Invest scheme hits €1.5bn in potential applications as Malta extends deadline

Malta Enterprise has received 200 applications representing approximately €1.5 billion in proposed investment under its Invest scheme, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri told Parliament during the debate on his ministry’s 2027 estimates.

Schembri said he had instructed the agency to extend the scheme by another six months. The investment figure describes projects submitted for support, rather than expenditure already approved or delivered.

The Invest scheme supports qualifying initial investments, including new establishments, capacity expansion, diversification and substantial changes to production processes. Available assistance can include tax credits, grants and other forms of support, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

The announcement formed part of a wider parliamentary debate about how Malta should move towards growth driven more strongly by productivity, technology and skills.

Schembri pointed to Budget 2027’s announced reduction in the tax rate on retained or reinvested profits for qualifying companies with turnover up to €1 million. He also referred to a €120 million programme intended to support digitalisation and automation through tax credits of up to 60% of eligible investment.

Opposition economy spokesperson Darren Carabott argued that economic policy must develop alongside education and workforce training. He warned that a sudden change in direction could unsettle investors, while maintaining that Malta needed to address its dependence on population growth.

Schembri identified artificial intelligence, medical technology, video games, semiconductor activity and aviation among the areas being supported. He said the government wanted 40% of businesses to be using AI within five years.

For businesses considering Invest support, the extension’s implementation details remain important. Malta Enterprise’s published scheme page still identifies the previous September 2026 deadline and marks applications as closed.

The proposed investment pipeline is substantial. Its eventual economic contribution will depend on project approvals, financing and implementation, alongside the skills and infrastructure needed to support it.