Why Malta?
A pleasant warm climate and hospitable English speaking population, rich culture and a relatively low crime rate together with a stable and democratic political situation are definitely a rare and irresistible combination for many Scandinavians intending to settle or retire indefinitely in Malta or Gozo.
Moreover, a residency permit in Malta entitles its holder to very favorable fiscal incentives and benefits, as the facility to travel into and out of Malta, as and when desired, without the requirements of other formalities.

Brief Overview of Advantages
1. A Flat rate of only 15% income tax on remitted income, subject to a minimum tax of Lm1, 800 (€4, 193) per annum.
2. Exemption from customs duty/VAT on Household and personal effects, furniture and domestic articles.
3. Exemption from customs duty/VAT on one private motor vehicle.
4. Repatriation of capital and income.
5. No local or council taxes are payable.
6. No death duties are payable in Malta (although transfer duty is charged on immovable property).

What makes Malta so attractive?
- An ideal cosmopolitan location for efficient international business contacts
- Excellent flight connections
- Sophisticated ICT infrastructure
- A 7000 year history and a very rich culture
- Excellent relationships with Mediterranean rim countries
- High standard of living as well as comparatively low daily running costs
- High quality homes and apartments to satisfy the most demanding requirements
- No Council taxes or other Property related taxes
- A major transshipment hub in the region
- English as an official language with a number of other languages spoken by a large number of Maltese citizens
- High education and training level
- Comparatively low ancillary labour costs, an excellent work ethic and a highly motivated workforce
- A long established and strong democratic tradition
- Liberal economic policies and commitment to open and competitive business environment
- A long standing commitment in encouraging foreign investors
- A strong, yet flexible, single regulatory body in the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) 

Conditions of Residence
Satisfying the conditions for Malta residency eligibility is easy for an average Scandinavian. The prospective new resident will be required to: remit to Malta at least €13,980 per annum, plus €2,329 per annum per dependent each year; purchase residential premises in Malta at a cost of not less than €132,611 (Lm56,930) in the case of a house, or €79,566 for a flat, or rent/lease the abode he lives in at not less than €4,193 per annum

About Fine & Country.
The Brand was launched locally during an event held on the 18th of September at the Westin Dragonara. Fine & Country CEO Mr. Malcolm Lindley and Mr. Richard Combellack, Director of GRS International flew to Malta for the inauguration. Our first two offices are prominently located at St. Julians (ex-SQL) and St. Paul’s Bay (ex-Coldwell Banker).                  
 
Fine & Country is a fast growing network of independently owned and operated Real Estate offices, rapidly becoming known for its unique blend of intelligent and creative marketing.
Since its inception only eight years ago, the network has grown from the first four offices, to over three hundred and forty offices in the UK alone, ranking third in the number of properties sold in 2008, behind Knight Franks and Savills, and first for the number of offices and properties listed. On an international level, the Fine & Country brand enjoys a very strong presence in South Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, Qatar, Mauritius and Jersey.

Activities are coordinated from the Park Lane office in London and the seamless reach around the globe is underpinned by a Global Referral System (GRS) and a very intelligent website.

Realities of the Local Market
We are experiencing a situation whereby we have an over supply of properties coupled with a downturn in demand. This downward trend started well before the global credit crunch started to leave its mark on the Maltese economy. The international financial crisis contributed to further expose the gap in the property supply and demand factors.

Thanks to a rather conservative approach by local banks and the Euro the Maltese economy was not hit as badly as most countries. Malta is still managed to attract many companies and individuals to set up a permanent base due to the stability that Islands offer.

The property market experienced a decline of an average 10% but we have now seen an increase in activity over the last three months. Demand for rental real estate is as good as ever and in the last 12 months we have experienced a surge in interest from the South African and Scandinavian markets.

Read more about Malta on our partners website : http://www.ditmalta.dk