The Malta Retirement Programme remains open under its current, more accessible conditions, but not for much longer.
From 1 January 2027, Malta will replace the existing Malta Retirement Programme, Global Residence Programme, Residence Programme and UN Pensions Programme with a consolidated Individual Tax Programme. The attractive 15% tax rate on qualifying foreign income remitted to Malta will remain, but the financial thresholds for new applicants will rise substantially.
Under the current Malta Retirement Programme, the minimum annual tax is €7,500 for the main applicant, plus €500 for each dependant.
From 2027, the minimum annual tax for retired pensioners will increase to €15,000.
The difference is equally significant when it comes to property. Applicants currently qualify by purchasing property for at least €275,000, or €220,000 in Gozo or the South of Malta. From 2027, the minimum purchase price will rise to €700,000 across Malta and Gozo. The minimum annual rental requirement will increase from €9,600, or €8,750 in Gozo and the South, to €14,000 nationwide.
The application fee will also rise from €2,500 under the current Malta Retirement Programme to €8,500 under the new framework.
Special tax status granted under the new programme will be valid for five years and will require renewal, including a €2,500 renewal fee.
The opportunity available until the end of 2026
The transitional rules may allow applicants whose complete applications are submitted by 31 December 2026 to remain under the current, lower thresholds until 31 December 2031, even where the application is decided after the new rules enter into force.
This creates a limited planning window for retirees who are already considering Malta. Waiting until 2027 could mean:
- twice the minimum annual tax;
- property purchase threshold rising from €220,000–€275,000 to €700,000;
- higher rental commitment;
- substantially higher application fee; and
- five-year renewal cycle.
However, making an enquiry before the deadline is not enough. Eligibility must be reviewed, supporting documentation collected and a compliant application prepared and submitted through an Authorised Registered Mandatary.
Do not leave the application until December
There are just over five months remaining before the new framework takes effect. Applicants who want to be considered under the current Malta Retirement Programme should begin the eligibility and document-review process now.
1st Step Solution is an MFSA-authorised corporate service provider and an Authorised Registered Mandatary for Malta’s residence programmes. We assess eligibility, prepare and submit the application, coordinate the required supporting documents and assist with property, health insurance and ongoing tax compliance.
Contact us now to determine whether you can apply under the current Malta Retirement Programme before the 31 December 2026 deadline.
*The availability of transitional protection depends on the application satisfying the applicable legal and administrative requirements. Individual tax and residence advice should be obtained before applying.*
Malta in the 2026 International Retirement Rankings
Malta’s appeal to retirees is not just marketing – it shows up consistently across independent global studies:
| Ranking / Study | Malta’s 2026 Result |
|---|---|
| Hoxton Wealth Retirement Destinations Attractiveness Report 2026 | 3rd in the world – ahead of Portugal, Spain and Italy, and well above the UK and USA, which didn’t make the top 15 |
| Global Retirement Report (Global Citizen Solutions) | Top 10 worldwide (8th) with a score of 87%, credited for climate, safety and competitive tax schemes |
| GlobalCostData — Best Countries for Retirees 2026 | #1 for budget-conscious retirees seeking low costs with strong public services (ahead of Bulgaria and Greece) |
| U.S. News Best Countries 2026 | Featured among the best countries for a comfortable retirement |
| WHO healthcare system ranking | Malta’s healthcare system rated 5th best in the world |
The Hoxton Wealth report scored 20 popular destinations on visa access, cost of living, taxes, healthcare, stability, safety, climate and ease of integration – the factors that actually matter once the goodbye party is over. Malta placed third overall.
Next Step
If Malta looks like your dream destination, the application process is faster and smoother with local, licensed support. Contact 1st Step Solution – MFSA-registered and Malta-based for a free, non-binding proposal: we assess your eligibility, prepare and file the application as your Authorised Registered Mandatory, and can assist with property and health insurance.
📞 +356 2122 4847 | ✉ info@1step.eu | WhatsApp available