3 Tips for Success receiving Maltese Citizenship by Investment
Contrary to public perception, the success or otherwise of applications under the Maltese citizenship by investment programme, the Malta Individual Investor Programme, is quite predictable. Follow these 3 key tips in working towards a successful citizenship application.
1/ Understand the Grounds for Rejection
Key to avoiding rejection is a deep understanding of the grounds for ineligibility as well as of the rationale of the Malta Citizenship Programme. Experience has shown that, without receiving due attention, the following may lead to rejection:
- The applicant has a criminal record or is/was the subject of criminal proceedings;
- The applicant is considered a potential national security threat to Malta or any other European Union Member State.
- The applicant provided false, misrepresented or concealed information within the application;
- There are strong indications that the source of funds and wealth of the applicant are not legitimate;
- The applicant was denied a visa to a country with which Malta has a visa-free travel arrangement and has not since been granted a visa.
2/ Work with a reputable Immigration Law Firm
So you feel safe disclosing confidential information in the security of lawyer-client privilege, including the uncomfortable skeletons in the closet. Minor indiscretions may have major implications on the outcome of an application if not identified, assessed and defended.
3/ Give your lawyers the full picture.
As an immigration lawyer, I can help and be in control of the outcome of an application if I have the full picture. I can’t control an application without knowing all the relevant facts.
About the Author
Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti is one of the founding partners of international law firm Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates. Headed by Dr Chetcuti and Kenneth Camilleri, the firm’s Global Citizenship & Residency practice is one of the five main pillars of the firm, all focusing on international investors, business families and multi-national companies. The firm adopts a holistic approach at residency and citizenship planning, covering all aspects of tax planning, wealth structuring, asset protection, family business governance and succession planning.
Dr Chetcuti is a key advisor on the Malta Citizenship by Investment, the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment, the Malta Global Residence Programme and buying property in Malta and Cyprus. Holding licence IIP 001, he was the first to be licensed by the Identity Malta Agency and to directly file citizenship by investment applications under the Malta Individual Investor Programme. Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker, a Tax Partner within the firm, is also licensed Citizenship & Residency Agent and is responsible for the firm’s Corporate Practice.
A Multi-Programme Citizenship Provider specialising in the major Residency & Citizenship Programmes
As an international law firm, we are a multi-programme provider with Governmental licences authorising us to represent applicants for citizenship and residency programmes with the governments of various countries including Malta, Cyprus, Portugal, Greece, Saint Kitts, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica and Moldova. Accordingly, we guide families, investors and entrepreneurs in understanding the various residence and citizenship options and our advice is always objective and solely based on our clients’ best interests. Our experience and specialisation enables us to also take on mandates to advise investors or their advisors on eligibility for the various programmes and to receive very confidential information within the context of our strict professional secrecy and lawyer-client privilege.
About Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates
The Largest Global Citizenship & Residency Law Firm in Europe
- Over 250 lawyers, tax & immigration advisors
- Immigration partners: 5
- Small firm personal attention + big firm expertise.
- First Citizenship Law Firm promoted Approved Agent
- Golden Visa Lawyers for Malta, Cyprus, Portugal, Spain, Greece, UK.
- Leading citizenship law firm in Malta & Cyprus.
- High success rate through experience & honesty.
- Chetcuti Cauchi on Citizenship by Investment
- Cyprus Citizenship by Investment
