In 2015 the Maltese Government launched a programme designed to provide international investors with residency rights.
These rights will apply only for non-EU / EEA / Swiss Nationals.
The new programme falls under the Immigration Act and is available to both the applicant and also their dependants subject to several qualifications.
The Malta Residence and VISA Agency is entrusted with the running of the programme. Each application has to be administered by a registered accredited person or registered approved agent with The Malta Residence and VISA Agency.
We can assist individuals and dependants with expert advice and guidance through Malta’s Residency and Citizenship process. Our services benefit from strong relationships with local governments and trusted intermediaries and a wealth of knowledge and experience in a wide range of corporate, professional and personal services.
Our residency & citizenship team
Malta offers:
- Stable political, legal and economic environment.
- A Mediterranean climate with high living standards and access to free healthcare.
- A global financial centre within the European Union.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 186 destinations.
- The right to live, work and study in any of the 26 EU Countries, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
- Income is taxable at graduated progressive rates, ranging from 0% to 35%. (35% is annual chargeable income in excess of EUR 60,000).
- Any person who is ordinarily resident in Malta but not domiciled in Malta is taxable only on income arising in Malta and on any foreign income remitted to Malta. Such persons are not taxable in Malta on income arising outside Malta, which is not received in Malta, and on capital gains arising outside Malta, regardless of whether they are received in Malta, or otherwise.
- Non-domiciled residents also benefit from a flat rate tax of 15% on foreign-source income remitted to Malta.
- The general rate of tax for companies in Malta is 35%, however a system of tax refunds and participation exemptions may result in shareholders of a Malta company getting back 6/7 reducing the effective tax rate down to 5%.
- Holding companies may avail themselves of a participating exemption, resulting income from such holdings exempt from tax altogether – 0%.
- No annual property tax, inheritance tax, estate duty, wealth taxes or property ownership tax.
- Flourishing industries, including tourism, construction, fintech, egaming and maritime.
- Access to a transparent and reputable financial centre and a prime jurisdiction for international business.
Andy Morgan
Group CEO
“We offer a seamless experience through the entire process by providing clients with close support and expert advice to guide clients to their desired goal. Our knowledge on each of our jurisdictions provides our clients with reassurance each step of the way.“
Further residency & citizenship information
Malta Citizenship by Naturalization Programme (CES) –
Become a citizen in Malta, recognised as one of the leading citizenship programmes in the world.
Eligible: Non-EU, EEA or non-Swiss investors and their immediate family to gain citizenship.
Requirements:
- Provide an investment sum of either;
€750,000 – Citizenship within 1 year
€600,000 – Citizenship within 3 years
- Invest €700,000 in immovable property, or enter a rental agreement of a minimum of €16,000 per annum. Either investment option must be completed for 5 years.
- Donate €10,000 to a philanthropic charity.
Malta Ordinary Residence Programme –
Ordinary Residency in Malta requires a physical stay in Malta for at least six months or at least 183 days in any calendar year. The permit is available for eligible EU/EEA nationals, as well as nations from Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland, after staying in Malta for three months, depending on;
- Demonstrated Financial stability
- Employment or studies in Malta
- Family members present in Malta
- Physical address evidence in Malta through buying or renting a property
- Physical stay in Malta for at least three months
A resident non-domiciled individual is taxed on income arising in Malta and foreign income, only if this income is remitted or used in Malta. Non-domiciled residents of Malta are subject to pay a minimum annual tax of €5,000 if one earns at least €35,000 of annual income outside of Malta. The applicable tax rates for individuals are progressive tax rates between 0-35%. Non-domiciled residences are not taxed on foreign source income or assets outside of Malta, nor on any capital gains arising outside of Malta.
It is a programme which takes 4 – 6 weeks and can be renewed every five years.
The Malta Global Residence Permit (GRP) –
Eligible: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to acquire a special tax status and residence permit;
- Third-country and non-Maltese/EEA/Swiss nationals
- Applicants with personal health insurance, as well as for the dependents
- Financially-stable and Fit and Proper Test passer
- Applicants with a valid travel document
- Applicants fluent in one of Malta’s official languages
- Holder of a qualifying property
Suitable for investors looking to purchase high-value property in Malta.
Individuals benefitting from this programme may work in Malta, provided they satisfy the requisite conditions for obtaining a work permit.
Applicants are subject to a minimum annual tax payment of €15,000 and the possibility of claiming double taxation relief. Income tax is at a rate of 15% on foreign source income remitted to Malta. The permit permits applicants to include their spouse, minors, children in their care, and adopted adult children with special needs.
Requirements:
- Invest in property valued at a minimum of €275,000 (€220,000 in Gozo or the South of Malta)
or
- Hold a rental contract for at least €9,600 per year (€8,750 in Gozo or the South of Malta)
- Be economically self-sufficient
- Not spend more than 183 days per annum in any other country
- Pay a combined minimum annual tax contribution of €15,000
- Hold health insurance covering the EU
- Hold valid travel documents
Establishing Tax Residency
- Required to declare that they are not resident in another country for more than 183 days per year.
- Qualifying applicants are issued with a residency certificate and a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Malta Single Permit Application
Eligible: third-country nationals, depending on;
- Physical address evidence in Malta through buying or renting a property
- Employment, self-employment, or holding a company in Malta
- An employment license is required to work in Malta.
- Self-employment requires an investment in Malta capital expenditure of at least €500,000 within six months from when Jobsplus issues the license.
- Have a business plan and commitment to recruit at least three EEA/Swiss/Maltese nationals within 18 months of establishment.
- The company must lead a project formally approved by Malta Enterprise and formally notified to Jobsplus.
- Self-employment applies to Shareholders of a Malta company, given that they have paid share capital of at least €500,000. Share capital cannot be redeemed, reduced, or transferred for the first two years and should be through cash or stock injection in Malta.
Permits the applicant to legally reside and work in Malta for a defined period, which can be further renewed.
Nomad Residence Permit
Eligible: attractive for digital nomads and other remote workers. Successful applicants are able to stay in Malta for up to a year and gain access to several benefits, including healthcare.
Requirements: a valid passport, travel insurance, and enough money to support themselves during their stay in Malta.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Eligible: Non-European nationals and their families to become permanent residents of Malta. A four to six month ‘residency-by-investment’ programme which requires the main applicant to make qualifying investments in Malta.
Permanent Residency in Malta indefinitely and permits visa-free travel to all Schengen Areas.
Two investment options, depending on whether the applicant purchases or rents a property.
Requirements;
- Minimum 18 years of age and a non-EU citizen
- Be able to invest in necessary amounts to meet qualifying requirements.
- Need to maintain and hold the property investment for a minimum of five years
- Maintain health and have a clean criminal record
- Not subject to criminal proceedings
- Acquire global health insurance coverage
- Submit a record of sufficient funds and proof of assets of at least EUR 500,000, with at least EUR 150,000 in financial assets.
- Not be considered a potential national security risk
- Have a stable and regular source of income
The Permanent Residency Programme grants covers the applicants dependants, such as children and parents, under one application. Children are able to retain their status even when they reach adulthood, and the programme covers the spouses of children and grandchildren.
(https://www.endevio.com/en/insights/acquire-maltese-residency)
Malta holds over 60 double tax agreements (tax treaties) around the world, which ensure that tax should not be paid twice.
Income and capital gains generated from activities or assets within Malta are subject to personal income tax, which is between 0-35%. The 35% tax bracket is reached at an annual chargeable income in excess €60,000. Capital gains accumulated in Malta is also charged 35%.
Non-domiciled tax residents benefit from;
- No income tax on foreign-sourced income or assets, unless it is remitted to Malta.
- A flat rate tax of 15% on foreign-source income remitted to Malta.
- No capital gains tax on income or assets held outside Malta, whether they are received in Malta or not
- No inheritance taxes