Key takeaways
- Malta taxes capital gains only on specific assets: immovable property, shares and securities (excluding fixed-return investments), businesses, goodwill, IP, partnership interests and trust interests – gains on other assets are outside the tax.
- Maltese property transfers are generally subject to a final tax of 8% of the transfer value (10% if acquired before 2004), with exemptions such as the first EUR 750,000 for qualifying old/vacant or conservation-area properties transferred by 31 December 2026.
- Gains on shares are taxed at the taxpayer's marginal rate, but Malta Stock Exchange-listed shares are exempt; non-domiciled residents are not taxed on foreign capital gains even if remitted to Malta.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Malta's capital gains rules reward investors who understand them: foreign gains of non-doms are fully outside the tax, listed Maltese shares are exempt, and property is taxed on the transfer value rather than the gain. This guide explains the rules for 2026.
Malta capital gains – key figures (2026)
| Asset / situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Maltese immovable property (transfers since 2015) | Final tax 8% of transfer value; 10% if acquired before 1 Jan 2004 |
| Qualifying old/vacant or conservation-area property (by 31 Dec 2026) | First EUR 750,000 exempt |
| Shares and securities | Gain taxed at marginal rate (up to 35%) |
| Malta Stock Exchange-listed shares | Exempt (extended to certain recognised foreign exchanges) |
| Non-domiciled residents – foreign gains | Not taxed, even if remitted |
| Non-residents | Exempt on certain sources (e.g. shares, fund units), subject to conditions |
| Crypto-assets | No specific rule in PwC summary |
How property gains are taxed
For transfers of Maltese immovable property, the system taxes the transfer value, not the gain:
- 8% of the transfer value (standard);
- 10% if the property was acquired before 1 January 2004;
- other rates in specific cases (e.g. transfers within a few years of acquisition by non-traders).
The tax is withheld by the notary at the deed. Exemptions include the sale of your own residence under conditions, transfers to Housing Authority tenants (first EUR 200,000) and the temporary EUR 750,000 exemption for old/vacant or Urban Conservation Area properties transferred by end-2026.
Example: A resident sells a Sliema apartment bought in 2015 for EUR 300,000 at EUR 450,000. The final tax is 8% × EUR 450,000 = EUR 36,000, regardless of the actual EUR 150,000 gain.
Shares and securities
- Gains on shares (other than fixed-return investments) are added to income and taxed at progressive rates (up to 35%).
- Exemption for shares listed on the Malta Stock Exchange, extended to certain foreign-listed shares under conditions (some collective investment scheme holdings excluded).
- Share transfers can also trigger duty on documents (stamp duty) where the company holds Maltese property.
Non-doms and non-residents
- Non-domiciled residents (and those not ordinarily resident) are taxed on the remittance basis for foreign income – but foreign capital gains are not taxed at all, even if remitted to Malta.
- Non-residents are exempt on gains from certain Maltese assets such as fund units and company shares, under conditions, but Maltese property remains taxable.
Frequently asked questions
Does Malta have capital gains tax?
Yes, on specific assets: Maltese property (through a final tax on the transfer value), shares and securities (taxed at marginal rates unless exempt), businesses, goodwill, IP and partnership interests. Gains on other assets are not taxed.
How is the sale of property taxed in Malta?
Usually by a final tax of 8% of the transfer value (10% if acquired before 2004), withheld by the notary. Some transfers qualify for exemptions, including the first EUR 750,000 for qualifying properties transferred by the end of 2026.
Are foreign capital gains taxed in Malta for non-doms?
No. Non-domiciled residents are not taxed on capital gains arising outside Malta, even if they bring the money into Malta.
Are gains on listed shares taxed in Malta?
Gains on shares listed on the Malta Stock Exchange are exempt, and the exemption has been extended to certain shares on recognised foreign exchanges under conditions.
Related guides
Sources
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Malta: Income determination
- Malta Income Tax Act (Cap. 123), articles 5 and 5A; Commissioner for Tax and Customs
This guide is general information, not personalised tax advice.
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