their businesses to Malta due to an advantageous
corporation tax system. The income tax system
Property acquisition
Buying a property in Malta is very safe and simple.
More than an investment
Citizenship-through-Investment programmes have
opened up opportunities for investors to become
members of the EU and enjoy the various benefits
that entails. These kinds of programmes give
non-EU members the chance to become a citizen of
a country that provides them with sound investment
options along with all the lifestyle perks of living
on a Mediterranean island. There are numerous
advantages to an EU citizenship within a country
such as Malta. Once applicants have received their
Maltese citizenship, they will be able to work
Once a property has been decided upon and price
and conditions have been agreed, a preliminary
agreement is signed bet ween the vendor and
purchaser, at which time 1% of the stamp duty due
is payable and a sum equivalent to 10% of the price is
lodged. This deposit will be forfeited if the purchaser
fails to complete the final deed of transfer for no
valid reason at law. The agreement is usually valid for
three months (term prescribed by law) or as mutually
agreed by the parties. During the period between the
signing of the preliminary agreement and the signing
of the final deed of sale, a Notary Public engaged by
the purchaser will carry out the necessary researches
into the property to confirm good title, as well as
submit the application to purchase to the Ministry
of Finance if necessary. The final contract of sale
may be entered into – the deed of sale being drawn
by purchaser’s Notary. The balance of the purchase
price and Stamp Duty plus legal expenses are paid on
the signing of the contract when vacant possession to
provides a number of incentives to shareholders
of Malta companies deriving income from their
investments or trading activities. This is irrespective
of whether the income is derived from Maltese
companies or companies registered outside of Malta.
The income of Maltese companies is subject to a flat
income tax rate of 35%. There are also four forms of
relief from double taxation available, which include
the country’s far-reaching double tax treaty network.
and set up a business in the country enjoying the
business benefits on offer. Investors are able to gain
citizenship in Malta through one of three ways.
3 ways to get Maltese citizenship
1. A €650,000 contribution to the National Economic
and Social Development Fund for the main
applicant, plus €25,000 for a spouse and each
additional dependent under the age of 18, plus a
further €50 000 for each dependent over the age of 18.
2. The purchase or lease of immovable residential
property. This requires the investor to either
purchase immovable residential property from a
minimum of €350,000 upward or lease immovable
residential property from a minimum value