Cyprus vs Malta taxes (2026): corporate, dividend and personal tax

Cyprus vs Malta tax rates at a glance

Tax	🇨🇾 Cyprus	🇲🇹 Malta
Income tax	Personal income tax: 0% - 35% Top marginal rate: 35% Tax-free threshold: €22,000 Employee social insurance: 8.8% Employer social insurance: 8.8% GESY employee rate: 2.65%	Income tax: 0%-35% Top marginal rate: 35% Foreign income for non-doms: 0% if not remitted Employee social security: 10% Self-employed social security: 15%
Corporate tax	Standard CIT: 15% Domestic minimum top-up tax: 15% Share disposal gains: 0% Dividend WHT: 0% / 5% / 17%	Standard corporate income tax: 35% Elective final income tax: 15% Dividend withholding tax: 0% in most cases Foreign company income: Malta-source / remitted income
Capital gains tax	Property gains tax: 20% Securities gains: 0% Crypto gains: 8% Listed shares: 0%	Capital gains tax: Up to 35% Maltese property transfer WHT: 8% / 10% Foreign capital gains for non-doms: 0% if not remitted Listed share exemptions: Available
Dividend tax	General dividend WHT: 0% SDC on resident dividends: 5% Dividend WHT to low-tax jurisdictions: 5% / 17% Non-dom dividends: 0%	General dividend withholding tax: 0% Untaxed-income distribution WHT: 15% Maltese company dividends: Usually no extra tax Foreign dividends: 0%-35% depending on status
Wealth tax	Net wealth tax: 0% Net worth tax: 0% Annual asset tax: 0% Immovable property tax: 0%	Net wealth tax: 0% Net worth tax: 0% Annual asset tax: 0%
Inheritance / estate tax	Inheritance tax: 0% Estate duty: 0% Gift tax: 0% Probate tax: 0%	Inheritance tax: 0% Causa mortis duty: 5% Reduced residential duty: 3.5% Late filing interest: 4% p.a.
VAT / GST / sales tax	VAT: 19%	VAT: 18%

Who wins on each tax

Personal income taxTie

Cyprus is simpler and has a tax-free threshold, while Malta can be better for non-doms under the remittance basis.

Corporate taxCyprus

Cyprus's 15% corporate tax is far lower than Malta's 35% headline rate.

Capital gains taxCyprus

Cyprus is usually lighter on capital gains than Malta's general up-to-35% system.

Dividend taxTie

Malta can be attractive through refunds, while Cyprus is often cleaner at the shareholder level.

Treaty network & structuringMalta

Malta's treaty network and refund-led company model can be stronger for certain cross-border structures.

The verdict

Cyprus is usually the simpler low-tax choice. It has a 15% corporate rate from 2026, a 35% top personal rate, no wealth tax and no inheritance tax, and the dividend rules are easier to explain than Malta's refund system.

Malta still has a role. Non-doms can often use the remittance basis, and the 35% corporate tax system can be very efficient once refunds are taken into account. That makes Malta attractive for the right shareholder profile.

The practical rule is this: choose Cyprus for the cleanest all-round low-tax operating base; choose Malta when your structure is built around non-dom personal planning or shareholder refunds.

How to read this comparison

Cyprus and Malta are both popular EU bases, but they solve different problems. Cyprus is the cleaner low-tax operating country, while Malta is more useful when non-dom or refund mechanics are part of the plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cyprus or Malta better for tax?

Cyprus is usually better for a straightforward low-tax base, especially for operating companies and investors. Malta can be better if you qualify for non-dom treatment or want to use the refund system effectively.

Does Malta always beat Cyprus for individuals?

No. Malta's remittance basis can be very useful, but it depends on domicile and residency status. Cyprus is often easier to use when you want a cleaner, more predictable answer.