Company Registration in Malta- An Overview

Aspect Details
Fees for Business Setup in Malta The fees for company incorporation in Malta start from $2599
Timeline for Online Company Registration in Malta Usually, the online company registration in Malta takes around 2 to 3 weeks
Benefits of Company Formation in Malta

Benefits of online company registration in Malta include:

  • Lower Entry Barriers
  • Double Tax Avoidance Treaties (DTAT)
  • Visa-Free Zone
  • Incentives and Grants
  • Strategic Location
  • Stable Legal Environment
Type of Business Structures for Company Registration in Malta

Types of business structures for company formation in Malta includes:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Public Limited Company (PLC)
  • General Partnership ((Partnership en nom collectif)
  • Limited Partnership ((Partnership en commandite)
  • Branch of an Overseas Company
  • Sole Proprietorship
Documents Required for Online Company Registration in Malta

Documents required for company formation in Malta include:

  • Passport of Directors, and Shareholders
  • ID Proof of Directors and Shareholders
  • Passport and ID Proof of Company Secretary
  • Utility Bill
  • Detailed Business Plan
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Bank References
  • Proof of Paid-up Share Capital
  • Copy of Form BO1
  • Memorandum of Association
  • Articles of Association
  • Registered Address of the Company
  • Beneficial Owners Register
  • Other Company Documents (if any)
Top Businesses for Foreign Entrepreneurs for Business Setup in Malta

Some of the top businesses for foreign entrepreneurs applying for company registration in Malta are:

  • IT Consultancy and R&D Firms
  • Micro-Finance and Investment Firms
  • Medical Tourism and Pharmacy Business
  • Hotels and Travel Agents
  • Online Retail and Franchise Business
Step-by-step Guide to Company Incorporation in Malta

The procedure for company registration in Malta includes the following steps:

  • Name Reservation
  • Preparation of MoA and AoA
  • Submission of Documents to the Malta Business Registry (MBR)
  • Payment of Registration Fees
  • Issuance of Registration Certificate by Registrar of Companies within the MBR
How We Can Help You with Online Company Registration in Malta?
  • Assistance in Meeting Legal Requirements for Businesses in Malta
  • Documentation Support for Offshore Company Setup in Malta
  • OAML, Onboarding and Anti-money Laundering Check (Up to 15 Hrs)
  • Guidance in the Preparation of Share Registrars
  • Appointing Accountants/Auditors
  • Attendance at the Maltese Registry of Companies
  • Corporate Bank Account Opening Assistance

Enjoy No-trouble Business Setup in Malta with Enterslice

Experience quick and stress-free business setup in Malta, one of Europe’s most entrepreneurial-friendly economies, offering endless growth prospects!

get_started_img

Understanding Company Registration in Malta

Company registration in Malta has become simple and straightforward for both foreign and national entrepreneurs. The free trade zone created in Malta has facilitated foreign investments in industrial and logistics industries since 1998. Moreover, the competitive tax rates, Mediterranean climate, and double tax treaty agreements make Malta one of the best locations for company formation.

Begin your entrepreneurial journey in Malta, which is a hub for a wide range of sectors. Malta further offers numerous lucrative business prospects that draw in a variety of investors. However, the favourable tax system and pro-business regulatory environment help entrepreneurs in setting up their businesses in Malta. Talk to our consultants for swift and timely company registration in Malta- no need to travel or visit govt. Office.

Favourable Tax Regime- 35% Corporate tax

0 to 18% Value Added Tax in Malta

Strategic Location- Access to 2 Major Maltese Ports

70+ Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty (DTAT)

Gateway to EU, Africa, and Middle East

Tax Exemption for Qualifying Businesses

Digital Innovation and Technology Hub

Booming Financial Services Sector

Types of Business Structures for Company Formation in Malta

Foreign entrepreneurs seeking company formation in Malta are offered several choices for business setup in Malta. Some of the most common types of business structures for company registration in Malta are as discussed below:

llc

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the most popular and common business structure for company registration in Malta. One director, one shareholder, and a company secretary are required for LLC company formation in Malta. Foreigners can fully own a Maltese LLC.

plc

Public Limited Company (PLC- Societas Europaea)

The European Public Limited company (PLC), commonly known as societas Europaea (SE), is a company that offers securities in the form of debentures and shares to the general public. It allows businesses to operate across multiple European countries and can be registered in Malta.

General Partnership

General Partnership (Partnership En Nom Collectif)

General partnership commonly known as partnership en nom collectif is an enterprise where every partner contributes to the liabilities, expenses, and duties of managing the enterprise. At least two partners are required to form a general partnership in Malta.

Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership (Partnership En Commandite)

Limited partnership commonly known as partnership en commandite is an enterprise responsible for overseeing the corporation’s operations and other obligations. It is one of the significant types of structures for company registration in Malta.

Branch

Branch of an Overseas Company

It refers to a branch of an overseas company set up in Malta by a company registered outside of Malta. It’s a good choice for foreign entrepreneurs as they can enter and rule the Maltese market. It should be registered with the Malta Business Registry (MBR).

Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is one of the simplest forms of business entity entirely liable for all business-related decisions and obligations. It is also preferred as an independent business owner.

Step-by-Step Guide to Company Incorporation in Malta

The step-by-step guide to company incorporation in Malta provides a quick overview of issuing a certificate of incorporation by the Registrar of the companies. Here’s an overview of the entire company registration process in Malta, as outlined in the Malta Companies Act of 1995:

Name Reservation

The applicants are initially required to reserve a unique business or trade name, depending upon the business model and the level of risk accompanied.

Preparation of MoA and AoA

The applicants are further required to prepare and file all the company incorporation documents, including MoA and AoA, especially for self-employed status.

Submission of Documents to Malta Business Registry (MBR)

After the preparation of the necessary documents, the applicants must make submission of such documents to the Malta Business Registry (MBR).

Payment of Registration Fees

The applicants are further advised to make payment of registration fees necessary for company incorporation in Malta.

Issuance of Registration Certificate by Registrar of Companies within the MBR

Once the documents are submitted, the Registrar of the Companies within the Malta Business Registry is required to issue the certificate of registration.

Timeline for Online Company Registration in Malta

Online company registration in Malta takes around 2 to 3 weeks, depending upon additional approvals and banking requirements, as discussed below:

Planning and Engagement: 1 to 4 days

It takes around 1 to 4 working days to make a proper planning and engagement structure for company incorporation in Malta.

Preparation of Documents: 3 to 5 days

The time to prepare and submit the company incorporation documents takes around 3 to 5 business days.

Company Incorporation: 1 week

Filing the application form and obtaining a certificate of incorporation takes around 1 week, varying depending on other approvals.

Corporate Bank Account: 1 to 2 weeks

It takes around 1 to 2 weeks to open a corporate bank account and receive access and credentials for Internet banking.

Documents Required for Online Company Registration in Malta

The list of documents required for online company registration in Malta are as provided below:

ID Proof of Directors and Shareholders

Passport of Directors, and Shareholders

Utility Bill

Passport and ID Proof of Company Secretary

Detailed Business Plan

Bank References

Certificate of Good Standing

Proof of Paid-up Share Capital

Copy of Form BO1

Articles of Association

Memorandum of Association

Registered Address of the Company

Beneficial Owners Register

Other Company Documents (if any)

Benefits of Company Registration in Malta

Company registration in Malta offers key benefits, such as fostering business growth and success. It is a very attractive destination that allows foreign investors to expand or set the grounds for new companies. Have a look over some of the benefits of company registration in Malta, as explained below:

malta company registration benefits

Lower Entry Barriers

Malta, which guarantees lower entry barriers, allows overseas companies to set up their business with 100% foreign ownership in Malta.

Double Tax Avoidance Treaties (DTAT)

Malta has agreements to prevent double taxation with 81 nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Investors can avoid paying taxes to both states at their total rates.

Low VAT Rate

Malta’s VAT rate is among the lowest in the European Union. It is 18%, compared to this region’s average VAT rate of 21%. There are other nations where the VAT rises to 25%.

Visa-Free Zone

Malta, as a visa-free zone (Schengen area), imposes zero travel restrictions on companies doing business with other Schengen countries.

Incentives and Grants

The Maltese government supports new business setups by offering various incentives, grants, and co-funding opportunities in areas like R&D and digital transformation.

Pro-Business Regulatory Environment

Malta’s government creates a pro-business regulatory environment that provides a regulatory framework that supports easy company registration in Malta.

Strategic Location

Malta’s strategic location makes it an ideal hub that assists in connecting businesses, trade and logistics across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Stable Legal Environment

Malta, which offers a transparent, business-friendly legal environment, is considered the best place for company registration in Malta.

Legal Requirements for Businesses in Malta

Below mentioned are some of the key legal requirements for businesses in Malta:

  • Corporate Name :- The corporate name of the business must be reserved before company incorporation in Malta.
  • Directorship :- Minimum 1 or 2 corporate directors (not local) must be appointed for setting up a business in Malta.
  • No. of Shareholding :- Minimum 1 corporate shareholder is permitted for online company registration in Malta.
  • Authorized Share Capital :- The minimum amount of authorized share capital required for business registration in Malta is €1,164.69.
  • Corporate Bank Account :- A corporate bank account in a local bank is mandatory and required for company registration in Malta.
  • Registered Office Address :- The businesses must have a registered office address as a place of effective control and management.

Industries for Business Setup in Malta

The top 10 industries best suited for business setup in Malta are as discussed below:

Top 10 Industries for Company Formation in Malta

  • Finance Industry
  • Tourism Industry
  • Construction Industry
  • Food and Beverage Industry
  • Information and Communication Technology Industry
  • Manufacturing Industry
  • Education Industry
  • Aviation Industry
  • Healthcare Industry
  • Industry of Life Science
  • E-Commerce Industry

Top 10 Businesses for Business Setup in Malta

  • IT Consultancy and R&D Firms
  • Micro-Finance and Investment Firms
  • Medical Tourism and Pharmacy Business
  • Hotels and Travel Agents
  • Online Retail and Franchise Business
  • Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business
  • Cosmetic and Chemical Manufacturing Firm
  • Private Learning Centres and Schools
  • Real Estate Agencies and Property Development Companies
  • Corporate Law and Tax Advisory Firms
  • Farming and Recycling Companies

Post-setup Compliances for Company Formation in Malta

The post-registration compliances for company formation in Malta are as discussed below:

compliances_img

Why Trust Enterslice for Company Registration in Malta?

Enterslice brings 10+ years of experience and deep expertise in company registration and business setup across various global markets, including Malta. Connect Enterslice to get hassle-free services for company registration in Malta. The following are reasons why Enterslice should be your first choice for company registration in Malta:

  • Ensures Reservation of Business or Trade Name for your Business
  • Comprehensive Understanding of Laws governing Company Registration in Malta
  • Secures VAT Registration for your Business
  • Assisted 500+ Business Owners with Successful Company Registration in Malta
  • 150+ Local Consultants to Make Business Setup in Malta a Joyride
  • 24/7 Dedicated Support for Company Formation in Malta
  • Offers Transparent Pricing Structure for Business Setup in Malta
  • Prioritize your Business Privacy & Confidentiality in Malta
  • Expert Assistance in Offshore Company Setup in Malta
  • Provides Well-structured Business plan to Achieve your Business Objectives
  • Enables Access to Global and Virtual Trade
  • Offers Efficient Accounting and Tax Services

Frequently Asked Questions on Company Formation in Malta

Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions:

The cost to register a company in Malta starts from $2599, varying depending upon several factors like type of company, number of shareholdings, share capital of the business, etc.

Yes, a foreign entrepreneur with 100% foreign investment is eligible to start a business in Malta. However, the country offers a favourable business environment to foreign entrepreneurs applying for company formation in Malta.

Some of the major reasons for choosing Malta as the ideal location for company incorporation in Malta are as discussed below:

  • Lower Entry Barriers
  • Double Tax Avoidance Treaties (DTAT
  • Low VAT Rate
  • Visa-Free Zone
  • Incentives and Grants
  • Pro-Business Regulatory Environment
  • Strategic Location
  • Stable Legal Environment

Yes, the companies in Malta are eligible to pay a corporate tax rate of 35% on their worldwide income and capital gains. However, there is no corporate tax structure separate from income tax.

On the other hand, companies whose owners do not reside or have their domicile in Malta may be eligible for a rebate equivalent to six-sevenths of the appropriate tax rate, which lowers the net effective tax rate to 5% in cases where the profits are derived from trading operations. The net effective tax rate is 10% in cases where profits are obtained from passive activities.

Some of the best business opportunities in Malta are discussed below:

  • Knowledge Centre/Back-office Services
  • Generic Pharmaceuticals
  • Oil and Gas Business
  • Training and Education Centres
  • IT Consultancy and R&D Firms
  • Medical Tourism and Pharmacy Business
  • Hotels and Travel Agents
  • Online Retail and Franchise Business
  • Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business
  • Real Estate Agencies and Property Development Companies
  • Farming and Recycling Companies

Yes, Malta does issue work permits allowing non-European Union nationals to legally work and operate their business in Malta, provided they have been offered a job by a Maltese employer.

Yes, Malta, being a member of the European Union, is considered a good place to start a business. Malta, having a strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean, provides a strong work culture and removes the predominant language barrier among the employees.

The company incorporation in Malta typically takes around 2 weeks, depending upon factors like documentation, compliance with Maltese regulations, etc.

The Registrar of Companies under the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) of Malta is the authority responsible for governing the company incorporation in Malta.

The primary responsibility of the Malta Business Registry is the registration of legal entities and partnerships, recording documents related to business partnerships & certificates of good standing, reserving names for companies, collecting registration fees, publishing notices, and imposing penalties. It is also responsible for carrying out the inquiry and maintaining the partnership's and company's registration.

In Malta, the 18% VAT rate applies to businesses registered as trading entities rather than holding entities.

To incorporate a company in Malta, a Maltese company needs a minimum of two shareholders, one director, and one company secretary. However, a single-member company requires only one shareholder.

Yes, foreign companies must designate at least one Maltese resident as their representative for all actions taken within the country.

To register a offshore company in Malta, the foreign applicants are required to obtain relevant visa, choose business structure, prepare necessary documents, reserve a company name, deposit minimum share capital, and submit application at the office of Registrar of Companies in Malta.

We partner with more than 100+ companies

-- Testimonials

Don't take our word for it

In the news

Get Started Live Chat