On the 14th September 2018, a number of amendments made to the Malta Residence and Visa Programme Regulations ('Regulations') (S.L. 217.18), were published in an attempt to make the Malta Residence and Visa Programme ('MRVP') a more attractive programme.

There were two main amendments published. The first amendment utilises Identity Malta's power to issue notices prescribing a portion of the contribution paid by an applicant to be paid to the approved agent or an accredited person appointed by the applicant as per article 12(9) of the Regulations. In fact, Identity Malta gave notice that effective from 1st September 2018, it is prescribing five percent (5%) from the contribution fee paid by the main applicant to be paid to the approved agent, or accredited person. This payment shall be made following the issuance of the Certificate of Residence according to the Regulations.

The second amendment relates to the requirement that the applicant commits himself to invest in a qualifying investment as per Article 6(1)(d) of the Regulations. Identity Malta hereby discloses that the qualifying investment may be made in debt or equity securities listed on the Official List of the Malta Stock Exchange or through an investment in a collective investment scheme that is licensed and on the Official List of the Malta Stock Exchange.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.