Malta Residence
The island of Malta is an optimal place to take up residence and local laws encourage foreigners to live in Malta under agreeable financial conditions, including low taxation rates.
The worldwide income of foreigners living in Malta is not taxed. Only income earned in Malta or income remitted to Malta is taxed. Some foreign income remitted to Malta is entitled to a reduced withholding rate of foreign tax. This typically applies to interest, royalties and dividend. Remittance to Malta in the form of private pensions or certain capital gains may also be exempt from foreign tax.
Individuals with very high income who intend to bring the income to Malta are advised to apply for the Global Residence Programme as they would benefit from a flat taxation rate of 15% on the added income above the minimum income remitted to Malta.
Double taxation is also not in effect, whether via negotiated double tax agreements with a number of worldwide counties or through unilateral provisions.
The provisions of the individual agreement entered into by Malta must be discussed to decide upon eligibility.
Ordinary Residence
Foreigners living in Malta physically for a period of at least six months may obtain an ordinary residence permit in Malta.
When an individual intends to stay in Malta for more than three months, he is obligated to apply for a permit with the DCEA (Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs).
Upon receiving the Ordinary Residence permit, the individual is not eligible to Maltese government aid and must either work or be self-sufficient.
Non-EU citizens applying for the permit may be required to also apply for an employment license to work in Malta.
The transfer of an individual’s residence to a lower tax country from a high tax country is obtainable for both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA citizens.
There is no minimum value property condition for non-Maltese residents looking to attain ordinary residence.
Individuals holding the permit are required to abide by Malta income taxation laws, which include being taxed at gradually increasing rates that will not exceed 35%. The tax is calculated on chargeable income and gains earned in Malta and on foreign income remitted to Malta.
There are no specific tax benefits for Ordinary Residents.
EU/EEA Nationals
Any EU/EEA nationals who remain in Malta for three or more months are required by law to obtain a permit from immigration authorities. These permits are granted on the following grounds:
Third Country Nationals
The criteria for third country national (non-EU/EEA) to acquire residency in Malta differ from those applicable to EU/EEA citizens:
Long-Term Residence