Malta Business Grants & Incentives 2026

Seed funding for early-stage startups with an economically feasible concept. Paid in three milestones: €3,000 on approval + first employee, €3,500 on business plan submission, €3,500 on confirmed physical address. Software, Manufacturing, Biotech and High-Tech services only. Must apply within 36 months of registration.

For expansion and digital transformation creating high-skilled employment. Covers up to 75% of eligible costs over 3 years. Includes wage costs, advisory services, digital technologies, asset procurement and even relocation costs for key talent (flights + 3 months accommodation). No gambling, real estate or retail.

Repayable advance (not a grant) for high-potential startups ready to scale. You repay 10% of pre-tax profits annually — 20% if profits exceed twice the disbursed amount. Covers payroll (up to 100% for PhD/Masters students), assets and establishment costs. Manufacturing, Software, Biotech and novel tech-driven services only.

Malta's most widely used incentive. Tax credit calculated as a percentage of eligible expenditure including increased wage costs. Available to SMEs, family businesses and the self-employed. Stackable with Skills Development and the MDB SME Guarantee.

Government-funded training to upskill, reskill or develop your workforce. The most underused grant in Malta. Stackable with Micro Invest and TradeMalta schemes. If you're training your team anyway, there's no reason not to claim this.

The government backs 80% of your loan. Banks compete for your business instead of you competing for their loans. 10-year terms. For SMEs that need bank financing but lack the collateral — this removes that barrier. Stackable with Micro Invest.

For researchers with approved applied research grants (TRL 5+). Develop a strategic business plan — 90% reimbursed. The bridge between brilliant research and a real company.

Test AI, Blockchain and critical systems in a regulated safe space. Malta's sandbox is among the most advanced in the EU. Required for the Fondi.eu AI top-up — MDIA partnership is mandatory for the €107,000 component.

Financial assistance for digital marketing targeting international markets — online advertising, content creation for cross-border audiences. Stackable with Malta Enterprise Skills Development. Apply at least 3 months before your campaign.

Equity shareholding of up to €500K per startup from a €10M government-backed fund. The state becomes your co-founder. Active until budget is depleted. For scaling companies with viable concepts and serious growth commitment.