Budget 2027: Tourists and TCNs hit hard, no major projects announced for Gozo

by Gozo News · October 26, 2026

Budget 2027 has been presented in the House of Representatives, by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, with the theme as Malta Mieghek – Malta with you.

Tourists and Third Country Nationals have been hit hard in this evening’s Budget announcements by the Minister, in what would appear to be an attempt to raise additional revenue.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the theme of the budget ”places families’ financial security, peace of mind and future opportunities at the centre of the Government´s message.”

Some of the points of this Budget announced for Gozo and of general interest are shown below and may be updated:

The Finance Minister announced for the health sector in Gozo, nine additional outpatient clinics are planned, as well as a minor procedures room, expanded operating theatres and health facilities dedicated women’s health. These, the Finance Minister will reduce the need for patients to travel to Malta.

As from 2027, adults who need to receive treatment abroad will have the cost of an accompanying companion covered by the Government.

There will be two new 33kV subsea cables between Malta and Gozo.

As from January 2027, tourists in hotels will pay €8 per night which will be capped at €64 per person.

Higher rates announced for tourists on the Gozo Fast Ferry, which will now be €10.50, and on Gozo Channel, €11 per adult passenger, €7 per child and €22 for a vehicle.

Tourists staying in a short-let rental will pay €10 per night which will be capped at €80 per person.

There will be €5 charge for tourists to visit Comino, local residents will be exempt from the charge, and a €10 per person charge for cruise passengers who disembark, and re-embark same day.

Higher work permit fees have been announced for TCNs. A new application fee will go from €600 to €800 per person, an additional annual €400 infrastructure contribution will apply to both new applicants and permit renewals, excluding under-18s.

TCNs will no longer be eligible for free public transport. Long-term residents – those with five-year residence permits – will still be able to travel free.

Also, the Finance Minister announced an €83 monthly administrative fee applies to TCN holders of category B and B1 licences issued or renewed from 2027, specified groups are exempt – including EU and EEA citizens, long-term residents and certain other nationalities. He also said that licences will expire with the residence permit and will not be renewed if fees remain outstanding.

TCNs will no longer receive free childcare unless they have long-term residency. Those who already have a child enrolled in childcare will be exempt.

The Finance Minister confirmed that their will be a ”super bonus.” He said the Government will be honouring its pledge and giving workers an annual payment of up €1,000,

Electricity, gas and fuel prices will remain stable, saying that the Government will not deviate from its policy of shielding households from the rise in energy costs.

No rises in income tax rates, VAT or social security contributions.

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) €6.41 per week for next year.

National minimum wage to rise by €10.41 a week next year, this includes COLA.