Maltese-Indian Relations
India and Malta enjoy friendly and cordial relations. India was one of the first countries to recognize independence of Malta in 1964 and established diplomatic relations with it in 1965. India and Malta share a common heritage, being members of the Commonwealth.
Malta-India Trade
India Exports to Malta was US$360.37 Million during 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. India Exports to Malta - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on September of 2023.
Malta for Indians
Malta offers significant advantages to Indian entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and investors seeking safe yet attractive business environment and a cost-effective yet high quality European / Mediterranean lifestyle and free movement within the European Union and the Schengen Area.
Indians Taking up Residence in Malta
More easily, Indian families can apply for a Permanent Residence permit that does not require annual renewal or any minimum presence every year. Only after receiving the in-principal approval, the investor must pay a one-time government fee of €70,000 if the investor buys a property (minimum €300,000) or €100,000 if the applicant rents a property (€10,000 per year). In both cases, the property must be kept for just 5 years with no further obligations after that. Applications can include up to 4 generations of the family, including the main applicant and the spouse, parents and grand-parents of both, and financially dependent children with no age limitations.
Indians Buying Property in Malta
Indian citizens are increasingly buying property in Malta. Indian families relocating to Malta and taking up a job in Malta, typically start by renting a property in Malta but eventually familiarise enough with the Maltese property market to get on the property ladder. More and more of our Indian clients buy a second home, a holiday home or a buy-to-let investment property in Malta. A Indian citizen can buy property in Malta without any limitation within specially designated areas, and would be able to obtain a special permit (an Acquisition of Immovable Property / AIP permit) to buy property in other areas.
Maltese Citizenship for Indian Investors
After holding a Maltese residence Malta for 3 years, investors who pass a high standard of background checks may make an exceptional direct investment that qualifies for naturalisation as a Maltese citizen.
Indians Setting up a Business in Malta
The Maltese economy is one of the fastest growing economies of the European Union.Malta has experienced exponential growth and presented opportunities for startups, innovation businesses, sustainable businesses to flourish in Malta and within the EU. Limited liability companies pay 35% tax on company profits but shareholders often qualify from a refund of 30%, reducing the effective Malta tax rate on company profits.
Indians Setting up a European Rep Office in Malta
For the international business, Malta acts as the European platform for international activities, providing a business-friendly environment, legal certainty, high-level professional advisors, a skilled workforce and a lower overall cost of operating.
Indians Setting up a Holding Company in Malta
A full member of the European Union, the Island Republic of Malta acts as a European gateway to opportunities presented by the opening Latin American markets. The Maltese holding company is an established method of acquiring participations in companies around the world, and holding real estate, investment portfolios and other high-value assets internationally. Maltese companies benefit from a tax exemption on dividends and capital gains on the transfer of shares in subsidiaries.
Indians Studying in Malta
Malta is a safe, English-speaking place for young and mature Indians to study English as a foreign language, or to attend Maltese or international universities on various international campuses present in Malta. English is an official language of Malta and is widely spoken, being the language of education, business and government communication.
Indians Taking up a Job in Malta
Indians families can relocate to Malta on a work permit by demonstrating skills that are not available in Malta or other European countries. Senior positions may qualify for a fast-track work permit under the Key Employee Initiative. More senior company executives in some sectors benefit from personal tax incentives for highly skilled persons.
Our India-Malta Lawyers and Tax Advisors
Our India-Malta team enjoys a wealth of experience in assisting transactions between the two friendly nations. Our multi-disciplinary team of lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and relocation specialists have assisted Indian clients take up alternative residence in Malta for business, study or tax purposes. We have advised Indian nationals on the tax benefits of taking up residence in Malta, investing in property in Malta and of basing their international business activities in the Mediterranean Island of the European Union.
