contributed to Malta’s economic stability over this time?
The programme has been performing well, despite the effects of COVID, and we have seen an increase in application submission towards the end of last year. To date, the programme’s contribution to the Government’s Consolidated Fund and the National Development and Social Fund is €32.2 million. This is a direct injection into our economy, not to mention the fact that when new residents come to Malta, they also become contributors to our local economy.
Why do you believe there has been a considerable increase in people applying for residency programmes?
The pandemic has painted a frightening picture of what restricted movement looks like, of what poor healthcare can look like in a state of emergency. Those who are seeking second residency are considering these factors now more than ever. Countries that have navigated through the pandemic more successfully and who can offer excellent healthcare services are undoubtedly going to fare better in this market. Apart from this, interested applicants consider opportunities for education, lifestyle, safety and economic stability, which are all things Malta can offer. The geopolitical volatility of a country of origin or domicile also remains a solid reason for seeking such programmes.
Could you provide some tips for applicants and agents to improve the processing time of applications?
Submit a complete and correct application from the outset. This will decrease the probability of the agency asking questions to clients, and so stalling the process. If questions are issued by the Agency, the file processing stops and it will impinge on the 4 to 6 month timeline the Agency is committed to keeping.
The Agency has also recently launched a Nomad Residence Permit. How is this faring and what was the idea behind it?
Yes, we are very happy with the performance of this permit. We’ve had more than an application a day to date, hailing from all over the world, with the majority originating from the UK and US. The idea behind this permit is to offer an opportunity to third-country nationals who do not enjoy the same freedom of movement as EU nationals, and who wish to work remotely while exploring other countries and cultures. Malta is a very attractive destination for entrepreneurs and individuals who can work remotely from any location. We wanted to facilitate the process with this temporary permit, which can be granted for a period of one year with the possibility of renewal.
You have mentioned that at the heart of your operations is your country. What Malta characteristics and unique features appeal to applicants?
Let’s start with the fact that Malta can offer an ideal blend of contemporary and forward-looking metropolitan life and a more relaxed Mediterranean island lifestyle. In a brief thirty minutes, one can travel from the busy business centre in St Julian’s to the quiet, picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
The culture is another strong point. We are known for our hospitality and our strong sense of community, and our history has coloured our localities with beautiful architectural treasures, a twist on traditional Mediterranean cuisine and a great love of community celebration with our traditional village feasts and national celebrations like Carnival and Easter.
For digital nomads and other entrepreneurs who want to live and work on our island, we offer an excellent broadband infrastructure, connectivity, an existing digital nomad community, countless business opportunities that may inspire future investment and growth, and a country that operates using English as one of its two official languages.
What are three things everyone who visits Malta should see, eat or do?
There is a reason Valletta was chosen as the 2018 European Capital City of Culture. Malta’s capital is a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site, built by the Order of St John and home to the Presidential Palace and Parliament building, as well as the Co-Cathedral of St John. By day, Valletta is a treasure trove for lovers of architecture, public squares and beautiful gardens. By night, it is a vibrant city for wining, dining and music.
The Maltese don’t joke around when it comes to food. For a simple snack, I would suggest trying our traditional pea or ricotta pastizzi, which are inimitable and cannot be found elsewhere in the world. Another popular snack is the Hobz biz-Zejt – local sourdough bread with oil and tomato spread. Then the traditional fenkata – fried rabbit – is definitely the go-to for a full Sunday lunch, not to be missed.
Although Malta is well known for its nightlife, there is plenty more to do for the visitor with adventure in their heart. The Maltese coastline is a goldmine for rock climbers and hikers, and snorkelling around one of our beautiful bays is definitely a must during the summer months. My family and I also go kayaking in the summer months and nothing beats the view of the islands from the sea. There are plenty of reasons why we are so proud to be Maltese. Our island’s natural beauty is among them.
Residency Malta Agency Company Profile
Residency Malta Agency is the Government entity responsible for managing and promoting the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. The programme grants beneficiaries from third countries the right to settle permanently in Malta and travel visa-free across Schengen for 90 out of 180 days. Beneficiaries can enjoy residency in a safe and stable country boasting excellent educational opportunities and economic prosperity. All applications submitted through licensed agents undergo a rigorous due diligence process to ensure that only fit-and-proper individuals are granted residency. The Agency also manages the Nomad Residence Permit – a one year residency permit for digital nomads and remote workers.
- Zentrum Business Centre, Level 2
- Mdina Road, Qormi QRM 9010, Malta.
- T: [+356] 2203 4000
- e: customercare.residencymalta@gov.mt
- w: residencymalta.gov.mt
Executive Profile
Charles Mizzi, Chief Executive Officer Residency Malta Agency. Mr Mizzi began his career in the banking sector and worked with a number of local banks, occupying several roles in marketing and business development. In October 2014, he became Executive Director Media and Marketing of the Maltese Presidency for the European Council. In 2017, he joined the Individual Investor Programme Agency as Chief Officer for Communications and Business Development, garnering important ankara escort experience in the sector. Charles Mizzi graduated with a Masters in Business Administration from the Henley Business School.
