UK non-domiciled residents (UK non-doms) can achieve significant tax advantages from Malta’s tax system, which is based on the now ‘old’ British tax system, reflecting its origins as a former British colony, achieving independence in 1964.

Maltese tax law and principles, including concepts like residence and domicile taxation and the use of a full imputation system for corporate taxes, directly derive from the UK system introduced during colonial rule in the 1940s.

The irony being that Malta UK non-doms considering Malta as an alternative to the UK can continue to gain several significant tax advantages, which are now removed from the UK tax system:

1.No Tax on Unremitted Foreign Income

In Malta, non-doms are only taxed on foreign income if it is remitted (transferred) to Malta. Any foreign income kept outside Malta is not taxed, allowing substantial global earnings to remain untaxed as long as they’re not brought into the country.

2. No Tax on Foreign Capital Gains (Even if Remitted)

Foreign-sourced capital gains are completely 0% exempt from Maltese tax – unlike in the UK (both pre- and post-2025 reform), where such gains may eventually be taxed. In respect of Malta taxation, even if these gains are remitted to Malta, they remain untaxed, which is highly favourable for global investors and wealthy individuals.

3. No Deemed Domicile and No Time Limits

Malta does not impose deemed domicile rules. Non-doms can benefit from the remittance basis for an indefinite period, unlike the UK where benefits were limited (now abolished from April 2025). There is no cutoff after a set number of years, so long-term planning is possible without a looming loss of benefits.

4. Absence of Inheritance, Wealth, and Gift Taxes

Malta does not levy any inheritance, wealth, or gift taxes, providing a major advantage over the UK, where inheritance tax applies to UK assets (and worldwide assets after deemed domicile or extended residency).

5. Lower Minimum Annual Charge

The minimum annual tax for Malta non-dom residents is relatively modest: only €5,000 (for those under the relevant residence program), compared to the UK’s much higher annual remittance basis charge previously (£30,000–£60,000).

6. Stability and Flexibility of the Maltese System

Malta’s regime has been stable, with fewer policy shifts than the UK’s non-dom system, which is now ending. This predictability is attractive to long-term residents and families.

7. Residency Programs and EU Access

Malta offers several appealing residency and citizenship routes, granting easy access to the EU and flexibility for global mobility—an added lifestyle and business advantage.

In summary:

By moving to Malta, former or prospective UK non-doms may enjoy no tax on their unremitted foreign income, no tax on foreign capital gains regardless of remittance, ongoing eligibility without time limits, and no wealth or inheritance taxes, all within a stable regime—making Malta a very attractive alternative to the UK’s now-abolished non-dom system.

How can Acumum help you?

If you would like to know more about Malta’s tax and fiscal advantages for British individuals and British companies, please contact Acumum’s founding partner: Geraldine Noel, English barrister – registered in Malta: gnoel@acumum.com / WhatsApp: +356 99695770