This guide is the numbers-first companion to the freelancer tax overview — a full worked calculation of exactly what a self-employed person in Malta takes home at different income levels, including income tax, Class 2 NI, and the effective total tax rate. If you are negotiating a client rate, planning a move, or trying to understand whether Malta is financially competitive for your income level, this is the page you need.
Key 2026 figures: Income tax: 0% to €9,100 / 15% to €14,500 / 25% to €60,000 / 35% above. Class 2 NI: 15% of net income, capped at €83.89/week (≈€4,362/year max). VAT threshold: €30,000 services / €35,000 goods. Annual return: TA24 form, due 30 June. Part-time self-employed flat rate: 10% final (TA22).
Worked Examples: Net Take-Home at Key Income Levels
| Gross Annual Income | Income Tax | Class 2 NI (est.) | Total Deductions | Net Annual | Net Monthly | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €15,000 | ~€135 | ~€1,950 | ~€2,085 | ~€12,915 | ~€1,076 | ~13.9% |
| €25,000 | ~€1,935 | ~€3,090 | ~€5,025 | ~€19,975 | ~€1,665 | ~20.1% |
| €35,000 | ~€4,435 | ~€4,362 | ~€8,797 | ~€26,203 | ~€2,183 | ~25.1% |
| €50,000 | ~€9,185 | ~€4,362 | ~€13,547 | ~€36,453 | ~€3,038 | ~27.1% |
| €75,000 | ~€17,935 | ~€4,362 | ~€22,297 | ~€52,703 | ~€4,392 | ~29.7% |
| €100,000 | ~€26,685 | ~€4,362 | ~€31,047 | ~€68,953 | ~€5,746 | ~31.0% |
*Class 2 NI calculated as 15% of net income up to €83.89/week cap. Income tax uses single-rate bands. VAT not included. Consult a Malta accountant for your specific situation.
How Malta Compares to Employed Workers
At €35,000 gross, an employed worker in Malta nets approximately €2,150/month. A self-employed person at the same gross income nets approximately €2,183/month — slightly more because the self-employed pay Class 2 NI at 15% on net income rather than 10% on gross salary, and the cap (€83.89/week) limits total NI for higher earners more favourably than the employed equivalent. The difference is modest at lower incomes but increases at €50,000+.
Allowable Deductions: What You Can Offset
Self-employed persons can deduct legitimate business expenses from gross income before calculating taxable income. Allowable deductions include: home office costs (proportionate to business use), professional subscriptions, software and tools used for the business, business travel, professional development and training, accountancy fees, and a proportion of phone/internet if used for business. Malta does not allow a flat-rate expense deduction — all deductions must be documented and proportionate to actual business use. Keep receipts and invoices for 10 years (the CFR audit window).
The iGaming 15% Cap for High Earners
Malta has a special tax rate for certain highly skilled employees and self-employed contractors working for qualifying iGaming companies: if you earn €75,000+ from such employment or engagement, income tax is capped at 15% (the Highly Qualified Persons Rules / iGaming Tax Rules). This is not automatic — you must apply and qualify. For self-employed contractors billing iGaming companies at high rates, this can produce a dramatically lower effective tax rate than the standard progressive scale. A tax adviser with iGaming sector experience is essential to navigate this correctly.
Filing: Deadlines and Process
Annual income tax return (TA24): filed online via cfr.gov.mt by 30 June for the previous calendar year. Provisional tax: three payments due 30 April / 31 August / 31 December. VAT returns: quarterly for Article 10 registered persons. Class 2 NI: paid quarterly or as weekly contributions. Late filing: penalties starting at €50, plus interest on unpaid tax. The CFR portal is in English and generally functional — most straightforward returns can be filed without an accountant, though professional advice is recommended in year one.
