Crusader Rock International (Pty) Ltd launches: To facilitate EU residencies and investments

With the recent launch of new company, Crusader Rock International (Pty) Ltd, South Africans can now enjoy a swift, cost-effective, and relatively effortless means of gaining residency in a European Union (EU) member state offering affordable offshore investment potential, attractive tax benefits, and ready access to countries within the Schengen area.

Having identified Malta as boasting a uniquely accessible system for awarding residency to foreign nationals, Crusader Rock, with its multidisciplinary team of experts, has established itself to facilitate and expedite Maltese residency applications and advise upon property investment opportunities within the region.

Why residency in Malta?
Affordable investment, tax benefits, and ready access to the Schengen region:

* Since its inception into the European Union, Malta has become a fast developing country with low unemployment and an inflation rate of under 3%.

* According to the Global Financial Services Index, Malta is placed fourth most likely to increase in importance in the next few years.

* With minimal assets and earnings and no minimum length of stay required, foreign nationals are able to satisfy Maltese residency application criteria with relative ease.

* Since Malta’s recent entry into the EU, South African citizens awarded Maltese residency can enjoy visa-free entry in all countries falling within the Schengen Area as of 1 March 2008.

* Property in Malta is relatively cheap when compared to real estate in neighbouring European countries and sought after areas of South Africa.

* Property purchased in Malta may be let to ensure additional income subject to certain conditions.

* Maltese residency affords one numerous tax benefits, including: no inheritance or capital gains tax. Furthermore, subject to a minimum, tax is only paid on income remitted to and kept in Malta with a maximum rate of 15%, a low annual tax liability; no estate duty; and no rates or property and council taxes on property owned freehold.

* Beneficial taxation agreements also exist between South Africa and Malta.

* And permanent residency allows for the easy movement of monetary funds out of Malta

Outstanding lifestyle in the heart of the Mediterranean:

* Consisting of the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, the Republic of Malta is scenically impressive with its towering cliffs and clear seas, and enjoys mild winters and hot summers.

* Having been occupied by numerous peoples (including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, and more currently, for over 160 years, by the British), the country enjoys a historic, cultural, and artistic heritage that is unique in its richness and diversity. Ancient forts, palaces and churches, most of which were built by the Knights of St. John, dot the landscape in abundance.

* Long considered the bridge between Europe and Africa, Malta is well positioned to offer easy access to mainland Europe (Sicily is a mere 90 minutes away by ferry) and the United Kingdom (London is two and a half hours by plane).

* With English as an official language, most South Africans will find it easy to integrate into Maltese society.

- Malta offers an enviable lifestyle, with excellent English medium education, world-class health care, a wide range of leisure activities, and very low levels of crime.

Who can apply?
Persons of any nationality may submit an application for permanent residency in Malta provided they meet the following criteria:

- Property acquisition or rental: An applicant must either purchase an apartment for not less than €69,000.00, or a house for not less than €116, 000.00 or rent property in Malta (of which the minimum rental is €4230.00 per annum) within 12 months of obtaining a permanent residency permit. For greater choice of luxury homes, property may be purchased on a syndication basis.

* Minimum annual income transferred to Malta: A minimal nominal annual income is required to be brought into Malta by each applicant (husband and wife which is considered 1 applicant). Additional amounts are added for each dependent.

* Income or Capital qualifications: All applicants need to produce evidence of earning a certain minimum annual income of €23,500.00 or have assets in excess of €352,500.00.

* Employment or engagement in business may not be undertaken by applicants, unless authorised by the competent authorities. Interestingly, however, official Government policy welcomes the introduction of overseas expertise and ideas in the tourism, manufacturing and catering sectors.

* The entire application process takes 3 to 4 months for approval and the successful resident needs to rent or purchase within 12 months of final approval.

* Documentation requirements: certain standard documents are required to accompany each application, including a clean criminal record certificate, birth certificates and residency application forms.

Comprehensive service and outstanding benefits:
With a desire to meet each client’s specific needs, Crusader Rock offers the following range of services and benefits:

- Comprehensive consultation on Maltese residency requirements as well as the subsequent obligations and advantages thereof.
- Efficient management of all Maltese residency applications. (Through various in-house channels and contacts, Crusader Rock is able to fast track residency applications to Malta, thereby saving the client significantly in terms of cost and time).
- Assist in connecting clients with suitable properties for purchase or rent in Malta.
- Consult on the purchase procedure of property within Malta.
- Arrange all travel plans for clients visiting Malta for reasons of property investment and residency application.
- Through Crusader Rock’s representation of ClarisGlobal, a leading financial services and legal firm based in Malta, clients can enjoy easy access to legal advice in the region at a reduced price.

Why Crusader Rock International (Pty) Ltd?
With excellence in mind, founding Directors of Crusader Rock, Craig Illman, Anthony Doyle and Sandy Bolus, together with General Manager, James Bowling, bring with them a wealth of experience and success in the fields of finance, international and local property investment and development as well as business, leisure, and travel management.

Together they are well positioned to ensure first-class service in all aspects of residency and investment applications.

Presentations to the public will be held in Cape Town and Johannesburg during November:

Cape Town: 19 November at 18h00 at the Crusader Rock offices - Suite 101, 1st Floor, Block A, 7 West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront

Johannesburg: 22 November at 10am at The Emperor - 8 West Rd South, Morningside.

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