If you’re considering a move to Madagascar as an expat, or if you’re already living in the country, you may be wondering about your potential tax obligations. 

While there is no special tax regime for expatriates, taxes are applied based on residency status and the nature of the income or business activity. 

Understanding these rules is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected tax liabilities, so in this article we will explain the different types of taxes an expat in Madagascar may be liable to pay.

No Special Expatriate Tax Regime

Unlike some countries, Madagascar does not offer a unique tax framework specifically for expatriates. 

So do expats pay tax in Madagascar, the answer is definitely yes. Expats are subject to the same tax laws as Malagasy nationals. 

Whether you work as an individual consultant, own a business, or are employed by a Malagasy company, your tax obligations will depend on your residency status and the type of income you earn.

Therefore, taxpayers need to refer to the Tax Code and the Finance Law (Loi des finances) to understand the taxes they are subjected to. 

Taxation of Expats: Resident vs. Non-resident

Let’s take a look at the different tax obligations for people living inside Madagascar, versus non-residents.

Who Is Considered a Resident for Tax Purposes?

An individual is considered a tax resident in Madagascar if they meet certain criteria, such as the time they spend in the country, within a calendar year or having their primary place of business or economic interest in Madagascar. 

Tax Rate Non-resident Expats

Non-residents in Madagascar are taxed exclusively on income derived from local sources. 

This typically includes:

• A 10% withholding tax (WHT) on any Madagascar-sourced income. For example, if a non-resident consultant works with a Malagasy firm, the firm will deduct 10% of the earnings as tax before payment. 
• Revenue from foreign businesses providing services to Malagasy taxpayers is also subject to the same withholding tax.  

Tax Rate for Resident Expats

Residents are taxed on their global income under the salary income tax (known locally as IRSA)

IRSA scale:

• Income up to 350,000 Malagasy ariary (MGA): 0%
• Income from MGA 350,001 to MGA 400,000: 5%
• Income from MGA 400,001 to MGA 500,000: 10%
• Income from MGA 500,001 to MGA 600,000: 15%
• Income above MGA 600,000: 20%

As such, the average tax rate that most expats should expat is 20% on worldwide income.

Tax Rate for Companies Operating in Madagascar

Corporate taxation for companies based in Madagascar is known as IR (impôt sur les Revenus) It is applied as follows:

• For individual businesses with an annual turnover below MGA 400 million, the IR is called synthetic tax and the rate is 5% of turnover, with potential reductions of up to 70%. The minimum tax is MGA 16,000 or MGA 150,000, depending on the activity.  
• Businesses with a turnover exceeding MGA 400 million are taxed as corporations and subject to VAT (20%) unless the core business is exportation, where VAT is 0%.

It’s important to note that Madagascar has established tax treaties with Canada, France, Mauritius, and Morocco to prevent taxpayers from being subjected to double taxation. 

Taxation Based on Type of Work

In addition to taxation based on residency, to better understand expat taxation, it’s better to also take into account the type of work.

Individual Consultants

Tax obligations for individual consultants depend on residency status.

Non-residents pay a 10% withholding tax on income earned in Madagascar, while residents are subject to salary income tax (usually 20%) or the variable IRSA rate if operating as a company.

Expats Employed by Malagasy Companies

Expats working for local companies are subject to salary income tax (IRSA), which is deducted at the source by employers. 

In all cases, a minimum tax of MGA 3,000 applies, regardless of income level.

Expats Owning Businesses

Expats who own businesses in Madagascar are taxed under regulations similar to those applied to corporations. 

For businesses with an annual turnover below MGA 400 million, a synthetic tax of 5% is applied. 

However, when the turnover exceeds MGA 400 million, income tax is calculated on the profits, and the business becomes subject to VAT obligations at a standard rate of 20%, unless the core activity involves exportation, in which case the VAT rate is 0%. 

Additionally, business owners must ensure compliance with corporate tax filing requirements as outlined in Madagascar’s General Tax Code.

Member of a Cooperative

Individual members of cooperative societies are personally subject to IR (income tax) or to  synthetic tax.

Other Applicable Taxes 

Expats in Madagascar, like local residents, may also be subject to additional taxes. 

These include a tourist tax, ranging from MGA 500 to MGA 2,000 per night per room, which is applicable to accommodations. 

Event taxes, which range between 3% and 5%, are levied on entry fees for parties, shows, and various other events. 

Additionally, expats who own real estate in Madagascar are required to pay property taxes on their holdings.

Vehicles classified as tourism vehicles used by an individual for the purpose of one’s business are subject to payment of annual tax on insurance, which is 10% of the annual insurance fees.

Key Takeaways

Expats in Madagascar are required to pay taxes, but their obligations vary depending on their residency status and the nature of their income. 

Non-residents are taxed only on Madagascar-sourced income, while residents face a broader scope of taxation. 

Whether you work as an individual, own a business, or are employed by a local company, understanding Madagascar’s tax laws is key to remaining compliant. 

Consulting the annual Finance law (Loi des finances) or seeking professional advice is recommended to stay up-to-date with tax regulations and maximize any applicable benefits. 

At Madagascar Invest, we offer expert guidance on annual tax filing to help you manage your tax obligations and ensure your business operates in full compliance with Malagasy tax laws.

If you want to dig more into the Malagasy tax literature, we recommend this page by the Malagasy tax authorities, which centralizes all the relevant texts and laws related to tax payment in Madagascar.