Corruption claims on the sale of Maltese passports has dented the reputation of the scheme, according to research carried out by the Financial Times, but the country still managed to climb up one place in the rankings.
The conclusion stems from a detailed comparative analysis among 13 countries that offer citizenship through investment programmes. Known as the CBI Index, this exercise ranked Malta’s so-called Individual Investor Programme in eighth place with a host of Caribbean countries dominating the top end of the table.
Compared to 2017, Malta gained one place.
The evaluation was based on seven key indicators with Malta scoring full points in the freedom of movement index due to its EU and Schengen Area membership.
This translated into access to 19 top business centres and more than 180 destinations without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival.
The highest score was also obtained for the due diligence process in place for the IIP, which was based on the ability to perform background checks on applicants.
Another key indicator in which Malta placed top of the list, together with Austria, was the standard of living index.
The study also drew comparisons on the ease of processing…
