The Residence Programme Rules, 2014

The Residence Programme Rules, 2014

In terms of The Residence Programme Rules (RPR), citizens from the EU/ EEA/ Switzerland can apply for a special tax status in Malta subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The special tax status is under the care of the International Tax Unit, at the Malta Financial Services Authority. The special tax status is valid for an indefinite period, provided that all the applicable conditions are satisfied on a continuing basis. The RPR, have replaced the High Net Worth Individuals Rules and the RPR now reflect the Global Residence Programme threshold, both in terms of tax and property value (be it purchase or lease).

The applicant must satisfy the following conditions/ provide the following documentation (amongst other):

  1. The applicant must hold a Qualifying Property Holding, which would be either owning a property of not less than €275,000 (if in the north of Malta and €220,000 if in the south of Malta or in Gozo) or renting a property for not less than €9,600 per annum (and €8,750 if in the south of Malta or in Gozo). In either case the applicant and his family will have their habitual residence in such property as their principal place of residence;
  2. The applicant must not benefit from the Residence Scheme Regulations, the Highly Qualified Persons Rules or any other special tax status;
  3. The applicant is in receipt of stable and regular resources that are sufficient to maintain the applicant and his dependants, without any recourse whatsoever to the local social assistance system;
  4. The applicant must be in possession of a valid travel document;
  5. The applicant is in possession of sickness insurance which covers himself and his dependants in respect of all risks across the whole EU. The above-mentioned health insurance must be procured by either a Maltese registered company or an international reputable health insurance company;
  6. The applicant is not a permanent resident;
  7. He can adequately communicate in one of the official languages of Malta
  8. The applicant must declare that he is a fit and proper person.

Once that the above conditions are satisfied and the special tax status is acquired, the income of the individual who has been granted the special tax status that is received in Malta from foreign sources is taxed at the rate of 15%. Such beneficiary has the right to request a claim for relief for double taxation provided that the minimum amount of tax payable is €15,000 per annum. Any other chargeable income which does not fall within the abovementioned bracket will be charged at a rate of 35%.

An application seeking confirmation of the special tax status must be submitted to the local tax authorities by an Authorised Registered Mandatory and engaged for the purposes by the applicant.

GVZH is registered with the local tax authorities as an Authorised Registered Mandatory.

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