Company registration in Malta offers several advantages, including:
These factors make the jurisdiction an attractive destination for Malta company formation, especially for businesses looking to expand within the EU and Mediterranean region.
We can provide a wide range of services to assist businesses in registering a company in Malta. Here's a list:
By providing these services, we can greatly facilitate the process of setting up and running a business in Malta, helping to ensure compliance with local laws and optimizing for business success.
Below is the overview of company types available in Malta
Malta company registration procedure entails several requirements that must be met. These include:
Company formation in Malta offers a range of legal and taxation advantages, making it a favorable jurisdiction for business operations. Here are some key insights:
Legal Insights:
EU Compliance. As an EU member state, Maltese corporate law is harmonized with EU directives, ensuring a stable and predictable legal environment.
Types of Companies. The most common company forms are the private limited liability company (Ltd.) and the public limited liability company (plc). There are also options for partnerships.
Corporate Governance. Maltese law requires a minimum of one director for private companies and two for public companies. A company secretary is mandatory for all types.
Registration and Documentation. Companies must be registered with the Malta Business Registry, and key documents include the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Flexibility in Company Structure. Malta offers flexibility in structuring a company, including the use of nominee shareholders and directors for confidentiality
Legal System. Malta’s legal system, based on both civil law and common law principles, is well-regarded for its robustness and fairness.
Corporate Tax Rate. The standard corporate tax rate is 35%. However, effective rates can be significantly lower due to Malta’s full imputation system and tax refund system.
Tax Refund System. Shareholders of Maltese companies can be eligible for significant tax refunds on the tax paid by the company, potentially reducing the effective tax rate to between 5% and 10%.
No Withholding Taxes. Malta does not impose withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties paid to non-residents, with some exceptions.
Double Taxation Relief. Malta has an extensive network of double taxation treaties with over 70 countries, minimizing tax liabilities for international businesses.
EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive. As an EU member, Malta applies the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive, exempting dividends received from EU subsidiaries from Maltese tax.
Participation Exemption. Profits derived from a ‘participating holding’ (a shareholding in a non-resident company) are often exempt from Maltese tax.
VAT Compliance. Businesses must comply with Maltese VAT laws, which are aligned with EU directives. VAT registration is mandatory for certain thresholds of turnover.
Understanding these legal and taxation aspects is crucial for anyone considering incorporating a company in Malta. The country's favorable conditions offer compelling advantages for business, particularly for those looking to operate within the EU or seeking an efficient tax structure.
For a Maltese company, ongoing corporate compliance and governance involve adhering to local laws and regulations, maintaining accurate financial records, submitting annual returns and financial statements to the Malta Business Registry, holding annual general meetings, ensuring tax compliance, and upholding standards of corporate governance as per Maltese law. This ensures the company operates transparently, ethically, and in line with regulatory requirements.
If you want to register a company in Malta, you have to follow a determined process. The process of forming a company in Malta is relatively straightforward and involves several key steps:
Choosing a Company Type. As a first step within the Malta company formation process, you have to decide on the type of company to be formed, typically either a private limited liability company or a public limited company.
Company Name Reservation. Select a unique company name and get it approved by the Malta Business Registry. This ensures that no other company is registered under the same or a similar name.
Drafting the Memorandum and Articles of Association. As a part of the process of incorporation of company in Malta, you will have to prepare these key documents. The Memorandum must include details such as the company name, registered office in Malta, objectives of the company, share capital, and details of the shareholders. The Articles of Association outline the company’s internal regulations.
Minimum Share Capital. Deposit the minimum share capital in a bank account. For a private limited company, the minimum share capital is €1,165, with 20% paid up. For a public limited company, it's €46,588, with at least 25% paid up.
Registering the Company. Submit the Memorandum and Articles of Association, along with proof of share capital deposit and other documents, to the Malta Business Registry.
Appointment of Directors and Company Secretary. Appoint the required number of directors and a company secretary. Their details will be included in the company’s registration documents.
Registration Fee. Pay the necessary registration fee to the Malta Business Registry. The fee varies depending on the company’s share capital
Receiving the Certificate of Registration. Once the Malta Business Registry processes and approves the application, the company will be officially registered, and a Certificate of Registration will be issued.
Tax and VAT Registration. Register the company with the Maltese tax authorities for income tax and, where applicable, Value Added Tax (VAT).
Opening a Corporate Bank Account. Open a corporate bank account for business transactions.
Appointing an Auditor. Appoint an auditor after the company's registration.
Ongoing Compliance. Ensure ongoing compliance with Maltese corporate laws, including filing annual returns and financial statements, holding annual general meetings, and maintaining proper accounting records.
Except for company formation, we can help you with legal advice on corporate and tax structuring, compliance and regulatory matters, assist with opening a bank or other account for the Maltese company, and obtaining of a gaming license.
We have a deep understanding of Maltese corporate law, ensuring compliance and efficient handling of the registration process.
We offer a streamlined and simplified company registration process, which can be particularly advantageous for foreign investors unfamiliar with local procedures.
The firm could provide tailored legal and taxation advice, helping companies optimize their operations in line with Maltese laws and tax regimes.
We have established networks within Malta’s business, legal communities as well other Malta company formation agents and that is a significant advantage, facilitating smoother business operations for clients
Malta company formation cost can vary depending on several factors such as the type of company being registered, its share capital, and the services used for the registration process. Generally, the Malta company registration fees paid to the Malta Business Registry are based on the company's authorized share capital. Contact us and we will provide you with a fee quote.
When forming a company in Malta, you should anticipate several additional costs beyond the initial formation fees. These include legal and professional fees if you engage in services like lawyers, accountants, or corporate service providers. If you lack a physical presence in Malta, there will be expenses for a registered office service. Opening a corporate bank account might involve certain bank charges. For businesses requiring specific licenses or permits, there will be associated fees. Ongoing compliance with Maltese corporate law, such as filing annual returns, also entails certain costs. Regular expenses for auditing, accounting, and operational activities like rent, utilities, and salaries (if you're setting up an office or hiring staff in Malta) are additional considerations. Insurance costs, depending on your business type, may also add to your overall expenses. It’s crucial to budget for these aspects to ensure the smooth operation and compliance of your business in Malta.
Companies are drawn to set up in Malta due to its strategic Mediterranean location, serving as a bridge between Europe and North Africa. As an EU member, Malta provides access to the European single market. The country offers a favorable tax regime with potential for significant reductions in effective tax rates, supplemented by a wide network of double taxation treaties. English being an official language simplifies international business communications. Malta's skilled, multilingual workforce is attractive, particularly in sectors like technology and finance. The business-friendly environment, bolstered by a robust legal and regulatory framework, is conducive to sectors such as financial services and iGaming. Additionally, Malta's high standard of living and stable economy make it an appealing destination for businesses seeking growth and stability within the EU.
Yes, a foreigner can start a business in Malta. The country is known for its business-friendly environment and offers a straightforward process for foreigners to establish a company. Malta's entry into the European Union and its strategic location in the Mediterranean make it an attractive location for international business operations
An application form for the company needs to be completed, accompanied by necessary due diligence documents such personal identification documents.
A few days after the submission of the documents to the authority.
it is possible to proceed with Malta company formation largely online. The Malta Business Registry offers online services that allow for the electronic submission of documents required for company registration. However, some stages still require interaction with physical documents.
The minimum share capital for a private company in Malta is €1,165. However, it's important to note that only 20% of this amount needs to be paid up at the time of incorporation. This means that the actual minimum paid-up capital required at the time of setting up the company is €233
Yes, to register a company in Malta, it is required to have a local registered office address within the country. This address serves as the official legal address of the company and is used for all formal communications and legal notices. The registered office address does not necessarily need to be the place where the company conducts its business activities, but it must be an address in Malta where official documents can be legally served. For businesses without a physical presence in Malta, it's common to use the services of a local corporate service provider who can offer a registered office address.
Non-EU residents can form a company in Malta, but there are a few additional considerations and requirements compared to EU residents such more complicated due diligence requirements
Crucially, Maltese companies are not legally bound to open bank accounts exclusively with banks that are licensed in Malta. They have the flexibility to set up bank accounts in any jurisdiction.
In a Maltese company, at least one director and one shareholder are necessary.
The corporate tax rate in Malta is set at 35%. However, due to Malta's unique tax system, the effective tax rate can be significantly lower for shareholders, particularly foreign shareholders, who can benefit from Malta's tax refund system. This system often results in an effective tax rate that is considerably lower than the nominal rate of 35%.
Malta is not considered an offshore jurisdiction in the traditional sense. It is a member of the European Union and adheres to EU regulations and standards, particularly in financial services, taxation, and anti-money laundering measures. Unlike typical offshore jurisdictions, Malta has a more transparent and regulated financial system, and it actively complies with international tax laws and cooperation agreements.
Legislation regulates many areas of business. Therefore, it is important that the activities of any company are legally correct. And this can be a problem
Inteliumlaw has a developed network of foreign banks and non-banking financial institutions, as well as payment aggregators around the world to offer our clients tailored
Despite the common stereotype, tax accounting and bookkeeping are very different. Therefore, many firms have problems during inspections by regulatory authorities. As you know, the
The accumulated experience and tracking of future changes in this area allow us to be proactive
for our clients and develop the most adapted business structures to modern conditions.
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