Micro Invest Malta 2026-2030: Tax Credits, Eligibility & Application Guide

Micro Invest - sometimes written as MicroInvest - is a Malta Enterprise tax-credit incentive that supports small undertakings, family businesses, social enterprises and self-employed persons that invest in their business. The current Micro Invest Incentive Guidelines (Version 1.0, published 11 May 2026) run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030 and represent a significant uplift on the previous version of the scheme: higher rates, higher caps, and a new wage-cost support measure.

This guide is written for directors, finance managers and self-employed individuals planning a Micro Invest claim in Malta. It sets out the current rates, caps and eligibility under the 2026 Guidelines, the eligible cost categories, the application process, and the practical obligations once an award is granted. All figures and procedural rules below are cited from the official Malta Enterprise 2026-2030 Incentive Guidelines (Version 1.0, 11 May 2026).

Micro Invest 2026: key features at a glance

What is Micro Invest?

Micro Invest is administered by Malta Enterprise Corporation. Its purpose is to encourage investment by small undertakings - including start-ups, family businesses, social enterprises and the self-employed - by granting a tax credit calculated as a percentage of qualifying expenditure. The benefit is granted by way of a Tax Credit Certificate that reduces the beneficiary's income tax liability in future years. It is not a cash grant.

The legal basis of the Micro Invest scheme is set out in the Malta Enterprise Act (Cap. 463) and the Micro Invest Regulations issued thereunder. The 2026-2030 Guidelines align the scheme with the EU de minimis Regulation (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2831).

Micro Invest eligibility - who can apply

The 2026 Guidelines set the following eligibility criteria. The applicant undertaking must:

• Employ at least one (1) person on a full-time or part-time basis at the point of application.

• Employ no more than fifty (50) full-time employees in its trade or business. Employee counts are verified by Malta Enterprise using Jobsplus data.

• Be duly registered with the VAT department, unless specifically exempted.

• Not be active in a sector excluded under the EU de minimis Regulation (see below).

A self-employed person duly registered with Jobsplus is deemed to meet the minimum employment requirement, even if they have no other staff.

Important - what is NOT in the 2026 eligibility criteria

Previous Micro Invest guidelines included a turnover / balance-sheet test (the SME definition of €10 million). The 2026 Guidelines do not include this turnover threshold. Eligibility is tested at the date of application based on employee count and VAT registration.

Micro Invest tax credit rates

Malta Enterprise may approve a tax credit equivalent to up to 65% of eligible expenditure. An additional bonus of 20 percentage points applies to undertakings operating from Gozo, taking the maximum rate to 85%.

The Guidelines use the wording "up to" - meaning the Corporation has discretion to approve a lower percentage in particular cases. In practice the maximum applies when all eligibility and documentation requirements are met.

Maximum Micro Invest aid - the €65,000 / €85,000 cap

The maximum eligible tax credits per applicant undertaking is capped at €65,000 over any three (3) year period. This base cap is increased by €20,000 for applicants in any of the following categories:

• Undertakings operating from Gozo.

• Undertakings registered as a Family Business with the Regulator for Family Businesses (Family Business Act, Cap. 565).

• Female-owned businesses - defined as a female self-employed person, or a partnership / company where the majority of shares and voting rights are held by women (with one woman either holding majority alone or being the largest single shareholder in a women-led group).

• Undertakings registered as a Social Enterprise under the Social Enterprise Act (Cap. 630).

The Guidelines' worked example (§3.3) shows a Gozo-based applicant receiving a maximum of €85,000 (€65,000 base + €20,000 Gozo bonus). The Guidelines use the word "or" between the four bonus categories, which strongly suggests only one bonus applies even where an applicant qualifies in more than one category (e.g. a female-owned Gozo business). If you qualify in multiple categories, confirm with Malta Enterprise before relying on a cumulative reading.

Eligible expenditure under Micro Invest 2026

The 2026 Guidelines split eligible expenditure into two main groups: increases in wage costs (§4.1), and capital investments / refurbishment / digital solutions (§4.2). Both carry rules and conditions that the applicant must satisfy.

Wage cost support - increase in total wage costs (§4.1.1)

An applicant may claim a tax credit on the increase in wage costs of its full-time employees. The eligible value is calculated by comparing the current-year wage cost (gross emoluments, excluding fringe benefits and share options) against the lower of the two previous years' wage costs. The lower amount used in the comparison must exceed the 2025 wage cost (or, if support was previously claimed, the wage cost in the year of last support).

• The eligible wage cost increase must exceed €5,000 for support to be considered.

• Support is awarded at up to 65% of the eligible increase (85% for Gozo undertakings).

• The applicant must have no Social Security Contribution arrears (or a repayment agreement in place).

• A CPA must review and confirm the wage costs claimed. This is mandatory - wage-cost applications cannot be filed without CPA involvement.

Wage cost top-up - long-serving employees (§4.1.2)

A separate fiscal top-up applies to wage increases registered in 2026 and 2027 for employees who have been with the applicant for more than four (4) years. This is a time-limited measure - it does not apply to wage increases in 2028, 2029 or 2030.

• The annual wage increase per employee must be at least 3% (this may include the cost-of-living adjustment).

• Malta - up to 65% of the wage increase, capped at €780 per employee for each of the two years following the increase.

• Gozo - up to 85% of the wage increase, capped at €1,020 per employee for each of the two years following the increase.

• The second year's benefit only applies if the employee's wage is maintained or increased further.

Procurement of new tangible assets (§4.2.1)

Costs of new tangible assets are eligible. The 2026 Guidelines use the wording "new tangible assets" - the previous "new or first-time-in-Malta" wording has been dropped, suggesting a stricter brand-new reading. The minimum invoice value is €500 excluding VAT. Eligible categories include:

• Industrial machinery, electro-mechanical equipment and digital equipment required for the economic operation of the applicant.

• Vehicles of categories N1, N2, N3 and O - only for businesses engaged in manufacturing, carriage of goods, construction or repair / maintenance.

• Vehicles of categories M1 (maximum eligible value capped at €10,000), M2, M3 and hearses - only for businesses with the appropriate Transport Malta licence for passenger services. The applicant must declare the vehicle is used solely for the business.

• Commercial vessels covered by a Commercial Vessel Licence issued by Transport Malta, where the licence is in the applicant's name.

• Aircraft required for an economic activity and covered by a Transport Malta licence.

• Furniture and furnishings required for the economic activity, including office furniture.

• Apertures - internal and external doors, windows and balconies.

• Signage and show windows for shops and similar properties.

Portable digital equipment (mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers) is limited, for each type, to the number of full-time employees engaged by the applicant - i.e. you cannot claim more laptops than you have FT staff.

Explicit exclusions

• Works of art, antiques, spare parts and collectables are not eligible.

• Transport, installation and configuration costs are excluded unless they appear on the same invoice as the eligible item.

• Systems intended to produce alternative energy are not covered under the 2026 Guidelines.

Refurbishment of business premises (§4.2.2)

Structural and finishing works on business premises may be claimed. The 2026 Guidelines require three distinct certifications:

• A Bill of Quantities certified by a warranted Perit.

• A CPA or warranted Perit must confirm the applicant has title to the premises and that the works were carried out on premises used exclusively for the applicant's business activity.

• A warranted Perit must confirm the site meets all legal requirements and is licenced by the relevant authorities for the business activity carried out there.

Digital solutions (§4.2.3)

Eligible digital expenditure under the 2026 Guidelines includes:

• Packaged software solutions.

• Customisation and setup of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, including the first 12 months of licence payments (the applicant must show this is the first subscription, not a renewal).

• Development and customisation of software systems, websites and digital applications - supported by an agreement signed prior to commencement of works.

• Accessibility enhancements to websites, where investments are certified by the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA).

• Maintenance and hosting linked to the procurement or development of an eligible new digital solution.

Ongoing maintenance, hosting and subscription renewals that are not tied to a new procurement / development are not eligible.

What is NOT eligible under Micro Invest 2026

• Systems intended to produce alternative energy.

• Costs already supported through other public funding (whether national or EU).

• Costs below €500 (excluding VAT) per individual invoice.

• Spare parts, works of art, antiques and collectables.

• Standalone maintenance, hosting or subscription renewals not tied to new procurement.

• Export-related activities to third countries or other Member States.

• Aid contingent on the use of domestic goods or services over imports.

• Activities in primary production of agricultural, fishery or aquaculture products, and certain processing / marketing activities in these sectors.

How to apply for Micro Invest in 2026

Applications are submitted to Malta Enterprise. Each undertaking may submit one (1) application per year. Each application may cover costs incurred in the previous three (3) consecutive calendar years (subject to the eligibility period), provided that no previous application has been submitted and approved for the same costs.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year - the 2026 Guidelines do not impose a fixed annual deadline. Processing time depends on whether a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) prepares the application in accordance with the technical guidance issued jointly by Malta Enterprise and the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA):

Applications claiming wage-cost support under §4.1 (either §4.1.1 total wage increase or §4.1.2 long-serving employee top-up) must in any event be CPA-reviewed - this is mandatory for wage claims regardless of the rest of the application.

Documentation typically required

• Completed Malta Enterprise application form.

• Tax invoices or fiscal receipts (per the 12th / 13th Schedule of the VAT Act) for every cost item being claimed.

• Evidence the costs were settled or are tied to a binding commitment.

• Asset register confirming the assets are registered to the applicant (CPA-confirmed for self-employed or unaudited entities).

• Perit-certified Bill of Quantities for refurbishment claims, with title and licence confirmations.

• Pre-signed development agreements for software / website builds.

• FITA certification for accessibility website investments.

• Family Business / Social Enterprise certificate (if claiming the relevant bonus).

• De minimis declaration listing any other de minimis aid received or applied for in the relevant 3-year window.

Using the Micro Invest tax credit

Once Malta Enterprise approves the application, a Tax Credit Certificate is issued. The tax credit must be utilised against profits derived from the beneficiary undertaking's trade or business activity by the fifth (5th) year of assessment from the year of assessment identified on the certificate.

• The credit reduces income tax payable - it is not a cash refund.

• The credit is non-transferable and must be used by the entity to which it was issued.

• The credit cannot be used to settle pre-existing tax arrears or to rectify errors in past tax returns.

• The Malta Tax and Customs Administration may refuse the credit where the undertaking is defaulting on VAT, Income Tax, or Social Security payments.

• In a partnership, the eligible amount is split per ownership percentage and a separate certificate is issued to each partner.

Ongoing compliance after a Micro Invest award

• Records: maintain all application documentation for ten (10) years from the issue of the Tax Credit Certificate.

• Public register: from 1 January 2026, beneficiary information (entity name, aid amount, granting date, aid instrument, NACE sector code) is published in a central register accessible to the public.

• Audit rights: the Corporation and MTCA reserve the right to audit, carry out site visits and review documentation even after the certificate has been issued and utilised.

• Revocation: aid may be revoked or recovered (with interest) where there is double-funding, breach of state aid rules, or where claimed expenditure is found not to relate to the trade or business.

How EGM Assurance supports Micro Invest applications

EGM Assurance is a Certified Public Accountant practice in Malta. We assist applicants with the Micro Invest application process in line with the joint Malta Enterprise / MIA technical guidance. Our Micro Invest support engagement is a distinct accounting / tax advisory engagement - it is independent of, and must not be confused with, any statutory audit work for the same client (ethical independence rules under the IFAC Code, as adopted by the Accountancy Board of Malta, govern which combinations are permissible).

A Micro Invest engagement with EGM Assurance typically includes scoping eligibility, compiling the cost evidence, drafting the application, performing the CPA review required for wage-cost claims, and handling any Malta Enterprise clarifications during processing.

Frequently asked questions about Micro Invest

Who is eligible for Micro Invest in Malta?

Any Maltese undertaking - including a company, partnership, sole trader, family business, social enterprise or self-employed person - that employs between 1 and 50 full-time employees, is registered for VAT (unless exempt), and is not active in an excluded sector under the EU de minimis Regulation.

Can a self-employed person apply for Micro Invest?

Yes. A self-employed person duly registered with Jobsplus is treated as meeting the minimum employment requirement under the 2026 Guidelines, even without additional staff.

What is the maximum Micro Invest tax credit?

Up to 65% of eligible expenditure for Malta-based undertakings, capped at €65,000 over a rolling 3-year period. Gozo-based undertakings receive up to 85%, capped at €85,000. Family Business, Female-owned and Social Enterprise applicants each qualify for the +€20,000 cap uplift.

When can I apply for Micro Invest?

Applications can be submitted at any time during the year. A CPA-prepared application is processed within 4 weeks; a non-CPA application requires a minimum of 6 months.

Can I apply for multiple years of expenditure in one application?

Yes. Each application may cover up to three previous calendar years' costs, provided no earlier Micro Invest application has already covered those same years' costs.

How long does the Micro Invest tax credit last?

The credit must be utilised by the fifth year of assessment from the year of assessment shown on the Tax Credit Certificate. Unused portions can be carried forward within that window.

Is Micro Invest cumulative with other state aid?

The same eligible cost cannot be claimed twice across different state aid schemes. Different cost items may be supported by different schemes. The €300,000 EU de minimis ceiling per single undertaking over 3 consecutive years applies across all de minimis aid.

Do I have to use a CPA for my Micro Invest application?

No, but a CPA-prepared application is processed in 4 weeks versus a minimum of 6 months for non-CPA applications. Wage-cost claims under §4.1 must be CPA-reviewed in any event.

Is the Micro Invest beneficiary information public?

Yes. From 1 January 2026, beneficiary name, aid amount, granting date, aid instrument and sector (NACE code) are published in a public central register under the EU de minimis Regulation.

Related guides

Setting Up a Company in Malta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Statutory Audit in Malta: Guide for SMEs

VAT Registration in Malta

Payroll and FSS Obligations for Maltese Employers

GAPSME vs IFRS in Malta

Authoritative references

Malta Enterprise - official Micro Invest Incentive Guidelines (2026-2030, Version 1.0)

Malta Enterprise Act (Cap. 463)

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2831 - de minimis aid

Family Business Act (Cap. 565)

Social Enterprise Act (Cap. 630)

Business First - Malta Enterprise client support

Malta Tax and Customs Administration

Need help? EGM Assurance provides audit services for Maltese SMEs - partner-led, transparent, on time. Get a quote.

This article is prepared by EGM Assurance for general informational purposes and reflects the Malta Enterprise Micro Invest Incentive Guidelines (Version 1.0, 11 May 2026) as at May 2026. It does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. Always confirm current obligations with Malta Enterprise or a qualified professional before acting.