Announcing Malta Seminars in South Africa – March 2020

Are you looking for a safe, European Offshore Investment, Portfolio Diversification, Corporate Restructuring, Professional Development, Retirement, Residency or Citizenship, Plan B or a Nest Egg?

Find out first-hand how you can benefit from Malta’s offerings. Meet my esteemed Maltese Associates ~ Leading Real Estate, Financial and Legal professionals.

FREE SEMINARS in Johannesburg on the 10th, Durban on the 12th and Cape Town 16th March.
Attend either at 14h30 or 18h00. The format is a 45-minute presentation.

ONE-TO-ONE CONSULTATION: Seminars are followed by an optional private pre-booked one-to-one session with a consultant to discuss property investment or residency.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL- Previous events were fully subscribed. First-come-first-served. No attendance fee. Right of admission reserved. Refreshments will be served.

maltalifestyle2020.eventbrite.com

Malta Seminars in South Africa

Considering Malta, the perfect European haven in the heart of the Mediterranean?
Whether for Residency, Investment, Leisure, Portfolio Diversification, Plan B, or a Nest Egg – Malta offers an EU solution to rival the best.

Informative seminars that will provide key information on investing or getting set up in Malta, subjects include;
– Embracing buoyant Real Estate Opportunities
– How to make residency a reality and leverage your investments

Johannesburg, Tuesday 12th March 2019
Durban, Thursday 14th March 2019
Cape Town, Monday 18th March 2019

The seminars take the format of a 45-minute presentation, followed by a pre-booked one-to-one slot with a consultant to ask your specific questions related to property investment, taxation or residency. Refreshments will be served.

If you have any questions relating to the seminar malta@maltalifestyle.co.za

The subjects covered will include:
•Real Estate/Investment Opportunities
•Taxation and Residence in Malta

SPEAKERS
To be advised closer to the date.

Bookings essential. First-come first-serve. No attendance fee.
BOOK NOW! Previous events were fully subscribed. Right of admission reserved.

How to choose your Malta location

The island is divided into different councils (Municipalities) all of which fiercely defend not only their football team (think Stormers or Sharks), and are each person prouder than the other as where they hail from. The Maltese are very social people and the rivalry with the local band club and or which Church festa all adds to the pomp and ceremony of annual activities. Each town, and even each street, have their own unique attributes, all which take on a personality of their own.

Location is key. Think about whether you want to be in the quiet countryside, historical area, on a yacht marina, in a hub of shopping or restaurants or close to your favourite pool lido.

 

The jewel of the crown is Malta’s capital, Valletta, which has been awarded the Culture Capital of Europe 2018, and has had a renewal of residential areas as well as entertainment and shopping.

 

​​I’ve been in hysterics trying to pronouncesome of the names of the places – how about you give them a try:  Ċirkewwa – chir-ke-wa | Luqa – Loo-a  | Marsaxlokk – mar-sah-schlok | Mdina – im-dina | Naxxar – nash-shar | Zejtun – zay-toon. It’s a good thing that throughout the island 95% of the Maltese speak English.

Despite being such a small island I can say that each area has its uniqueness in the same way that we see the Capetonians vs the Vaalies and even a version of Plettenberg Bay.

Often South Africans are surprised to find themselves happy in a convenient lock-up and go apartment in a vibey area, as opposed to our traditional large houses and gardens that need lots of maintenance.

Give it a try, you could be very surprised.

Fast Financial Facts

As part of the Euro Zone, Malta’s currency is the Euro.

Malta is one of the best performing economies within the EU.

Smart taxation solutions for business or personal purposes is made easier by Malta’s double taxation agreements with many countries.

Malta offers attractive tax rates for businesses, additional home or holiday homes. No council taxes and low maintenance.

Buy yourself a dream palazzo, penthouse or block of apartments for € 9,500,000 or a hideaway from as little as € 28,000.  For SDA central buy-to-let investments €420,000 will get you a return of investment Around 5%. For residency investments are €270,000 for properties situation in Gozo or the South of Malta, or other areas from €320,000

The cost of living in Malta is relatively low in comparison with the rest of Europe.

 

Residency to Rival the Best

Rated among the top of the most powerful passports in the EU/Schengen. Residency or citizenship by investment provides ease of movement and the ability to work and live in other countries.

Investment and Residency must be processed by a licensed company, the following are the preferred programmes;

  • Malta Individual Investment Program (MIIP) grants the rights of full citizenship including a passport.
  • Malta Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP) grants the rights to live and work in the EU and have access to Schengen countries.
  • Global Residency Programme (GRP) is primarily for tax purposes.
  • Ordinary Residence is for EU nationals.
  • The Retirement Programme is for EU nationals.
  • Other options include Highly Qualified Persons and the Formation of Company and Trusts. Malta jurisdiction and taxation are attractive for iGaming, financial services, aviation registration, ship & yacht registration, media and pharmaceuticals.

When comparing which programme is relevant for you, some considerations would be;

Annual tax, once-off government residency fee and an application fee, government investment. Will you be in one jurisdiction for 183 days, or more.  What options do you want for you and/or your dependents, and will citizenship or residency with full Schengen visa be required.

It’s the ​​Game of Thrones

You most likely have some knowledge of the mystique of Game of Thrones, especially if you’re a fan. It’s no surprising that Malta and Gozo were chosen as the locations for filming the first series.

​ Also filmed here The Count of Monte Cristo, Gladiator, Midnight Express, Popeye, Raise the Titanic, The Spy Who Loved Me, Troy.

Malta’s history reads like a ‘Who’s Who’, having gone through the ages of the Neolithic, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, the Romans and the Byzantines followed by the Greeks, Arabs, Normans, French and English; all leaving their traces on the eclectic Maltese culture. Independent from British rule in 1964 and also a member of the EU, the Commonwealth and the Schengen Zone.

Perhaps it’s this adaptability that makes the Maltese welcoming of foreigners.

Having adapted over time and as the home of the Order of the Knights of St. John, Malta continues to play an extraordinary role in world politics especially as it relates to European African affairs despite Malta not being a destination of choice when migrants unintentionally arrive here and are then relocated.

​ ​An esteemed honor that the people have ever been awarded (April 1942) ​as a country was the George Cross by King George VI in recognition of the bravery of its people under siege.

 

 

 

How’s Malta’s Economic rating?

I​n August 2017​

Fitch upgraded Malta’s sovereign credit rating from A to A+ with a stable outlook. In October,

​ 2017​

Standard & Poor’s maintained Malta’s sovereign credit rating at A- status and has raised the outlook from stable to positive. Moody’s credit rating was last set at A3 with a stable outlook. DBRS’s credit rating for Malta is A with a positive outlook. Ratings were underpinned, among other factors, by the resilient economy, healthy economic growth and a steady downward trajectory in government debt level.

Malta’s robust economy is also much supported by property investment, with 2016 Maltese home ownership placed at 80%, well above the 70% European average. The significant growth in financial services, igaming, tourism, boating & aviation registration, all contribute to Malta’s success, which with an annual GDP growth of 6% is far outperforming many other European counterparts.

Trains, Planes, Automobiles ….. and boats

Also, it’s hard to get lost in Malta as all you need to do is ask – most people are friendly and speak English.

Believe it or not Malta did have a train line which opened in 1883, and after a brief time was closed in 1931 after buses had been introduced and became the favoured mode of transport. The railway tunnel proved to be of great value as an air-raid shelter during the siege of Malta (1940-1942), when the fight for control of this strategically important island—then a British colony—pitted the air forces and navies of Italy and Germany against the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.  

The popular bus service – whilst it receives much local criticism, is heralded by those who’ve never had the privilege of public transport. The routes link most localities in Malta and neighbouring Gozo island.  I have found that taking a bus is a great way to mingle with the locals while taking in the fascinating sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan country. There is an express bus route as well with fewer stops, which gets you to and from the airport, hospital and university in the best possible time.

Buses are air-conditioned and designed to allow ease of access and seating for people with mobility impairments and the elderly. The main bus terminus which has undergone an upgrade is based in the capital city, Valetta.  The system works on a colour coded route system; free maps, and online and phone apps make it easy to plan your route. The Tal-Linja bus card (similar to the UK Oyster card) makes it easy not to pay and get the best rate.

There’s a large variety of cars available, in fact too many cars on the island. From big brand names to collector’s items; sports, SUVs, bakkies and still some horse drawn carts, and electric cars are being introduced.

Malta’s waterways are very popular with cruise liners, and getting around by ferry is a popular way of travelling between Malta and Gozo island, between Sliema and the capital city Valletta. And, if you’d like to pop over to Sicily or other neighbouring islands, there’s regular schedule for many.

Don’t worry about getting lost; there’s a saying in Malta that if you don’t’ know where you’re going or have been, a local will know!

Choosing the Right Country

Malta is fast becoming the location of choice for many savvy investors, or for those simply wanting a safe haven to call home, alternative passports, residency or a Plan B. Having personally researched the alternatives I’m often asked ‘why choose Malta?’ rather than other obvious contenders. My simple response: ‘Malta is tops on safety, language, location, economy, accessibility and lifestyle’.

Cyprus still has an unresolved border issue 44 years after the 1974 Turkish-Greek War. Now with Erdogan, Turkey’s all-powerful president, what are the prospects of a resolution?

In Portugal and Spain less than 35% of the population speak English whilst in Malta 95% of the population speak English.

Mauritius and Seychelles are expensive and not in Europe, so there is no Schengen visa.

Expats welcome

From my desk, I have a unique view of sailing and commercial vessels, tour boats and those of the ultra-rich; as well as aircraft activities, shopping, eateries, students and everyday people. On my daily walks with my elderly Labrador – we will inevitably get into in-depth conversations with the old, young, local, international, business owners, cleaners, families and travelers. It’s no surprise therefore to meet—in a day—people from northern European, Britain, America, India, China, the Middle East, Russia, Australia and, on one day, also a South African family all the way from Warmbaths.

When speaking to these people the consensus is that they are attracted to Malta for it’s safe environment, wonderful lifestyle, healthy economy, political stability and the added advantage of its convenient geographical location, which allows for easy daily travel connections. Medical and Education facilities are world class, and there are no council taxes.

There’s a large expat community who agree that settling in to Malta is easy.  Joining a club, gym, cultural group, volunteering, participating in hobbies, participating in sporting; it all makes for a great fun community. Rest assured that whether you’re a Manchester United or Arsenal fan, rugby, cricket, tennis, or snooker, there’s no doubt you’ll find someone to engage in conversation.

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