Company registration in Malta
For foreign investors looking to break into the European market through a prosperous country, Malta offers a great opportunity with numerous advantages of doing business and company formation in Malta!
With a strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta is a densely populated pearl with innumerable historical sites. The financial sector of this EU member country has been registering massive growth since the last couple of years, and it offers great tax incentives to foreign investors.
Apart from being a leading tourism destination in the EU, Malta has an abundance of natural resources, one of which is limestone. Some of the thriving industries in this island are biotechnology, electronics, software development, healthcare, and maritime activities.
With CompyCo, you can tap into all that Malta has to offer. By leveraging our network of trusted local professionals, we coordinate the entire process so you can meet Malta’s flexible business requirements and set up your company efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Forms Of Companies In Malta
- LTD—private limited company
- PLC—public limited company
- Branch
- Partnership en Commandite—limited partnership
- Partnership en nom Collectif—general partnership
Advantages of doing business in Malta
- Low Corporate Tax – Effective tax rate can be as low as 5% due to Malta’s tax refund system, which makes Malta jurisdiction in Europe with the lowest corporate tax.
- No Withholding Tax – No tax on dividends, interest, or royalties sent abroad.
- Double Tax Treaties – Over 70 agreements to avoid double taxation.
- Access to European & Mediterranean Markets – Ideal for trade and logistics.
- EU Member & Schengen Zone – Easier movement of goods and services.
- Ideal for Gaming, FinTech, Blockchain businesses – One of the first EU countries to regulate blockchain and cryptocurrency.
- Maritime Industry – one of the world’s largest shipping registries.
What form of company to register in Malta?
Company registration in Malta starts with choosing a form. There are the two most common types of companies are private (LTD) and public limited companies (PLC). The main difference between them is that PLC can enter the Maltese Stock Exchange, but LTD cannot.
They also differ in terms of the initial capital required. Maltese LTD sharecapital is EUR 1165 but only 20% (233 EUR) must be deposited. The company can have up to 50 shareholders.
The minimum share value of a Maltese PLC is EUR 46, 600.
Registering a Branch of a foreign company in Malta would be a cheaper and less demanding alternative to setting up a compnay in there. A local representative must be appointed what we can provide and 200 EUR is annual Gov. fee. No audit of the accounts is required in Malta, instead we file a copy of the foreign company accounts when paying the annual registration charge. No annual return is due.
Fundamentals Of A Limited Liability Company
Corporate Tax in Malta | VAT in Malta |
|---|---|
35% but 30% is refunded | 18% |
Fundamentals of limited liability companies in the Malta
| Limited liability company | LLC |
| Minimum Share capital | EUR 1165 (20% of it needs to be paid) |
| Registered office required | Yes |
| Physical office required | No |
| Min. number of Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. number of Directors | 1 |
| Local Director required | No |
| Other requirements | No |
| Bank signatory must travel | Yes |
| Timescale for company formation | 7 days |
| Timescale for bank account opening | 14 day |
| Timescale for obtaining VAT number | 7 days |
| Statutory audit requirements | Not if the turnover is less than EUR 93000 |
| Shelf companies available | No |
Setting up a business in Malta - the process
Regardless of where you live, company registration in Malta can often be done remotely. With CompyCo, you’ll have efficient support in setting up your company outside your jurisdiction in the simplest and quickest way. We coordinate the entire process through our trusted network of licensed professionals in Malta, guiding you step by step.
The process typically includes:
You’ll receive a list of due diligence documentation and application form to complete.
Once documents are submitted, they are reviewed and the Memorandum & Articles of Association are prepared.
Documents are signed either during a visit to Malta or remotely with notarization and apostille (translation may be required).
Our local partner in Malta receives and processes your documentation.
All paperwork is submitted to the Register of Companies for approval.
Once formed, your company documents are delivered to you by post.
Assistance with opening a bank account and transferring share capital is arranged.
This hassle-free process is much easier when you have the right professionals guiding you through each step. By coordinating with our Maltese experts, we make sure all requirements are clearly explained and handled efficiently so you can focus on your business.
Cost for setting up a company in Malta
This small, densely populated island is the perfect starting point for a business looking to tap into Europe’s lucrative markets. By working with CompyCo to establish a company in this strategic location, you can take full advantage of Malta’s favorable business environment and start operations efficiently.
Company registration in Malta usually begins with an initial consultation, a clear engagement plan, and securing a unique company name. With CompyCo coordinating the process through its trusted local partners, you’ll receive tailored guidance to ensure the right decisions are made for your business needs.
Every incorporation case is different, and requirements may vary. Thanks to our broad experience and reliable Maltese network, we can adapt the process to your company’s unique circumstances.
From preparing the required documentation to arranging registrations and representing you where needed, CompyCo’s coordination with local professionals ensures you receive continuous support at every step.
Bank Account Opening
One of the most vital steps during the setting up a business in Malta process is obtaining a bank account. Non-residents of the country can open up a Maltese bank account in a few easy steps and avail the sophisticated range of business services offered by the various local and foreign financial institutions.
In case you want to open an account with high-street bank in Malta, the travel for 1 day will be mandatory to be identified by the bank. If you are aiming on remote process in full, we will open an account in online bank (EMI). We will advise on the process and banking options depended on your business activity, residency of shareholders and directors and financial factors.
Some of the documents you’ll need to open your Maltese bank account are:
- Identification documents, including your passport or any identification card or driving license
- Residence permit
- Any proof of income to show how viable your business is in other jurisdictions
- Your Maltese company’s registration documents as proof
- Any documents that prove you have a valid connection to Malta, including work contracts or rental agreements for your office.
To learn more about opening a bank account, head over here.
Accounting & Taxation
The accounting and taxation-related requirements to consider before open a company in Malta are:
- The tax year is the calendar year in Malta.
- You are liable to pay taxes on profits from trading, investments, or selling your assets for more than their original cost.
- Your Maltese business is required to keep all accounting books.
- In Malta, the corporate income tax is 35%, flat rate, but 30% of this is refunded by the government within a few months. This trick makes Malta the country with the lowest corporate tax in Europe. Foreign shareholders can claim refunds on tax paid at the corporate level:
- 6/7 Refund → Effective tax rate: 5% (for trading companies).
- 5/7 Refund → Effective tax rate: 10% (for passive income, e.g., royalties, interest).
- 2/3 Refund → Applies when using Malta’s double taxation relief.
- Malta doesn’t impose a real estate tax, making it easier and less costly to set up your business’s office.
- In Malta, the current VAT rate is 18%on most goods and services. However, exceptions may apply.
- Maltese companies are issued VAT numbers with the format of the country code MT followed by a 9-digit number that ends with a letter.
How can you employ staff in Malta?
Foreign business owners setting up in Malta may face challenges when it comes to hiring employees in a new regulatory environment. Employment laws and procedures can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with them.
Through CompyCo’s coordination with trusted HR experts in Malta, you can obtain an employer identification number (PE number) and register staff with the Employment Training Corporation (ETC) efficiently.
Instead of figuring out everything on your own, our coordinated HR support gives you the freedom to focus on your business activities. Working with our network of local professionals, you’ll receive tailored guidance on employer registrations, compliant employment agreements, recruitment, and payroll services.
If you prefer deeper involvement in payroll and HR processes, we can also arrange software access that provides full transparency into your obligations in Malta.
For more information, visit our HR services page to learn how CompyCo coordinates international HR solutions worldwide.