Malta’s MicroInvest Scheme continues to provide meaningful fiscal support to small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and self-employed individuals. In an environment where businesses are balancing growth ambitions with cost pressures, the scheme offers a practical incentive to encourage reinvestment, modernisation and workforce expansion.
The 2026 scheme applies to eligible expenditure incurred during the financial year 2025 and remains an important opportunity for businesses seeking to strengthen their operational and financial position.
Overview of the MicroInvest Scheme
The MicroInvest Scheme offers a tax credit to qualifying undertakings on eligible expenditure incurred in the preceding year. The incentive is administered by Malta Enterprise and is intended to stimulate investment that enhances productivity, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
The tax credit may be offset against income tax payable and is subject to applicable aid thresholds and caps.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MicroInvest Scheme 2026, undertakings must generally meet the following conditions:
- Employ no more than 50 full-time employees during the year in which the expenditure was incurred.
- Have an annual turnover or total balance sheet value not exceeding €10 million in the fiscal year preceding the application.
- Employ at least one individual (full-time or part-time) on the date of application.
- Be registered for VAT, unless specifically exempt.
The scheme is therefore targeted at micro and small enterprises that form the backbone of Malta’s business community.
Eligible Expenditure
The scheme supports a broad range of qualifying costs incurred in 2025, including:
- Increases in wage costs exceeding a 3% threshold compared to the previous year.
- Refurbishment, upgrading or modernisation of licensed business premises.
- Acquisition of machinery, equipment, technology and digital solutions.
- Commercial vehicles are used for business purposes.
- Costs related to obtaining recognised certifications.
This wide scope reflects the legislator’s intention to support both operational investment and workforce enhancement.
Tax Credit Rates and Maximum Thresholds
The standard tax credit rate under the scheme is 45% of eligible expenditure.
For undertakings operating in Gozo, the aid intensity increases to 65%, reflecting regional development support measures.
The maximum tax credit available is generally capped at:
- €50,000 over any rolling three-year period for Malta-based undertakings;
- €70,000 over any rolling three-year period for Gozo-based undertakings.
Higher thresholds may apply in certain circumstances, including family businesses, start-ups and undertakings with majority female ownership, subject to applicable state aid rules.
As the scheme falls within EU state aid parameters, businesses must also consider cumulative aid received under other incentive programmes.
Key Deadlines
Applications for expenditure incurred in 2025 must be submitted within the prescribed deadlines:
- Self-employed individuals: 25 March 2026
- Companies and other undertakings: 27 May 2026
A late submission deadline is expected to apply later in the year, allowing additional time where necessary.
Early preparation is recommended to ensure that all supporting documentation is properly compiled and eligibility conditions are satisfied.
How NCMB Can Assist
Assessing eligibility, determining qualifying expenditure and ensuring compliance with state aid requirements requires careful review. Businesses should also consider how the incentive interacts with other forms of aid or tax benefits.
At NCMB, we assist clients in evaluating their eligibility, compiling the required documentation and managing the application process from start to finish.
If you incurred qualifying business expenditure during 2025, we would be pleased to review your position and guide you through the MicroInvest Scheme application process.
