{
  "id": 18314930,
  "title": "Malta to Double Minimum Retirement Tax Under New Visa Rules",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/malta-to-double-minimum-retirement-tax-under-new-visa-rules",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-05T13:47:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/11/05/malta-to-double-minimum-retirement-tax-under-new-visa-rules/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malta has announced substantial modifications to its retirement program that will come into effect on January 1, 2027. Key changes include a doubling of the minimum annual tax for foreign retirees, from €7,500 to €15,000, as well as a significant hike in the minimum property purchase requirement to €700,000. Currently, retirees must purchase a property valued at €275,000 or €220,000 in southern Malta or Gozo. Renters will need to pay at least €9,600 annually, or €8,750 in specific areas. Beginning in 2027, the minimum rental requirement will increase to €14,000 across the island.\n\nThese new regulations, introduced under Legal Notice 195 of 2026, will replace the existing Malta Retirement Program. The new status, \"Retired Pensioner,\" will be valid for five years and can be renewed for an additional five-year period. However, individuals who submit their applications by December 31, 2026, will retain eligibility for the current rules until the end of 2031. Notably, the 15% tax rate on foreign income brought into Malta remains unchanged.\n\nEligibility for the program extends to retirees from both EU and non-EU countries, including Switzerland and the European Economic Area, provided they receive a pension that represents at least 75% of their taxable income and receive their full pension in Malta. Applicants must also spend an average of 90 days per year in Malta over a five-year period and cannot spend more than 183 days in any other single country annually. Private health insurance is mandatory, and retirees are prohibited from engaging in regular employment in Malta, although non-executive and charitable activities are permitted.\n\nThe application process, which involves submitting documents such as proof of pension income, health insurance, police clearance, and property documents through an authorized representative, typically takes two to four months, contingent on the thoroughness of document verification and background checks. Malta's retirement program offers advantageous taxation for foreign retirees, but the impending changes will substantially increase the cost of qualifying for the scheme, especially for those looking to purchase property.",
  "summary": "Malta has announced major changes to its retirement program, with higher tax, property, and application requirements set to take effect … Read More The post Malta to Double Minimum Retirement Tax Under New Visa Rules appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}