Malta's residency programme: A bright spot in Europe's shrinking visa landscape - Sarah Young

In recent years, numerous European countries have begun to phase out or significantly modify their golden visa programmes. This shift is primarily driven by concerns over housing affordability, money laundering, and the need for stricter immigration controls. Following a European court ruling, Malta was compelled to close its golden passport scheme. However, recent revisions to its Permanent Residence Programme (PRP) now present attractive pathways for investors. In an interview with BizNews, Sarah Young from Sable International highlighted that Malta’s PRP offers lifetime residency for a €500,000 investment, with the added benefit that investors can earn rental income from properties purchased. She also noted that this programme features a faster residency process with lower costs. For South Africans seeking warmth and sunshine, Malta stands out as a desirable year-round destination, especially since English is one of its official languages.