Over 400 sportspeople are benefitting from Malta’s 7% tax rate on their earnings.

Prior to 2016, the beneficial tax rate was only given to football and waterpolo players. However,  this was extended to coaches and players in any type of sport.

With emerging sports like rugby forming a strong base in Malta with huge international success, it’s easy to see why.

Most Maltese sportspeople are semi-pro, with the tax rate applied to both those who play their sport full-time or part-time.

The system, however, does leave room for loopholes. According to law, professional sportsmen who are not residents in Malta may benefit from the tax opportunities in the country when the income or royalties are received in Malta.

The figures, revealed by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna through a parliamentary question, does not make a distinction as to which of the 413 persons are residents and which are not.

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