Moving to Malawi: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Malawi: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 4 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Malawi the top income tax rate is 40%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Malawi you need at least 183 days a year (183 days or ordinarily resident). The typical route is Business residence permit / retired persons permit: Business: investment ≥USD 50k in registered company; retirees: assured foreign income There are 4 open residence programmes in Malawi — see the list below.
Living there
Lilongwe has a humid subtropical (dry winter) climate with winter highs around 23 °C and summer highs around 30.5 °C. The economy grew +2.4% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 3% for 2026. Its passport opens about 69 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict exposure.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 40% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 10% |
| Corporate tax | 30% |
| Residência fiscal | após 183 dias — 183 days or ordinarily resident |
| Via de residência típica | Business residence permit / retired persons permit — Business: investment ≥USD 50k in registered company; retirees: assured foreign income |
| Passaporte | sem visto ou com visto à chegada para 69 países |
| Economic growth | +2.4% (2025), forecast 3% (2026) |
| Tipo de clima | humid subtropical (dry winter) · 23° / 30.5° (Lilongwe) |
| Guerra e conflitos | none — No conflict exposure |
| Todos os riscos naturais | 5.2/10 |
| Solidez bancária | 1.5/10 · NR |
| Proteção da propriedade | 2.5/10 |
| Casas quentes no inverno | 10/10 |
Residence programmes in Malawi
- Business Residence Permit — Investimento CHF 40'000 · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Employment Permit — employment · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence Permit (retirees / own means) — retirement · open · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence Permit — other · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Malawi to become tax resident?
após 183 dias. 183 days or ordinarily resident Mainly Malawi-source income taxed
How much tax will I pay in Malawi?
In Malawi the top income tax rate is 40%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Malawi offer?
Business Residence Permit (CHF 40'000); Temporary Employment Permit; Temporary Residence Permit (retirees / own means); Permanent Residence Permit
What is the usual way to move to Malawi?
Business residence permit / retired persons permit. Business: investment ≥USD 50k in registered company; retirees: assured foreign income
Compare with nearby countries
Algeria · Angola · Benin · Botswana · Burkina Faso · Burundi · Cameroon · Central African Rep. · Chad · Congo · Côte d'Ivoire · Dem. Rep. Congo
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.