Digitalise Your SME Grant Malta 2026
Get 50-85% of your digital transformation funded. Up to EUR 128,400 in EU grants. We build the software; you focus on growing your business.
trusted by Malta businesses
Am I Eligible?
Quick check - confirm these apply to your business.
Not sure about any of these? Let's discuss your situation - we'll give you an honest assessment.
Calculate Your Funding
See exactly how much EU funding you could receive for your digital transformation project.
Funding Calculator
Adjust the slider and options to see your potential grant
Gozo-based projects receive 10% higher aid intensity
Start-ups apply under GBER with higher base rates (60% Malta, 70% Gozo)
Select if your project includes any of these (any selection adds +10% aid intensity)
Funded by MDIA, subject to budget availability.
Digital Intensity Assessment Criteria
- Internet access for at least 50% of employees
- ICT specialists employed or outsourced
- Fast broadband (30Mbps or above)
- Mobile internet devices for at least 20% of employees
- A website or homepage
- Website with sophisticated functions (booking, portals, etc.)
- Social media presence
- Paid internet advertising
- Cloud computing services (medium-high level)
- E-invoicing suitable for automated processing
- E-commerce sales accounting for at least 1% of turnover
- B2C web sales over 10% of total web sales
The +5% bonus applies if MDIA determines your project significantly improves your digital intensity score. This is assessed before and after your project.
Your Aid Intensity
Your Funding Breakdown
Payment Timeline (De Minimis)
* Payment amounts are estimates based on scheme guidance. Actual payments depend on project milestones and claim verification. Interim cap: 60% if not yet operational, 70% if operational.
* Estimates based on official Digitalise Your SME scheme guidelines. Actual funding subject to eligibility assessment and approval.
Why It Matters
Stay Competitive
Keep pace with competitors already using modern systems.
Save Time
Automate repetitive tasks and eliminate manual errors.
Better CX
Faster responses, online booking, and client portals.
Data-Driven
Real-time dashboards give you visibility into your business.
What Can You Fund?
The Digitalise Your SME scheme covers investments that improve your business operations. Here's what qualifies.
- Custom-built business software (ERPs, CRMs, booking systems, client portals)
- Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software and licenses
- Subscription-based software (2-year subscription cost is eligible)*
- Process automation and workflow tools
- Inventory and stock management systems
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Business intelligence and reporting dashboards
- Analytical tools (including necessary hardware and software)
- Client/customer portals
- Internal communication and collaboration tools
Important: Businesses whose activities include providing any of these items cannot apply for those specific items. A software development company can apply for hardware and off-the-shelf tools, but not custom software development. An IT retailer can apply for custom software but not hardware they sell.
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Tablets (not mobile phones)
- Monitors and displays
- Docking stations and port replicators
- Routers, switches, and WiFi equipment
- Servers (if required for your solution)
- Cyber Security systems and tools
- Cloud Computing infrastructure (medium-high level)
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning solutions
- Big Data analysis and analytics platforms
- Quantum Technology applications
- Installation and setup costs (when bundled with hardware/software purchase from the same supplier)
- Training on the specific system purchased (must be from the same supplier, included in purchase price)
*Subscription Note: Only new subscriptions or upgrades to higher tiers qualify. Renewing existing subscriptions at the same level is not eligible as it does not increase your digitalisation level. You can claim the full 2-year subscription value as long as you started the subscription during the project period, even if your project duration does not cover the full 2 years.
What About Websites?
Marketing websites, brochure websites, and e-commerce websites are not eligible under this scheme.
Operational software that happens to be web-based (like a standalone booking system or client portal) may qualify, but the test is whether the primary purpose is improving internal operations. If your starting point is "I want a website that also does X", it likely will not qualify. If your starting point is "I need software to manage X" and it happens to have a web interface, that is different.
When in doubt, discuss with the scheme administrators before applying.
Not sure if your project qualifies?
Check Your EligibilityIneligible Expenses
Timing-Related Exclusions
Sector Exclusions
Need an e-commerce project?
E-commerce fell under a different scheme which has closed. Contact us to discuss alternative options for your online shop project.
Critical Rules You Must Know
These rules trip up many applicants. Read them carefully before applying.
You cannot purchase items, pay deposits, or sign supplier contracts before your Grant Agreement is signed. This is the most common reason for disqualified expenses. Even if you have applied and received approval in principle, you must wait for the actual Grant Agreement to be signed before spending any money.
Plan for 3-4 months from application submission to Grant Agreement signing.
All funded assets must remain in your ownership, operational and in good working order, and used for the purpose stated in your application for 3 years after your final payment. If equipment breaks during this period, you must replace it at your own cost with equivalent or better specifications. For subscription software, you must maintain the subscription for the full 3 years and keep evidence of all subscription payments throughout the durability period for audit purposes - not just continue using the software.
Your financials must support the project. The project must be more than 2% of your Net Assets - if it is less, you are considered not to need the assistance and your application will be excluded. If the project exceeds 250% of your Net Assets, you will need a bank guarantee for the difference - but you can still apply.
Example: If your Net Assets are EUR 50,000, your project must exceed EUR 1,000 (2%). Above EUR 125,000 (250%) you need a bank guarantee.
If your business provides any of the products or services you are applying for, those items are ineligible. For example, a software development company cannot apply for custom software development, but can apply for hardware or off-the-shelf tools. An IT hardware retailer cannot apply for laptops and monitors, but can apply for custom software.
New subscriptions and upgrades qualify. Simply renewing an existing subscription at the same level does not - it does not increase your digitalisation level. Eligible: adopting a completely new platform, upgrading from a basic to an advanced tier, moving from a free to a paid version, or upgrading your server hosting to better capacity for business needs. Not eligible: renewing your existing Microsoft 365 subscription or continuing your current hosting plan unchanged. You can claim the full 2-year subscription value as long as you started the subscription during the project period, even if your project duration does not cover the full 2 years.
If applying under de minimis rules (non-start-ups), your business cannot have received more than EUR 300,000 in total state aid over any rolling 3-year period. This includes previous EU grants, Malta Enterprise incentive schemes, other government support measures, and tax credits counted as state aid.
Start-ups applying under GBER have different rules but face stricter "undertaking in difficulty" tests.
Projects can request extensions, but penalties apply. The first 6-month extension has no penalty. Each additional 6-month block (up to 36 months total) incurs a -1% reduction of the original grant. Extensions beyond 36 months total incur a -2% reduction per 6-month block. If an extension is requested after the project end date has already passed, an additional -5% penalty applies on top of the above. Late final claim submissions incur a -0.5% penalty per month if submitted more than 3 months after project completion.
Plan your timeline conservatively. It is better to request a longer duration upfront than to need multiple extensions.
How It Works
The application process has several steps. Here is what happens and who does what.
Timeline Overview
MDIA Assessment
Prepare Application
Submit Application
Evaluation
Grant Agreement
Development Begins
Total time from start to development: 3-4 months minimum
MDIA Assessment
Book a Digital Intensity Assessment with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority. They evaluate your current digital adoption against 12 criteria. This assessment is mandatory.
Prepare Application
Document your project with technical specifications, supplier quotations (3 per item) or an Investment Proposal. Gather financial documents, tax compliance certificates, and evidence of match financing.
Submit Online
Applications go through the fondi.eu portal. Your consultant handles the submission. Applications are evaluated in batches after each cut-off (every 2-3 weeks).
Evaluation & Rectifications
The Measures and Support Division evaluates your application. Most applications require rectifications. You have up to 2 months to provide corrections.
Grant Agreement
You receive a funding acceptance letter. Once conditions are met, the Grant Agreement is signed. Only after signing can you make purchases, pay deposits, or sign supplier contracts.
Development & Claims
Projects must select a fixed duration of 6, 12, 18, or 24 months at application. All investments must be completed by 30 June 2029 regardless of chosen duration. You submit claims as milestones are reached: advance payments on signing, interim payments on delivery, final payment after verification.
Post-Project
MDIA conducts a post-project Digital Intensity Assessment to verify improvements. Then maintain all funded assets for the 3-year durability period.
Working With Consultants
Already have a grants consultant?
We work alongside them. They handle applications and claims; we handle development and technical documentation.
Need a consultant recommendation?
We work with specialists who know this scheme well. The 7% indirect costs allowance helps cover their fees for larger projects.
Want to apply yourself?
Possible, but not recommended unless you have experience with EU-funded projects. The documentation requirements are substantial.
For help structuring your application, see our guide to writing a strong investment proposal. The payment structure differs based on whether you apply under de minimis or GBER rules.
Ready to discuss your project?
Book a Free ConsultationWhy Solveita
Built by Senior Developers
Your project is built by experienced developers, not outsourced or handed off to juniors. The same people who scope your project are the ones who build it.
Small Team, Direct Access
You work directly with the founder and lead developer. No account managers, no handoffs to junior staff, no communication breakdowns.
Malta-Based, Malta-Focused
We understand local business needs and have experience with EU-funded projects. We're based in Malta and available for face-to-face meetings.
Honest About Fit
If this grant isn't right for your project, we'll tell you. We'd rather build the right solution than chase funding that doesn't fit.
What We Build
The grant covers operational software that improves how your business runs. Here are examples of what we develop:
Custom platforms to manage your entire operation - clients, bookings, inventory, staff, and finances in one place.
Salon management system with appointment booking, client records, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling.
Secure online spaces where your customers can access their information, documents, bookings, or project status.
Client portal for a professional services firm with document sharing, messaging, and project tracking.
Tools that automate repetitive tasks - invoicing, reminders, data entry, reporting - so your team focuses on what matters.
Automated quotation and invoicing system integrated with accounting software.
Online booking platforms for appointments, reservations, or resource scheduling.
Multi-location booking system for a fitness studio with class schedules, memberships, and payments.
Custom internal systems tailored to your specific workflow - not off-the-shelf software forced to fit.
Operations management system for a service company with job tracking, team assignments, and client communication.
Have a similar project in mind?
Let's DiscussCommon Questions
Eligible: Adopting a completely new platform, upgrading from a basic to an advanced tier, moving from a free to a paid version, upgrading your server hosting to better capacity. Moving from a basic CRM to an enterprise version with automation, for example, qualifies.
Not eligible: Renewing your existing Microsoft 365 plan or continuing your current hosting unchanged.
De minimis rates: 50% Malta, 60% Gozo
GBER rates (start-ups): 60% Malta, 70% Gozo
Other bonuses (advanced tech +10%, digital improvement +5%) can still apply on top of the GBER base rate. Start-ups also receive 100% of indirect costs upfront instead of 50%, and qualify for interim payments up to 80% instead of 70%.
Note for early-stage start-ups: Start-ups under 3 years with negative net assets are still eligible if negative net assets do not exceed EUR 120,000. If negative net assets are between EUR 60,000 and EUR 120,000, aid intensity is reduced by 10%. There is also an alternative calculation method based on share capital - contact us for details on complex situations.
The trade-offs: GBER has stricter "undertaking in difficulty" criteria - if your start-up meets certain financial difficulty markers, you won't qualify. You also can't mix and match: you're either on the de minimis track or the GBER track, not both.
• At 50% (standard Malta): EUR 20,000 minimum project
• At 60% (Gozo or Malta start-up): EUR 16,667 minimum project
• At 70% (Gozo start-up): EUR 14,286 minimum project
• At 85% (all bonuses): EUR 11,765 minimum project
Use the calculator above to see your specific threshold. For projects below these thresholds, we can still help - just without this particular grant.
The division processes around 60-70 applications per month. When everything is perfect, evaluation takes 6-8 weeks, but most applications require rectifications (missing or incomplete documents). You then have up to 2 months to provide corrections, and the application goes to the next evaluation batch.
Plan accordingly and do not commit to purchases before your Grant Agreement is signed.
This means:
• No purchases
• No deposits
• No signed contracts with suppliers
• No work started
Even a deposit paid before signing disqualifies that item. This is the most common reason for rejected claims.
Also important: you cannot add items to your application once submitted. Make sure you know exactly what you need before applying.
• Book and complete an MDIA Digital Intensity Assessment
• Prepare an Investment Proposal or gather 3 quotations per item
• Complete all declaration forms
• Gather financial documentation
• Submit through fondi.eu
• Respond to rectification requests
• Manage claims and reporting
We provide all technical documentation, specifications, and quotes you need. But unless you have experience with EU-funded applications, working with a grants consultant is recommended.
Common rejection reasons:
• Incomplete documentation
• Ineligible activities or expenses
• Insufficient financial viability
• Below 50% score on selection criteria
• Costs incurred before Grant Agreement signing
A well-prepared application with proper consultant support significantly reduces rejection risk.
• Provide 3 quotations per item from different, unrelated suppliers
• Include minimum technical specifications
• You must purchase from one of the quoted suppliers
• Less flexibility if specs or prices change
Investment Proposal (3 or more items or complex projects):
Think of it as a mini business plan for each item. You explain what you want to buy, describe what's available on the market in terms of brands and types, list potential suppliers with a price range, then justify which supplier can best meet your needs.
• More flexibility on final supplier choice
• Can adapt if technology or prices change during approval period
• Particularly useful because quotations obtained today may no longer be valid 3-4 months later when approval comes through
The Investment Proposal is often the better approach for software projects where specifications and pricing evolve during the approval period.
If your eligible costs are EUR 50,000 and your grant is EUR 25,000, you receive an additional EUR 1,750 (7% of EUR 25,000) - totalling EUR 26,750.
You don't need receipts or proof for this 7%. It's a flat rate automatically added.
For regular SMEs (de minimis):
1. 50% of indirect costs when agreement signed
2. 30% advance when supplier invoices submitted (for main components)
3. Interim payment up to 60% of grant when delivered (or 70% if system is already operational)
4. Remaining grant base + remaining indirect costs after verification
For start-ups (GBER):
1. 100% of indirect costs when agreement signed (not 50%)
2. Deposit amount as requested, capped at eligible grant amount (can be higher than 30%)
3. Interim payment up to 70% of grant when delivered (or 80% if operational)
4. Remaining balance after verification
• Previous EU grants
• Malta Enterprise incentive schemes
• Other government support measures
• Certain tax credits
If you have received significant state aid recently, it may limit how much you can receive from this scheme. We check your situation during our initial consultation.
Start-ups can apply under GBER rules instead, which have different (higher) thresholds but stricter eligibility criteria.
• Complete technical documentation and specifications
• System architecture and security details
• Supplier quotes for the development portion
• Implementation schedules and GANTT charts
• Post-delivery documentation for claims
• Technical support during rectifications
You focus on the application paperwork; we handle everything technical.
We provide all technical documentation, specifications, and quotes they need. Many businesses prefer this approach when they have an established relationship with a consultant.
1. Final claim - Submit your final claim for reimbursement with all documentation
2. MDIA re-assessment - MDIA verifies you achieved the digital improvements stated in your application
3. Durability period - Maintain all funded assets for 3 years after final payment
Important deadlines: Projects select a fixed duration of 6, 12, 18, or 24 months at application. The first 6-month extension has no penalty. Each additional 6-month block (up to 36 months total) incurs -1% per block. Extensions beyond 36 months incur -2% per block. Extensions requested after the project end date carry an additional -5% penalty on top. Late final claim submissions incur -0.5% per month if submitted more than 3 months after completion. Grants over EUR 60,000 also require a Financial Viability Check during the application.
We provide ongoing support and can help with maintenance, but the formal grant relationship ends after final payment and verification.
Related Resources
Other Malta Business Grants
Discuss Your Project
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From first call to final delivery.
Free eligibility assessment for your project.
All technical documentation for your application.
Fixed-price quotes with no hidden costs.
We build the software AND help with the paperwork.
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