Keeping up to date: Malta Enterprise Support Measures

L.N. 100 of 2018 
MALTA ENTERPRISE ACT (CAP. 463) 

This new scheme aims to support undertakings (companies, co-operatives and self-employed individuals) that are willing to establish new markets, or to introduce a new service or product in an existing international market. An eligible undertaking may be awarded support to participate in meetings organised for the purpose of technology transfer, knowledge sharing, developing business, facilitating research collaborations, venture funding and similar business interaction. In order for Malta Enterprise to approve such assistance, the applicant should demonstrate that the ultimate scope of the particular meeting is to develop, increase or enhance economic activities through cross-border collaboration.   

The aid shall only be awarded if: 
1. the person attending the meeting is an employee or director of the applicant and was physically present for the meeting; 
2. the meeting is not held in Malta; and 
3. the person attending the meeting is not resident in the country where the meeting was held. 

The assistance shall involve a per diem covering the days of the event as indicated by the event organiser. The per diem rates applicable to the measure shall be published periodically on the website of Malta Enterprise and shall be pegged to the official per diem rates established by the Government of Malta for travel by public officials. 

L.N. 119 of 2018 
MALTA ENTERPRISE ACT(CAP. 463) 

This legal notice introduces the new Certify Scheme for the period 2018 - 2020, which is a fiscal measure intended to encourage eligible undertakings to improve the quality of their products, services and processes through the attainment of industry recognised certifications and quality marks. Aid consists of tax credits of up to €25,000 per certification, subject to conditions and criteria as prescribed in the applicable guidelines issued by Malta Enterprise. 

The deadline for submission of applications under this scheme is 30 November 2020.

L.N. 120 of 2018 
MALTA ENTERPRISE ACT(CAP. 463) 

This is another new scheme for which detailed guidelines are expected to be issued in the coming weeks. It should be open to both SME and large hotels and restaurants, and should fall under the De Minimis Regulations (i.e. any aid granted (at a group level) cannot exceed €200,000 over a period of three years). 

These regulations shall be deemed to have come into force as from the 1 January 2018. 

L.N. 122 of 2018 
MALTA ENTERPRISE ACT (CAP. 463) 

This is another new scheme issued by Malta Enterprise in collaboration with the Energy and Water Agency, and this scheme is intended to support undertakings in carrying out investments leading to improved energy-efficiency.

The aid awarded through this measure is in the form of a tax credit. This scheme is open only to SMEs and large undertakings operating in certain sectors - including manufacturing, health service, hospitality, waste treatments - and, the eligible undertakings should undertake one of the following eligible projects: 

1. Investment in substitution or upgrading of equipment and installations to reduce energy consumption in manufacturing processes;
2. Renovation or upgrading of equipment of existing installation for heating (or cooling) systems in the industrial or hotel sector;
3. The improvement of energy efficiency of existing illumination systems;
4. Any other action not contemplated in the above mentioned projects which is expected to have an energy saving of at least 20%;
5. A minimum investment of €25,000 in eligible costs is required. 

Aid in respect of investment in PV panels is strictly prohibited. 
  
These regulations shall be deemed to have come into force as from the 1 November 2018.