Malta Tax Residence: New Rules

New legislation will significantly increase fees, minimum tax, and property requirements.

Malta Tax Residence: New Rules

If you've been considering relocating to Malta and benefiting from its attractive tax regime, the clock has started ticking.

The Maltese Government has now confirmed that, from 1 January 2027, the current Global Residence Programme (GRP) will be replaced as part of a new Individual Tax Programme framework [1].

While Malta remains committed to attracting internationally mobile individuals and families, the cost of entry will become significantly higher.

What Is Changing?

The new legislation consolidates several existing tax residence programmes—including the Global Residence Programme (GRP), The Residence Programme (TRP), Malta Retirement Programme (MRP), and the UN Pensioners Programme—into a single legislative framework.

The attractive features that have made Malta popular remain:

A 15% tax rate on qualifying foreign-source income remitted to Malta.
The ability to establish tax residence in Malta.
Residence rights for qualifying applicants and their eligible dependants.
Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.

However, the financial requirements become considerably more demanding.

1. Higher Property Requirements

Under the new rules (effective 1 January 2027):

Minimum property purchase increases to €700,000
Minimum annual rental increases to €14,000

By comparison, applicants approved under today's Global Residence Programme generally qualify under substantially lower property thresholds.

2. Much Higher Minimum Annual Tax

Perhaps the most significant change is the increase in the minimum annual tax payable.

For applicants under the new Global Resident Status, the minimum annual tax increases to €35,000 per year.

This represents a substantial increase from the current Global Residence Programme requirements and will likely make the programme suitable for a narrower group of internationally mobile, higher-net-worth individuals.

3. Higher Government Fees

Administrative fees will also increase.

From January 2027:

Initial application fee: €8,500
Renewal every five years: €2,500

The new framework also introduces five-year approvals, with renewals subject to continued compliance.

What About Applications Submitted Before 2027?

This is the question we are being asked most often.

The legislation clearly provides that individuals granted special tax status before 31 December 2026 will continue under the existing rules until 31 December 2031.

For new applications submitted from 1 January 2027 onward, the position is also clear—they will be processed under the new rules.

The uncertainty concerns applications submitted between now and 31 December 2026 that have not yet been approved before the new legislation takes effect.

The legislation indicates that applications received by 31 December 2026 should continue under the existing framework. However, until the Maltese authorities publish detailed implementation guidance, there may still be practical questions regarding how transitional cases will be administered.

Should You Wait?

For individuals who already intend to relocate to Malta under the Global Residence Programme, delaying an application may mean facing:

substantially higher property investment requirements;
a significantly higher minimum annual tax obligation;
increased government application fees; and
a more selective qualification framework.

Every applicant's circumstances are different, but for many prospective clients, starting the application process during 2026 may provide the best opportunity to benefit from today's programme structure, subject of course to the final transitional rules implemented by the Maltese authorities.

We Can Help You Evaluate Your Options

If you are considering Malta as part of your international tax or relocation strategy, now is an excellent time to review your eligibility and understand how these upcoming changes could affect your plans.

Our team can assess your circumstances, explain the current Global Residence Programme requirements, and help you determine whether applying before the end of 2026 is appropriate for your situation.

If you'd like to discuss your options, we'd be pleased to arrange a confidential consultation.

Warm regards,

The Zenturo Team

[1] Source: Malta Government

Because residency and citizenship frameworks can evolve over time please contact us to speak with an advisor or to receive a preliminary quotation. The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal or financial advice.

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Malta Tax Residence: New Rules

New legislation will significantly increase fees, minimum tax, and property requirements.