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% |
| Résidence fiscale | après 183 jours — 183 days or ordinarily resident |
| Voie de résidence typique | Business residence permit / retired persons permit — Business: investment ≥USD 50k in registered company; retirees: assured foreign income |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 69 pays |
| Economic growth | +2.4% (2025), forecast 3% (2026) |
| Type de climat | humid subtropical (dry winter) · 23° / 30.5° (Lilongwe) |
| Guerre & conflits | none — No conflict exposure |
| Tous les risques naturels | 5.2/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 1.5/10 · NR |
| Protection de la propriété | 2.5/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 10/10 |
Residence programmes in Malawi
- Business Residence Permit — Investissement 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?
après 183 jours. 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
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