Question: What group potentially displays security threats?

Answer: migrants

<hl> As for the security threats posed by migrants : This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right. <hl> So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate European countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.

As for the security threats posed by <hl> migrants <hl>: This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right. So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate European countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.

As for the security threats posed by <hl> migrants <hl> : This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right.


Question: In what forum do questions about migrants typically come up?

As for the security threats posed by migrants: This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right. So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate European countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.

Answer: public meetings

<hl> As for the security threats posed by migrants: This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right. <hl> So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate European countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.

As for the security threats posed by migrants: This question regularly comes up in <hl> public meetings <hl> and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right. So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate European countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.


Question: On what side of the political spectrum do questions about migrants typically come from?

Answer: right

<hl> As for the security threats posed by migrants: This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right . <hl> So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate European countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.

As for the security threats posed by migrants: This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the <hl> right <hl>. So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate European countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.

As for the security threats posed by migrants: This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the <hl> right <hl> .


Question: Into what continent are migrants flowing into?

Answer: Europe

As for the security threats posed by migrants: This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right. So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. <hl> They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate Europe an countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. <hl> Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.

As for the security threats posed by migrants: This question regularly comes up in public meetings and has been raised by anti-immigrant parties on the right. So far, whenever I have asked officials that question, they seemed pretty sanguine. They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate <hl> Europe <hl>an countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey. Still, some people find it striking that thousands of people have entered Europe with hardly any screening.

They say that there are easier ways for terrorists to infiltrate <hl> Europe <hl> an countries than to tag along with migrants on a difficult and dangerous journey.


Question: Where is the Bogra district?

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.

Answer: about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. <hl> Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital . <hl> “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, <hl> about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital <hl>. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.

Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, <hl> about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital <hl> .


Question: What community was involved in the attack?

Answer: the Shiite community

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. <hl> “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. <hl> “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between <hl> the Shiite community <hl> and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.


Question: Who was shot in the head?

Answer: Moazzem Hossain

<hl> The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain , was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. <hl> Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.

The mosque’s muezzin, <hl> Moazzem Hossain <hl>, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.

The mosque’s muezzin, <hl> Moazzem Hossain <hl> , was shot in the head and died later in a hospital.


Question: What did the gunman bring with them?

Answer: a lock

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” <hl> A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire. <hl>

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought <hl> a lock <hl> with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.


Question: Who is secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation?

Answer: Mozaffor Hossen

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” <hl> A Shiite leader in the region, Mozaffor Hossen , 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire. <hl>

The mosque’s muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was shot in the head and died later in a hospital. Three other men, including the mosque’s 35-year-old imam, were wounded in the attack and were hospitalized, said Ahsan Habib, the officer in charge at Shibganj police station in Bogra district, about 120 miles north of the Bangladeshi capital. “I have never heard, and never received any information, that there was rivalry or conflict between the Shiite community and anyone else,” Mr. Habib said. “This attack just astonished me.” A Shiite leader in the region, <hl> Mozaffor Hossen <hl>, 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.

A Shiite leader in the region, <hl> Mozaffor Hossen <hl> , 35, secretary general of the Bangladesh Imamia Welfare Foundation, said the gunmen brought a lock with them and used it to lock the compound’s gate, then entered the mosque and opened fire.


Question: How much must one pay for a passport in Malta's citizenship program?

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Answer: 1.2 million euros

<hl> Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros , about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. <hl> But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay <hl> 1.2 million euros <hl>, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay <hl> 1.2 million euros <hl> , about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago.


Question: Besides Maltese, what is the other official language of Malta?

Answer: English

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. <hl> Maltese, the official language with English , looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God. <hl>

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with <hl> English <hl>, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Maltese, the official language with <hl> English <hl> , looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.


Question: In what region of the Europe is the island nation of Malta located?

Answer: Mediterranean

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. <hl> But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. <hl> “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this <hl> Mediterranean <hl> island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.


Question: What group is Tonio Fench a member of?

Answer: Malta’s Parliament

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. <hl> “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. <hl> Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of <hl> Malta’s Parliament <hl> Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.


Question: Those who speak Maltese are predominantly what religion?

Answer: Roman Catholics

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. <hl> Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God. <hl>

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily <hl> Roman Catholics <hl> who pray to Allah, or God.


Question: How many euros does it cost to become a citizenship of Malta?

Answer: 1.2 million

<hl> Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. <hl> But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay <hl> 1.2 million <hl> euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.


Question: Applicants for Malta citizenship must show what?

Answer: they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. <hl> Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months . <hl> But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show <hl> they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months <hl>. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Applicants must show <hl> they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months <hl> .


Question: What group has the most interest in the Malta citizenship?

Answer: global elite

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. <hl> “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite . <hl> Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the <hl> global elite <hl>. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

“It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the <hl> global elite <hl> .


Question: The citizenship program raises more than a quarter of Malta's what?

Answer: gross domestic product

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. <hl> Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product . <hl> “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s <hl> gross domestic product <hl>. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s <hl> gross domestic product <hl> .


Question: Who is the chief executive of Identity in Malta?

Answer: Jonathan Cardona

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. <hl> “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said Jonathan Cardona , chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. <hl> Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent. Applicants must show they have rented a property in Malta for 12 months. But they do not necessarily have to spend any time in this Mediterranean island nation, raising the question of what genuine links they are establishing. “It is questionable how the residency requirement is being applied,” said Tonio Fenech, a member of Malta’s Parliament Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents say the citizenship program has catapulted Malta onto the radar of the global elite. Applications are pouring in, and the program aims to raise €2 billion, more than a quarter of Malta’s gross domestic product. “We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said <hl> Jonathan Cardona <hl>, chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program. Housed in a sprawling, fortresslike 16th-century building once used as a hospital, the Malta citizenship program nods to the country’s multicultural past, punctuated over the years by invasion. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Fatimids, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, a European lay religious order and the British all tried to conquer or rule Malta, and many succeeded. Maltese, the official language with English, looks and sounds Arabic, but its speakers are primarily Roman Catholics who pray to Allah, or God.

“We want to attract individuals who can add value to our country because of their ideas, and their networks and their businesses and their talent,” said <hl> Jonathan Cardona <hl> , chief executive of Identity Malta, which administers the Individual Investor Program.


Question: What was Malta's G.D.P in 2004?

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

Answer: 6.3 percent

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. <hl> It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. <hl> Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from <hl> 6.3 percent <hl> in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.


Question: How much did Malta's economy increase by in the year 2014?

Answer: 3.5 percent

The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. <hl> The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. <hl> Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew <hl> 3.5 percent <hl> in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.


Question: Malta has double taxation treaties with how many nations?

Answer: 65

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. <hl> Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. <hl> Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with <hl> 65 <hl> countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.


Question: A plan in 2013 proposed selling what for £650,000?

Answer: passports

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. <hl> Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. <hl> Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling <hl> passports <hl> for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.


Question: Hedge funds as well as what type of companies have been drawn to Malta?

Answer: Online gambling

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. <hl> Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. <hl> With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. <hl> Online gambling <hl> companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.


Question: What has been a boon in Malta?

Answer: tax system

<hl> The tax system , in particular, has been a boon. <hl> Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The <hl> tax system <hl>, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The <hl> tax system <hl> , in particular, has been a boon.


Question: How much in corporate taxes do some foreign companies pay?

Answer: 5 percent

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. <hl> Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. <hl> Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay <hl> 5 percent <hl> in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places. Significant tax advantages and a pro-business regulator have created a booming financial services industry. It now represents 12 to 15 percent of the country’s G.D.P., up from 6.3 percent in 2004. Online gambling companies have flocked to the island, as have hedge funds. With a strong corporate base, Malta sailed through the economic crisis relatively unscathed. The economy grew 3.5 percent in 2014. Unemployment is 5.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in Europe. Malta was looking to expand that economic growth through the citizenship program. Under the initial plan in 2013, the newly installed Labor Party government proposed selling passports for €650,000, with few other requirements for citizenship. Almost immediately, it drew protests. The country, critics argued, was not an economic basket case like other European nations trying similar programs. They also worried that the program would damage its reputation as an attractive place to do business. “We do not want to form part of a law which prostitutes Malta’s identity and its citizenship,” Mario de Marco, a vocal member of the opposition, said during the debate. The opposition took the program to the European Parliament in an effort to block it. While the Parliament condemned the program, it could do little else, because citizenship is controlled by national governments. To placate the Parliament and the opposition, the government raised the bar for citizenship. Strict due diligence standards were set to weed out money launderers and criminals. It also raised the cost and adopted a residency requirement. In addition to the €650,000 fee to the government, applicants must now invest €150,000 in government bonds, buy property for at least €350,000 or rent a place for at least €16,000 a year — all of which must be held for at least five years. “This is not ‘tick the box,’” said Mr. Cardona, the chief of the program. Mr. Hyzler, the lawyer, and others note that the newcomers are establishing real links to Malta. They are setting up bank accounts and buying health insurance, both of which are required. They are also joining country clubs and donating to local charities, which is encouraged. “Clients genuinely want to do more than just make the investment,” said Mark Stannard, managing director of the Maltese office of Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship planning firm. He said a Saudi national with a Lebanese passport who had applied for Maltese citizenship had recently returned with a delegation of 12 to consider setting up businesses in aviation, life sciences and real estate.