Highly Qualified Persons Programme

The Malta Highly Qualified Persons Rules aim to attract skilled professionals in financial services, gaming, aviation, and other high-growth industries. This programme offers eligible individuals a flat 15% tax rate on income derived from qualifying employment in Malta, capped at €5,000,000. Income exceeding this threshold is tax-exempt. Key benefits include:

Access to Malta’s booming finance, aviation, fintech, and gaming industries.
Flat 15% income tax on employment from qualifying contracts.
Residency in a Mediterranean EU member state with excellent connectivity and quality of life.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify:

The income received by the professional must amount to at least €75,000, adjusted annually in line with the Retail Price Index. The minimum income (based on the Retail Price Index published by the Malta National Statistics Office) must exceed €98,436 (as at 2024)
Obtain an employment contract subject to the laws of Malta.
Have at least five years of professional work experience.
Hold sufficient professional qualifications related to the field of work.
Prove that they can perform their duties sufficiently for the eligible office.
Not have benefitted from the special income tax provisions relevant to Investment Services and Insurance Expatriates.
Receive regular and stable income which are of a sufficient level to be able to support yourself and any dependents without needing the assistance of the social security system in Malta.
Reside in suitable accommodation in Malta.
Not be domiciled in Malta, nor benefit from any other special tax programs in Malta
Have a valid travel document.
Hold European health insurance coverage both for applicant and dependants
Must be deemed a fit and proper person.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

The list of eligible positions under this scheme is as follows:

Finance & Gaming: Portfolio Managers, Chief Financial Officers, Senior Analysts.
Aviation: Accountable Managers, Training Managers, and other senior aviation roles.
Assisted Reproductive Technology: Embryologists, Lead Quality Managers.

Contracts must be with companies licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority, Malta Gaming Authority, or Transport Malta.

TAX TREATMENT

Once an applicant’s application is approved, he/she is thereafter granted a special tax status in accordance with the HQP rules.

The HQP Beneficiary will be subject to a rate of 15 cents on every euro thereof (hereinafter the ‘Special Rate’) on individual income arising from the qualifying contract. The flat rate will be imposed on income from the qualifying contract up to a capping of €5,000,000. Income above €5,000,000 from such qualifying contract is exempt income. It should be noted that the Special Rates apply for a maximum of five consecutive years in the case of EEA or Swiss nationals and for a maximum of four consecutive years in the case of third country nationals.

EEA/ Swiss nationals who take advantage of this tax benefit may be eligible, upon application, for a one-time extension of 5 years, making the total qualifying period a maximum of 10 years of assessment. This can be requested from the Malta Office of the Commissioner for Revenue

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN MALTA

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With the largest selection of properties in Malta and a team highly experienced in assisting foreign clients, we ensure a seamless relocation or investment process. From personalised residency advice to an extensive range of real estate options, Frank Salt Real Estate is your dependable partner in making Malta your home.