My TGF is considering applying for permanent residency from Malta for the benefit of a Schengen stamp in her passport. Traveling to any EU member state with ease (no additional visa or otherwise) is the main reason why we want to go this route.

Has anyone done this before? There isn't too much (un-biased) information on the web about the pros/cons. Frankly, we don't see any cons so far. I know there must be some cons. (Meeting the requirements isn't an issue, and she feels it's worth the convenience of having a Schengen stamp.)

My TGF is considering applying for permanent residency from Malta for the benefit of a Schengen stamp in her passport. Traveling to any EU member state with ease (no additional visa or otherwise) is the main reason why we want to go this route.

Has anyone done this before? There isn't too much (un-biased) information on the web about the pros/cons. Frankly, we don't see any cons so far. I know there must be some cons. (Meeting the requirements isn't an issue, and she feels it's worth the convenience of having a Schengen stamp.)

Unless I am missing something Malta, like the UK is not part of the Schengen visa scheme despite being a member of the EU. I know it was two years since I was there but I travelled from London to Malta and then onto Athens via Rome. Although I am an Aussie and didn't require a visa for any of the countries I did have to go through passport control leaving London, entering and leaving Malta and entering Italy and finally leaveing Greece. My advice would be Malta would be no of no use for what you want to do.

Here is the link to the Schengen visa site

http://www.eurovisa.info/SchengenCountries.htm