Malta’s Next Move for Family Offices: A New Residency Scheme on the Horizon

Overview

On the 3rd of December 2025, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and Residency Malta issued a joint communication announcing a forthcoming Residency Scheme for Family Offices.

The scheme is intended to facilitate residence in Malta for key individuals involved in licensed family office structures and marks a further step in Malta’s strategy to attract high-value international families and talent.

Eligibility

Under the Joint Communication, the scheme may apply to Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) and Senior Employees of entities which form part of a family office structure, and are duly authorised by the MFSA.

Who Qualifies as a Senior Employee?

For the purposes of the scheme, Senior Employees are individuals holding an eligible office in terms of the Senior Employees of Family Offices, Back Offices and Treasury Management Tax Regulations (hereinafter the ‘Senior Employees of Family Offices Regulations’).

According to these Regulations, eligible roles include senior positions with qualifying companies and undertakings, such as:

· Head of Back Office, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), General Manager, Country Head, Managing Director or equivalent designation;

· Chief/Head Rick Officer;

· Chief/Head Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Officer;

· Chief/Head Risk Officer, including Fraud and Investigations Officer;

· Portfolio Manager;

· Chief/Head Investment Officer;

· Senior Trader;

· Senior Structuring Professional.

Application Process

According to the Joint Communication, residence permits under the scheme will be issued directly by Residency Malta.

Further procedural details are expected to be issued once the formal legislative framework is published.

Tax Considerations for Senior Employees

Historically, Senior Employees could benefit from a preferential tax rate under the Senior Employees of Family Offices Tax Regulations.

As from the 1st of January 2026, the preferential treatment is instead governed by The Tax Treatment of Highly Skilled Individual Rules.

Under these rules, qualifying individuals may benefit from a flat 15% tax rate on qualifying employment income of up to €7,000,000 per annum.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

At this stage, the residency scheme has been announced via the Joint Communication but formal legislation and detailed guidelines have not yet been published.

Once enacted, the scheme is expected to enhance Malta’s attractiveness as a jurisdiction for family offices and senior professionals seeking residence within the EU.

📌 We will be monitoring developments closely.

Keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn page for further updates as more information becomes available.

Written by Matthew Muscat

This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal or other professional advice. It provides a high-level summary of the Treatment of Highly Skilled Individuals Rules 2026 and reflects our interpretation of the Rules as at the date of publication.

The application and impact of the Rules may vary depending on individual circumstances, and the Rules are subject to change and to interpretation by the relevant authorities. Accordingly, this article should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional advice.

Readers are encouraged to seek tailored advice before taking any action based on the information contained herein.