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eligible for this program , individuals must either possess real estate in Malta valued at a minimum of € 275,000 ( with lower thresholds applicable to properties in specific areas ) or enter property leases with an annual rent of no less than € 9,600 .
Individuals who receive pensions from foreign sources , constituting at least 75 % of their taxable income , can benefit from a 15 % tax rate , accompanied by a minimum annual tax of € 7,500 , with an additional € 500 per year for each dependent .
On the other hand , returning migrants , subject to specific conditions , can choose a taxation method based on the source and remittance of income instead of their worldwide income . In this scenario , foreign-source income received in Malta that exceeds tax-exempt amounts of € 4,200 for single taxpayers and € 5,900 for married taxpayers must be subject to a fixed 15 % income tax , with a minimum annual tax of € 2,325 .
In this context , EU member states will continue offering unique tax regimes to attract foreign individuals and investors . The push for greater tax cooperation and regulation at the bloc ’ s level remains ongoing , but achieving consensus among member states with varying interests is complex . As individuals and investors weigh their options , understanding the available tax schemes in different EU member states will be crucial in making informed decisions . The EU ' s ever-evolving tax landscape will continue to be a topic of interest and debate as countries strive to balance their fiscal goals with the need for tax fairness and competition .
In addition , highly qualified individuals who maintain their residence in Malta but are not domiciled in the country and derive income through a ' qualified employment contract ' for activities conducted in Malta can also take advantage of the appealing fixed 15 % tax rate .
FOREIGN INVESTORS MUST UNDERSTAND THE EU ’ S TAX LANDSCAPE IS EVOLVING
The end of the Portuguese NHR regime as we know it is a significant development in the EU ' s evolving tax landscape . While it raises concerns about the potential impact on Portugal ' s attractiveness to foreign residents and investors , it also highlights the broader challenge of harmonizing tax policies within the EU .
RAQUEL DE MATOS ESTEVES INÊS MARQUES DIAS
Raquel de Matos Esteves is a Portuguese lawyer and partner at RME Legal . Before founding RME Legal , Esteves worked at law firms , tax consultancy firms , and immigration services , leading teams and international projects . She has vast experience in assisting private clients in all aspects of relocation processes , with a main focus on international tax consultancy , compliance , and litigation . Esteves obtained a master ’ s degree in law and management from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa , after studying law at the Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa . Esteves is a member of the Portuguese Bar Association .
Inês Marques Dias is an associate lawyer at RME Legal , assisting clients in tax consultancy or litigation processes . Prior to joining RME Legal , she worked at various law firms . She has vast experience in the taxation field , assisting clients ranging from private clients to companies in litigation . Dias holds a law degree from the Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa , and a master ’ s in tax law and digital taxation from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa . She is a member of the Portuguese Bar Association .