Two EU countries that actively court foreign investors — but with very different tax approaches. Malta's 0% CGT after one year makes it a standout for capital gains; Portugal's D7 and golden visa offer easier residency paths. Here's how they stack up for serious investors.

Disclaimer: Tax rates, investment rules, and visa programs change frequently. The data below is for informational purposes only — always verify with official sources and consult qualified professionals. Read full disclaimer

Investment Overview

Metric	🇲🇹 Malta	🇵🇹 Portugal
Capital Gains Tax	0% after 1yr hold	28%
Property Access	Foreigners OK	Foreigners OK
Investment Visa	None specific	None specific
Monthly Budget	From €1,200/mo	from €1,500
Crypto Regulation	Evolving	Evolving

Capital Gains Tax

🇲🇹 Malta

0% after 1yr hold

Capital Gains Tax

🇵🇹 Portugal

28%

Capital Gains Tax

Malta has the tax advantage with 0% after 1yr hold capital gains tax vs 28%. Your effective rate may differ based on holding periods, asset type, and treaty benefits.

Property Investment

🇲🇹 Malta

Foreigners OK

Freehold ownership

🇵🇹 Portugal

Foreigners OK

Freehold ownership

Investment Visa Programs

🇲🇹 Malta

None specific

🇵🇹 Portugal

None specific

Key Investment Insights

🇲🇹 Malta

Capital gains tax: 0% after 1yr hold — relatively competitive compared to high-tax Western countries
Golden Visa / Investment Visa: minimum €300,000 property — Or €150K rent + donation
No major local stock exchange — international platforms are the primary route to equity investing
Capital gains tax: 0% after 1yr hold

Full investing guide

🇵🇹 Portugal

Capital gains tax: 28% — plan your investment strategy around holding periods and tax-advantaged accounts
Golden Visa / Investment Visa: minimum €500,000 fund — Real estate route closed 2023
Local stock exchange: Euronext Lisbon — access to domestic equities, bonds, and ETFs
Capital gains tax: 28%

Full investing guide

Related Investing Comparisons

🇵🇹 Portugal vs 🇪🇸 Spain

Compare Portugal and Spain for expat investors. Capital gains tax, property rules, golden visa programs, and tax-efficient strategies side-by-side.

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Malta vs Portugal Investing — FAQ

Which has lower capital gains tax — Malta or Portugal?

Malta has lower capital gains tax at 0% after 1yr hold, compared to 28% in Portugal. Consider holding periods and treaty benefits that may further reduce your effective rate.

Can foreigners buy property in Malta and Portugal?

In Malta, property access for foreigners is: Foreigners OK (Freehold ownership). In Portugal: Foreigners OK (Freehold ownership). Always use a local lawyer for property transactions.

Does Malta or Portugal have a golden visa program?

Malta: None specific. Portugal: None specific. Golden visa programs can change frequently — verify current requirements before committing capital.

Which is cheaper for expats — Malta or Portugal?

Malta is more affordable with an estimated monthly budget of From €1,200/mo, compared to from €1,500 in Portugal.

Which is better for crypto investors — Malta or Portugal?

Crypto regulation in Malta: Evolving. In Portugal: Evolving. Capital gains tax (which typically applies to crypto) is 0% after 1yr hold in Malta and 28% in Portugal. Crypto-specific rules are evolving rapidly in both jurisdictions.

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🇲🇹 Malta Investing Guide 🇵🇹 Portugal Investing Guide All comparisons