MALTA OPENS WAY TO EU

Getting a EU passport is not an easy task. Malta became a EU member country in May 2004, and that has led to a way for wealthy South Africans to secure residency status. To qualify, South Africans have to earn at least R300 000 a year or have a net worth of R4,5-million. They also have to lease or buy property in Malta, and bring a certain amount of money into the country each year. Malta recently joined 26 other European countries which have signed the Schengen Treaty, so people who have permanent residence in Malta have free movement across major European countries, without having to apply for visas. A Cape Town company, Crusader Rock, facilitates and expediates Maltese residency applications.