ECJ ruling on Malta: why the CBI market wasn’t broken — interview with Adam Uhniewicz (21 CBI)

“10 On The Weekend” is IMI’s weekly (though not always strictly every week) series. The concept is simple: each time, we ask the same ten questions to a different IMI Pro specialist, so readers can get to know the guest better—more personally and informally than in typical work conversations.

This week’s guest is Adam Uhniewicz, founder of 21 CBI

How do you spend your weekends?

Usually I try to catch up and get ahead on work. Right now, I’m slowly learning how to relax, but old habits don’t disappear overnight.

Your three main business goals this year

My three goals are:

• Help as many Bitcoin enthusiasts as possible obtain a second citizenship.
• Increase awareness in the CBI industry and push for broader acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate payment method.
• Grow 21 CBI as a brand.

What’s currently the biggest concern in your business?

What worries me is that some countries are starting to use control over their own citizens. As a result, capital leaves the country—something that has happened, for example, in the UK.

What book is currently on your nightstand?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I’m still amazed by the way he writes.

How and when did you first get into the investment migration industry?

I switched careers in 2023 and decided to enroll in law school in Malta. Before that, I worked for more than ten years as a federal employee in the United States.

I started in CBI in 2024 after writing a legal thesis in support of Malta’s CBI program.

What moment makes you the most proud as a service provider?

The moment my first client received a passport. It was a very powerful feeling.

We managed to solve an important personal goal—and we did it using Bitcoin.

What event in the investment migration market surprised you the most over the past year?

The ECJ decision regarding Malta. The court’s legal position didn’t “break the market” in Malta, but it gave everyone a reason to pause and rethink the situation.

Governments and courts aren’t always friendly to this industry, so it’s important to take advantage of opportunities while they’re still available.

If you could go back 10 years, what business decision would you change?

I would buy more Bitcoin. It’s probably the simplest decision of all.

Which figure in the investment migration industry do you respect the most?

I really admire David Lesperance. He’s a true encyclopedia when it comes to US tax matters—even without being American himself.

He’s a genuinely strong and well-rounded lawyer.

If everything goes according to plan, what will you be doing in five years?

I’ll keep doing the same things I do now.

I enjoy helping clients solve complex problems—whether they’re related to banking, business, or second citizenship.

Even after ECJ developments, the investment migration market can remain surprisingly resilient—so it’s essential to rely on up-to-date legal guidance and experienced providers. If you’re considering investment-based residency/citizenship and want to understand which pathways are still viable and how to approach the process confidently, the Digital Nomad team will help you map requirements and build a clear strategy for your case.

Our Telegram channel about various types of Greek residence permits, digital nomad programs, and the Greek Golden Visa: @digitalnomadgr