Introduction to
Malawi tax planning guide

Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi is a peaceful and welcoming country offering expats stunning natural beauty, friendly communities, and a relaxed pace of life.



In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to Malwai from a personal tax perspective, including tax residency, income tax, special tax regimes and tax return obligations. 



TaxPilot recommend that you organize your affairs in good time to get ahead and make the most of favorable tax treatment while making sure you’re meeting your tax return obligations.

TAX SYSTEM

HOW YOU’RE TAXED IN Malawi

Malawi follows a territorial taxation model. You will pay tax on local sourced incomes only, irrespective of your resident status.

Resident
Local Income
Foreign Income
Non-Resident
Local Income
Foreign Income
RESIDENCY

YOUR RESIDENT STATUS IN Malawi

You’ll be considered tax resident if you satisfy any of the following criteria:
Physical presence

if you spend more than 182 days in Malawi during the tax year.

Visa

if you have a business permit, employment permit or residence permit during the tax year.

HIGHEST RATE

INCOME TAX IN Malawi

Residents are subject to progressive tax rates and the highest rate of tax levied on employment income and self employment income is 35%.
Global comparison
56%
World highest
35
%
Malawi
0%
World lowest
OTHER TAXES

PERSONAL TAXES IN Malawi

Asset tax

Tax on property and share sales

Wealth tax

Tax on value of owned assets

Death tax

Tax on assets passed to heirs

Social tax

Tax to contribute to state welfare

 * It is recommended that you review your affairs and structure accordingly so that you do not end up creating an unexpected tax charge and paying more tax than necessary.
INTERNATIONAL TAX

DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS IN Malawi

If you receive incomes overseas while you are living in the Malawi, you may find that the source country, as a starting point, continues to tax the income.

Double taxation agreements may remove the source country’s taxing right and thus, enable you to receive incomes tax free globally.

At present, Malawi has six double taxation agreements signed.

Global comparison
140
World highest
6
Malawi
0
World lowest
COMPLIANCE

TAX OBLIGATIONS IN Malawi

What is the deadline to file tax returns and settle tax liabilities?
The tax year starts on 1 April and ends on 31 March.
What is the deadline to file tax returns and settle tax liabilities?
The deadline to file your tax return and settle your tax liability is 30 September following the end of the tax year.
Do you need to make advance payments of tax?
You may be required to make advance payments of tax towards future tax years on top of settling the current tax year liability.