Hong Kong & Malta Double Tax Treaty
A double tax treaty between Malta and the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Hong Kong was signed on 8 November 2011. It entered into force on 18 July 2012. Some of the main features of the treaty are the following:
Hong Kong Withholding Taxes
Elimination of double taxation
Double taxation is eliminated by the allowance of a credit for any tax suffered in the source country against the tax liability for that income in the residence country.
Dividend Income
The double tax treaty between Malta and Hong Kong sets out that dividends paid by a company resident in Hong Kong to a resident of Malta who is the beneficial owner thereof shall be taxable in Malta only (ie no withholding tax).
No withholding tax is charged on dividends paid by a company in Malta to a shareholder resident in Hong Kong (as a result of domestic law provisions).
Interest Income
The double tax treaty between Malta and Hong Kong sets out that interest arising in Hong Kong and paid to a resident of Malta shall be taxable in Malta only (ie no withholding tax).
No withholding tax is charged on interest paid by a Malta resident person to a person resident in Hong Kong (as a result of domestic law provisions).
Royalty Income
The double tax treaty between Malta and Hong Kong sets out that royalties arising in Hong Kong and paid to the beneficial owner thereof resident in Malta may be taxed in Malta. Such royalties may also be taxed in Hong Kong, but the tax so charged shall not exceed 3 per cent of the gross amount of the royalties.
No withholding tax is charged on royalties paid by a Malta resident person to a person resident in Hong Kong (as a result of domestic law provisions).
Artists and Sportsmen
Income derived by a person from entertainment or sports may be taxed in the state where the activities are exercised.
Pensions
Pensions and similar remuneration in consideration of past employment or self-employment, including a lump sum payment, shall be taxed in the country of residence only.
Pensions and similar remuneration paid under a pension or retirement scheme which is a public scheme forming part of the social security system of a country or a scheme in which individuals may participate to secure retirement benefits which is recognised for tax purposes in a country, shall be taxable in the source country only.
Pensions, including lump sum payments, paid out of funds created or contributed by a Government in respect of services rendered to that Government shall be taxable in the source country only.
Other Income
Income not specifically dealt with in the Malta Hong Kong double tax treaty shall be taxable in the country of residence only..
Please contact us should you require any more information on the Malta Hong Kong Double Tax Treaty and the unique tax planning opportunities. You can email us enquiries@papilioservices.com or call us directly on +356 2258 2000.