Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure
Cost of living adjustment (COLA) 2027
The 2027 cost of living adjustment is announced at €6.41 per week, up from €4.66 per week in 2026.
€6.41 per week
Speech printed p. 16 · PDF p. 20
Proposed reform
Separate tax returns for married couples
A project starts to make individual tax returns the general rule for each spouse, with joint filing kept as an option.
Budget 2027Rules pending
Amount
Not specified
Previous
No direct comparator
Effective from
Awaiting guidance
What it means
Each spouse would generally file an individual income-tax return for their own income and tax affairs. A joint-return arrangement remains available by election where law permits. Speech describes a project, not an effective date or completed legal change.
Affects: Families & children, Employees.
Who qualifies and what is excluded
- Joint filing only where permitted by law and selected.
- Exception: Existing lawful joint-return option is retained.
Sources
- Diskors tal-Budget 2027, Ministry for Finance (Malta), 2026-10-26. Printed p. 42 (PDF p. 46)
Related measures
Budget 2027AnnouncedBudget measure
Minimum wage increase 2027
The national minimum wage rises by €10.41 per week in 2027. This figure already includes the €6.41 COLA.
€10.41 per week (including COLA)
Speech printed p. 18 · PDF p. 22
Budget 2027Rules pendingBudget measure
Additional COLA support payments 2027
The additional COLA mechanism runs again, paying €200 to €1,500 a year depending on disposable income and household size. Over 100,000 households are expected to benefit.
€200 to €1,500 per year
Speech printed p. 22 · PDF p. 26