Microinvest offers Maltese small businesses tax credits for investments, wages and digitalisation, with support of up to 65%, which can be increased for Gozo and qualified categories and annual assisted application pathways.
Malta Enterprise’s new measure for the period 2026-2030 comes at a time when many small Maltese businesses have to choose between postponing investment or accelerating their operational transformation. The programme supports start-ups, family businesses, social enterprises, the self-employed and other economic activities with a tax credit calculated on eligible expenses and, in some cases, on the increase in wage costs.
The economic point is clear: Microinvest reduces the effective tax cost of investments already required to grow, digitize processes, purchase capital goods or strengthen the workforce. It is not a non-repayable contribution that is immediately liquid, but a credit that can be used against the tax due on the profits of the business. For many SMEs, Microinvest can become a lever of competitive continuity. For this reason, planning must be done first: it is necessary to verify tax capacity, documentation, timing and compatibility with de minimis aid.
Microinvest: who can benefit from it
The measure is aimed at companies that, at the time of application, employ at least one person and no more than fifty full-time employees. Self-employed person registered with Jobsplus can also meet the minimum requirement. In general, the applicant must be registered for VAT, except for exemptions, and must be able to receive de minimis aid.
Microinvest can approve a tax credit of up to 65% of the eligible expenditure. For activities operating from Gozo the intensity can rise to 85%. The ordinary ceiling is equal to 65,000 euros per applicant over three years; it can be increased by 20,000 euros for companies operating from Gozo, family businesses, women’s businesses or social enterprises. However, the overall de minimis limit of €300,000 per individual company over three years remains applicable.
Eligible expenses
The perimeter of the expenses is wide but technical. Expenses for new tangible assets, machinery, electromechanical and digital equipment, some company vehicles within the established limits, furniture, signs, shop windows, openings and work on commercial premises are considered, among others. For the renovation of the premises, specific confirmations are required, even from qualified professionals, on the ownership of the property, on the exclusively business use and on the authorization compliance.
An important chapter concerns digital solutions. Microinvest covers packaged software, development and customization of systems, websites and applications, configuration of SaaS solutions and, under certain conditions, the first twelve months of the license. Some expenses related to maintenance and hosting are also considered when directly related to the new solution. On the other hand, ordinary renewals, non-qualified recurring maintenance or operating costs that do not comply with the criteria of the measure are not included.
For invoices, Malta Enterprise generally considers individual invoices of at least €500 exclusive of VAT, accompanied by appropriate tax documentation and proof of payment or a binding commitment to payment. In the case of salaries, Microinvest allows you to request support on the increase in full-time wage costs when the increase exceeds 5,000 euros, with rules of comparison with previous years. There is also a top-up for salary increases for employees with more than four years of seniority, subject to annual conditions and ceilings.
How to Apply and How It Can Support Malta Business
Applications can be submitted via the Malta Enterprise client portal from 1 January 2027, with a maximum of one application per year. Costs can be grouped up to three consecutive years, if they have not already been the subject of an approved application. The preparation must therefore start with a precise mapping of expenses, tax documents, contracts, proof of payment and any public aid already received.
Microinvest also requires attention on a procedural level. Applications completed by a Certified Public Accountant according to the technical guidance can be processed in four weeks; those not completed in this way can take at least six months. For requests related to salary increases, the involvement of the CPA is required.
Malta Business Agency can assist companies in the preliminary assessment of eligibility, the organisation of the dossier, the coordination with the CPA and the submission of the application. The support is especially useful to avoid formal errors, double funding, incomplete documentation or expenses that are inconsistent with the activity. Microinvest can become a concrete opportunity, but only if the demand is built methodically and with a prudent reading of the rules.
