16.09.2026
Malta Enterprise has recently introduced the new Micro Invest 2026–2030 incentive, bringing important changes for businesses investing in their operations, employees, premises and digital capabilities.
The new scheme applies to eligible costs incurred from 1 January 2026 and provides support in the form of a tax credit. Compared with the previous Micro Invest framework, the new scheme provides a higher rate of support, increased maximum aid, greater flexibility in claiming expenditure and new support linked to employee retention and wage increases.
For businesses planning investment over the coming years, understanding the new rules early can help ensure that expenditure is structured and documented correctly.
Micro Invest 2026–2030
Micro Invest is a Malta Enterprise incentive designed to encourage undertakings (including start-ups, family businesses, social enterprises and self-employed persons) to innovate, expand and develop their operations.
Eligible undertakings may receive a tax credit calculated as a percentage of eligible expenditure, including qualifying increases in wage costs. The new scheme covers eligible expenditure incurred from 1 January 2026, with aid available under the Guidelines until 31 December 2030.
Tax credit increased to up to 65%
One of the most significant changes is the increase in the level of support. Under Micro Invest 2026–2030, Malta Enterprise may approve a tax credit equivalent to:
- up to 65% of eligible expenditure for qualifying undertakings; and
- up to 85% of eligible expenditure for undertakings operating from Gozo.
The Gozo rate reflects an additional 20 percentage-point bonus.
Higher maximum tax credit
The maximum tax credit available has also increased. Under the new scheme, an Applicant Undertaking may receive a maximum of €65,000 over any three-year period.
This ceiling is increased by €20,000 for applicants that fall within one of the following categories:
- undertakings operating from Gozo;
- registered Family Businesses;
- Female-owned Businesses; or
- registered Social Enterprises.
This means qualifying applicants in these categories may benefit from a maximum tax credit of €85,000 over the applicable three-year period. The inclusion of registered Social Enterprises within the enhanced support categories is a notable feature of the new framework.
More flexibility when applying
The new Micro Invest framework also changes the timing of applications. An undertaking may submit one application annually, and an application may potentially cover eligible costs incurred during the previous three consecutive calendar years, provided those years fall within the eligibility period and an application covering those costs has not previously been submitted and approved.
Applications may be submitted at any time during the year during the validity of the scheme. This provides businesses with considerably more flexibility when planning their claims.
Qualifying businesses
At the time of application, an undertaking must employ at least one person on a full-time or part-time basis and no more than 50 full-time employees. A self-employed person duly registered with Jobsplus is considered to satisfy the minimum employment requirement. Unless exempt, applicants must also be registered with the VAT Department, while activities excluded under the applicable de minimis rules cannot receive support.
Qualifying expenditures
The new Guidelines establish several key areas of eligible expenditure.
New tangible assets
Eligible new assets may include industrial machinery, electro-mechanical and digital equipment, qualifying commercial and passenger vehicles, commercial vessels and aircraft, furniture and furnishings, apertures, signage and shop windows. Specific eligibility conditions apply to certain asset categories, particularly vehicles.
For investment expenditure, individual invoices must have a value of at least €500 excluding VAT. Appropriate fiscal documentation is required, and VAT and other taxes are excluded from the eligible amount.
Refurbishment of business premises
Structural and finishing works to business premises may qualify. However, the Guidelines establish specific documentation requirements, including a Bill of Quantities certified by a warranted Perit. The beneficiary’s title to the premises and the exclusive business use of the premises must also be confirmed, while a warranted Perit must confirm that the site meets the relevant legal and licensing requirements.
Digital solutions
The new Micro Invest scheme continues to support business digitalisation. Qualifying expenditure may include:
- packaged software
- customisation and setup of SaaS solutions
- the first 12 months of qualifying SaaS licence payments
- development and customisation of software systems
- websites and digital applications
- qualifying website accessibility improvements, and
- certain maintenance and hosting costs linked to a new solution.
Normal subscription renewals and other ongoing operating expenditure do not qualify.
Support for increased wage costs
Micro Invest 2026–2030 also provides support for qualifying increases in the total wage costs of full-time employees. The calculation is subject to specific comparison rules and the eligible increase must exceed €5,000 for support to be considered. The resulting eligible value may receive a tax credit of up to 65%, with applicable additional bonuses where relevant.
New support for rewarding long-serving employees
Another interesting feature of the new scheme is support linked to employee retention. A fiscal top-up may be available on qualifying wage increases registered in 2026 and 2027 for employees who have been employed by the applicant for more than four years. The annual wage increase must be at least 3%, which may include COLA. For Malta-based undertakings, support may reach 65% of the increase, capped at €780 per employee for each of the two years following the increase. For Gozo-based undertakings, support may reach 85%, capped at €1,020 per employee for each of the two years. Support for the second year is conditional on the employee’s wage being maintained or further increased.
The role of a CPA in Micro Invest applications
The new scheme also introduces an important distinction in how applications are processed. Applicants may engage a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to assist with their application in line with technical guidance issued by Malta Enterprise and the Malta Institute of Accountants. Applications completed by a CPA in accordance with that guidance are expected to be processed within four weeks from submission.
Applications that are not completed by a CPA in accordance with the technical guidance, or are only partially completed by a CPA, require a minimum processing period of six months. Furthermore, applicants claiming support relating to increases in wage costs and employee retention must engage a CPA to review and confirm the claimed costs.
Important exclusions and limitations
Businesses should not assume that every investment will qualify. Among the points to note under the new Guidelines. Alternative-energy production systems are specifically excluded. The number of eligible mobile phones, tablets and laptop computers of each type is limited according to the number of full-time employees. Expenditure already supported through other public funding cannot be claimed again under Micro Invest.
Tax credits must also be utilised against profits derived from the beneficiary’s trade or business by the fifth year of assessment from the year of assessment identified in the Tax Credit Certificate.
De minimis State Aid rules
Micro Invest operates within the EU de minimis State Aid framework. Total de minimis aid granted to a single undertaking may not exceed €300,000 over any period of three consecutive years. This includes qualifying de minimis aid received under Micro Invest as well as other relevant measures. Businesses should therefore review their existing State Aid position when assessing the amount of Micro Invest support potentially available.
Review your eligibility early
The Micro Invest 2026–2030 scheme offers significantly enhanced support for businesses investing in their growth. However, the new framework also introduces detailed requirements relating to eligible expenditure, invoice values, documentation, wage calculations and State Aid.
Fairwinds Management can assist businesses in reviewing their planned and historic expenditure, assessing potential eligibility under Micro Invest and preparing the necessary financial information and documentation for an application. If your business has invested during 2026, or is planning investment in equipment, premises, digitalisation or its workforce, now is a good time to assess how the new Micro Invest rules may apply. Speak to the Fairwinds Management team to discuss your business and potential Micro Invest eligibility.
Fairwinds Management Limited is a MFSA licensed firm offering Business Solutions in Malta. As part of our services, we offer Corporate, Legal, Accounting and Administration services in Malta. Fairwinds Management also manages the brand Accounting Services. You may reach Fairwinds Management on +356 2704 0903 or info@fairwindsmanagement.net.
Article written by Ms Charlene Sciberras, B.A. (Hons), guest writer, a marketing and business administration specialist with a special focus on corporate, accounting, and legal matters.