Tax Atlas

Greece vs Malta: tax comparison for expats & nomads

On income tax alone, Malta comes out lower at a typical $100,000 income — but it depends on your income and regime. Here is the head-to-head on residency rules, rates, special regimes and nomad visas, each figure sourced.

Effective income tax by income

Gross annual incomeGreeceMalta
$50,00024.4%17.6%
$100,00033.5%24.8%
$200,00038.7%29.9%

Effective rate = total income tax ÷ gross income, run through each country’s full statutory scale (standard resident regime). Income tax only — excludes social security, deductions and sub-national taxes; cross-currency incomes use an indicative FX snapshot dated 2026-08-20. Try your own income and toggle special regimes →

Greece vs Malta, side by side

 GreeceMalta
Top income tax rate44%PwC Tax Summaries“Next 20,000 39 7,800 60,000 16,700 Above 60,000 44”View source · accessed 2026-08-2135%PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries“ranging from 0% to 35%. The 35% tax bracket is reached at annual chargeable income in excess of EUR 60,000”View source · accessed 2026-08-21
Tax-residency day threshold183 daysGlobal Citizen Solutions“if you spend more than 183 days in Greece, you become a tax resident and must pay taxes on your worldwide income.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21183 daysOECD (AEOI) - Malta Information on Residency for tax purposes“individuals who spend more than six months in Malta in a calendar year are likely to be Maltese tax residents”View source · accessed 2026-08-21
Signature tax regimeNon-dom (Art. 5A): [source]STEP Law Firm (Greece)“An annual lump-sum tax of EUR 100,000 on the total foreign-source income, irrespective of its amount.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21Global Residence Programme (15%): 15%PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries“foreign-source income remitted to Malta by the beneficiary or its dependants being taxed at a flat rate of 15%, subject to a minimum tax of EUR 15,000 per annum”View source · accessed 2026-08-21
Digital nomad visaYes — Greece Digital Nomad VisaGlobal Citizen Solutions“Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa allows eligible non-EU/EEA remote workers to live in Greece for up to 12 months while working for employers or clients based outside the country.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21Yes — Nomad Residence PermitKPMG Malta“The permit is issued for one year and can be renewed for up to four years.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21
Nomad-visa income requirementEUR 3,500 / monthGlobal Citizen Solutions“To qualify, applicants must earn a minimum net monthly income of €3,500, with the required amount increasing by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21EUR 42,000 / yearResidency Malta Agency - Nomad Residence Permit“an applicant must have a minimum gross yearly income of €42,000. Applicants who submitted their application prior to 1st April 2024 will still retain the same annual gross income requirement of €32,400”View source · accessed 2026-08-21

Every figure links to its source and verification date. Full guides: Greece · Malta.

Frequently asked questions

Is Greece or Malta better for tax?

On income tax alone, Malta has the lower effective rate at a $100,000 income (24.8% vs 33.5%). But the right answer depends on your income level, which special regime you qualify for, social security, and treaty relief — see the full comparison below.

Which has the lower tax-residency threshold, Greece or Malta?

Greece treats you as tax resident after 183 days, and Malta after 183 days. But ties like a home, family or economic centre can trigger residency on fewer days — never rely on a day count alone.

Does Greece or Malta have a digital nomad visa?

Greece has a dedicated nomad/remote-work visa (income requirement around EUR 3,500 / month); Malta has a dedicated nomad/remote-work visa (income requirement around EUR 42,000 / year). See the "Digital nomad visa" row below for the sourced detail.

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