What Malta’s 2026 funding actually pays for on an automation project

A one-page snapshot of the four schemes, a worked hotel example, and an honest note on what the funding does not cover. Figures are indicative and subject to eligibility.

The four schemes, on one page

Budget 2026 returns up to 60% of qualifying automation spend through a tax credit. Stack the Smart and Sustainable grant and total support can reach 70%. Add accelerated depreciation and Micro-Invest, and the maths for a Maltese SME is the best it has been in years. The snapshot walks each scheme in plain words. Figures are indicative and subject to eligibility.

A worked example, in real numbers

We take a 50-key hotel running one service robot, show the roughly EUR 60,000 project cost, the roughly EUR 36,000 tax credit over four years, and the roughly EUR 24,000 net. On most operations we have scoped, payback lands inside 18 months. Indicative only, subject to eligibility and advisor sign-off.

And what it does not cover

We are honest about the gaps. The funding covers the capex. It does not cover retraining, process redesign, or the 12 to 18 month working-capital gap that follows any install. The snapshot says so plainly, so you can plan for it.