Legal Notice 195 of 2026: What Prospective Residents Need to Know
Malta has taken another significant step in modernising its tax residence framework with the publication of Legal Notice 195 of 2026, which introduces the Individual Tax Programme Rules, 2026. The new legislation replaces several existing special tax residence programmes with a single legislative framework, simplifying the system while introducing updated eligibility requirements and higher financial thresholds. The new rules will come into force on 1 January 2027.
A New Unified Framework
For many years, Malta offered different tax residence programmes aimed at specific categories of applicants. These included:
• The Global Residence Programme (GRP)
• The Residence Programme (TRP)
• The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)
• The United Nations Pension Programme (UNPP)
Legal Notice 195 of 2026 consolidates these programmes into one legislative instrument known as the Individual Tax Programme (ITP). Rather than maintaining separate regulations, the new framework creates four categories of special tax status under one set of rules, making the system more streamlined and easier to administer.
Applicants and Tax Rates
The Individual Tax Programme caters for four different categories of applicants together with the following minimum annual tax liabilities:
• Third-country nationals seeking Global Resident Status / €35,000
• EU, EEA and Swiss nationals applying for Resident Status / €35,000
• Retired Pensioners / €15,000
• UN Pensioners / €20,000
Each category has its own eligibility criteria, but all operate under the same legislative framework.
Beneficiaries will continue to benefit from a 15% tax rate on qualifying foreign-source income remitted to Malta, while remaining eligible to claim double taxation relief where applicable. Foreign-source income that is not remitted to Malta is generally not subject to Maltese tax, whereas income arising in Malta continues to be taxed in accordance with the ordinary provisions of Maltese tax law.
Key Features of the New Programme
Despite the structural overhaul, the programme continues to preserve several features that have made Malta an attractive jurisdiction for internationally mobile individuals. For many international entrepreneurs, investors and retirees, these principles remain one of the principal attractions of establishing tax residence in Malta. Applicants will be required to maintain qualifying residential property in Malta, hold suitable health insurance, demonstrate sufficient financial resources and satisfy applicable fit and proper requirements.
Higher Financial Commitments
Legal Notice 195 of 2026 significantly increases the financial commitments expected from future applicants. Among the principal changes are:
• Increased qualifying property values for purchased and rental residences.
- Purchase value: minimum €700,000
- Annual rental value: minimum €14,000
• Increased application fees: €8,500
These changes indicate a clear policy direction towards attracting individuals who intend to establish a stronger and more substantial connection with Malta.
Renewable Five-Year Status
The special tax status will no longer continue indefinitely. Instead, approvals granted under the new programme will be valid for five years, after which beneficiaries will need to apply for renewal and demonstrate continued compliance with the programme’s requirements and will be subject to a €2,500 administrative fee. This introduces greater ongoing regulatory oversight while ensuring that applicants continue to satisfy the qualifying conditions throughout their participation in the programme.
Timelines
Individuals who already benefit from one of the existing programmes, or who obtain special tax status before 31 December 2026, will continue to benefit from the current framework until 2031. Thereafter, renewals will be governed by the Individual Tax Programme Rules. The new legislative framework applies to new applications submitted from 1 January 2027.
Assistance through Sciberras Advocates
Whether you are considering relocating to Malta before the new rules take effect or wish to understand how the Individual Tax Programme may affect your long-term plans, our team at Sciberras Advocates can guide you through the legal process and help you identify the most suitable solution for your circumstances. Sciberras Advocates is an Authorised Registered Mandatory under Registration Number ARM5203 (Dr Adrian Sciberras).
This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice.
Статья написана г-жой Шарлин Шиберрас, бакалавром гуманитарных наук (с отличием), приглашенным автором, специалистом по маркетингу и деловому администрированию с особым вниманием к корпоративным, бухгалтерским и юридическим вопросам.
Sciberras Advocates, основанная доктором Эдрианом Сциберрасом, — юридическая фирма, расположенная на Мальте. Фирма гордится тем, что является междисциплинарной, инновационной и гибкой, чтобы соответствовать меняющимся временам и любым вызовам в местном и международном правовом поле. Независимо от того, какие сложные частные или корпоративные требования предъявляются, Sciberras Advocates предлагает практичные и экономически эффективные юридические решения для достижения желаемых вами результатов. Вы можете связаться с Sciberras Advocates по телефону +35627795222или по электронной почте на [email protected].
