Freedom Score

Emigrating from Australia to Malta: tax and cost of living

How does Malta score against Australia? The Freedom Score weighs six dimensions, built on primary government sources.

Net per month€4,590
Per year vs. Australia+€5,236

Non-dom · 15% remitted income · EU member

Tax

84/100

Residency

87/100

Cost of living

74/100

Living environment

73/100

Mobility

93/100

Ownership

85/100

Compared by dimension

On an average Australia income of €64,800 gross per year, you keep €55,080 net in Malta: a difference of €5,236 per year compared with Australia.

  • Tax: on this income Malta lands at an effective rate of about 15%, against 23% in Australia.
  • Passport and mobility: from Malta you travel visa-free to 185 countries.
  • Residency: on our accessibility scale Malta scores 87 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
  • Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give Malta a living-environment score of 73 out of 100.

The tax regime in Malta

Malta applies a remittance basis for non-domiciled residents: foreign-source income is only taxed when remitted to Malta. The top resident rate is 35%, but the Global Residence Programme and Malta Retirement Programme offer a flat 15% rate on remitted income with a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. Capital gains are generally not taxable in Malta.

Residency and visas in Malta

EU citizens can freely reside in Malta. Non-EU nationals can use the Global Residence Programme (GRP), Malta Retirement Programme, or Highly Qualified Persons Scheme. Permanent residence is available after 5 years of lawful residence.

  • Global Residence Programme (GRP) · €275,000 · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) · €25,000/year · €275,000 · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Highly Qualified Persons (HQP) Scheme · €86,938/year · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) · €150,000
  • Nomad Residence Permit · €36,888/year · 5 years to permanent residency
Read the full guide to MaltaTax, residency routes, property rules and quality of life, with sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between Australia and Malta?
On an average Australia income it differs by roughly €5,236 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.
Is this tax advice?
No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.
What sources is this based on?
The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.
Order report · €6,99

Figures from primary government sources. Information, not advice.

Sources