Startup Schemes in Malta — A Gateway to Innovation and Growth
Malta ranks 4th in Europe for innovative startups. Discover grants, finance, residency paths, and a thriving ecosystem in an English-speaking EU hub.
Why Malta leads in European startup innovation
Malta ranks 4th in Europe for innovative startups, with GDP growth averaging 5% over the past five years—one of the highest in the EU.
EU market, English‑speaking
Operate from an English‑speaking EU jurisdiction with access to the single market, Euro currency, and straightforward corporate setup.
Thriving startup ecosystem
Malta Enterprise, Tech.mt, DiHubMT, and Business First provide mentorship, networking, and comprehensive support for founders.
Diversified economy
From iGaming and fintech to AI, Big Data, IoT, and life sciences—Malta excels across multiple innovative sectors.
Favorable taxation
Corporate tax rate of 35% can decrease to 5% for non-resident shareholders through Malta's imputation tax system.
Skilled workforce
High talent retention with 89% of residents satisfied with life quality, creating a stable, motivated workforce.
Quality of life
300+ days of sunshine, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Mediterranean lifestyle that attracts global talent.
Headline support at a glance: €10k • €300k • €1m
Government schemes for startups
Essentials rewritten from the official programme pages—see links for full terms and current caps.
Startup Start
SeedGrant up to €10,000
- Early-stage support to shape a viable business proposal
- For innovative activities (e.g., manufacturing, software, life sciences)
- Simple entry point for new founders
Startup Finance
ScaleRepayable advance up to €1,000,000
- Supports payroll, assets, materials, and specialised services
- For startups demonstrating a viable concept and growth plan
- Terms and caps depend on project scope
Startup Development
GrowthGrant up to €300,000
- Value-added projects: setup, expansion, and transformation
- Aid intensity up to 75% on eligible costs
- Cash grants and tax credits available
Microinvest
Tax CreditTax credit up to €50,000 (€70,000 in specific cases)
- Tax credit on eligible costs for micro and small enterprises
- Higher cap for Gozo or majority women-owned businesses
- Popular for early investments and upgrades
Source: Start in Malta — see linked official pages for full eligibility, timelines, and caps.
Startup Residence Programme
Non‑EU founders, co‑founders, and core employees building an approved innovative startup in Malta can obtain a multi‑year residence permit. Requires tangible presence in Malta and adherence to programme terms.
Success stories
Weavr.io — €4M raised
Maltese fintech company that raised €4 million in venture capital, initially supported by the MITA YouStartIT Accelerator Programme and Malta Enterprise.
"We are here to build a powerhouse, to push the envelope and shift paradigms. And Malta has proven to be just the right base for the task."
Ecosystem partners
Malta Enterprise
Economic development agency attracting foreign investment and facilitating business growth with comprehensive support services.
Tech.mt
Promotes Malta as a tech hub, supporting local organizations in exporting technology and assisting foreign investors.
Business First
Single point of contact for businesses, offering services, information, and assistance to entrepreneurs and SMEs.
DiHubMT
Led by Malta Digital Innovation Authority, provides digital and green transformation services to SMEs and startups.
Malta's crypto community
Active crypto ecosystem
Malta hosts a vibrant crypto community with weekly meetups, blockchain events, and strong regulatory support for digital assets.
Join Our Community on Telegram
Ask questions, meet residents, and plan your move with people already building Archipelibero on Gozo and Malta.
Join Our Community on Telegram →We keep all conversations in Telegram. No newsletters, no phone calls—just an open, voluntary network.
