Company Formation in Malta (2024)

We are a team ofcompany incorporation specialists in Maltawho offer a wide range of services for local and foreign investors interested in starting a business in this country.

What types of companies can I register in Malta?

The maintypes of entities available for company formation in Maltaare:

• limited liability companies,
• limited partnerships,
• general partnerships.

Each form of business is subject to certain company formation conditions for which ourteam of company incorporation specialists in Maltacan offer complete assistance.

How can I register a private LLC in Malta?

The private limited liability company is the most employed type of business vehicle in Malta. According to theMaltese Company Act, a private limited liability company must have a minimum share capital of EUR 1,165. However, if the share capital does not exceed the minimum requirements, it must be fully subscribed upon incorporation. If it exceeds theminimum share capital, at least 20% of the amount must be deposited. The private company is also required to have at least two shareholders, one director, one company secretary, and a registered office. The legislation does not require thecompany’s directorsto be Maltese residents.

How can I register a public LLC in Malta?

Limited liability companiesmay also be registered as public companies during the process ofcompany formation in Malta. This type of company is required to have at least two shareholders who will subscribe a minimum share capital of approximately EUR 46,600 of which at least 25% must be paid upon theincorporation of the company. Compared to the private company, the public company must have at least two directors and may trade its shares on the Maltese Stock Exchange.

Thelimited liability companycan be an excellent option forstarting a business in Malta. The formalities are straightforward and our agents can help you start a small business regardless of the chosen industry. Here is what you need to know aboutstarting a small business in Malta:

1. The limited liability company can be registered with a minimum share capital of EUR 1,165 deposited in a local bank account.
2. At least two shareholders, a company secretary, and a manager are required for a limited liability company in Malta.
3. The Articles of Association are the main documents of thecompany in Malta.
4. If special licenses and permits are required, our agents can help you.
5. The registration for taxation and social contributions is needed.
6. If the company seal is issued, the business can have activities in Malta.

Besidesopening a limited liability company in Malta, asole tradercan be a great option. You might consider this simple business form in Malta and discuss it with one of our specialists in company formation in Malta. In any case, theincorporation of a company in Maltais a simple process, regardless of the chosen business structure.

Steps in opening a small business in Malta

As mentioned earlier,starting a small business in Maltais not a complex process, but it requires attention from the start. Ourcompany formation agentscan help international investorsregister a company in Maltain a fast and efficient manner, following a few important steps:

1. The business name needs to be verified with the Maltese Companies Register.
2. The documents of the companies must be prepared, with information about the business owners, activities, business office, and more.
3. The minimum share capital needs to be deposited in a local bank account.
4. Besides the registration for taxation, the social contributions need attention too.
5. If you decide on hiring staff, you can pay attention to theMaltese workforce.
6. One must apply for business licenses and permits.
7. Instead of a whole accounting department, you can hire the services of our specialists.
8. If the company seal is obtained, the small business is ready for activities in Malta.

Deciding on the activities and the business form represent the main objects of an entrepreneur in Malta. If you are interested instarting a small business in Malta, feel free to discuss all the aspects with one of our specialists.

Fields in which you can open a small business in Malta

Malta offers many opportunities for domestic and foreign entrepreneurs. One can register atourism agency in Malta, a grocery store, a barbershop, a supermarket, a dental office, a cosmetic clinic, a credit company, or a small farm, depending on the business ideas an entrepreneur has for Malta. Sole traders can offer graphic design services, act as personal trainers or coaches, be financial consultants, to give a few examples of business ideas in Malta.Starting a small business in Maltais not a complicated process, if you know from the start what you would like to develop. Once the activities are settled, you need to choose a business name and verify it with the Maltese authorities. Feel free to discuss with one of ourcompany incorporation specialists in Maltaand ask for support.

Taxes for LLCs in Malta

Thetax structure for limited liability companies in Maltais appealing to most of the investors from abroad. The corporate tax is set at 35%, but it can be reduced to 5% if an offshore company is created in Cyprus owning the shares in anLLC in Malta. One should know that there is no tax imposed for dividends and interests of a bank account. There are no licenses fees, and no withholding tax on royalties, and dividends. The standardVATis set at 18% and it is applicable to companies in the trading sector in the EU. We invite you to address your inquiries about thetaxes for limited liability companiesto our team of consultants.

The advantages of LLCs in Malta

AMaltese limited liability companyhas several benefits: a fast incorporation, a low corporate tax imposed, an unlimited number of shareholders for public LLCs and an advantageous minimum share capital.Foreign entrepreneurs looking to open a limited liability company in Malta can have complete ownership in their firms, complete confidentiality, and an easy registration procedure with the Maltese authorities. We remind that theLLCs in Maltacan be registered by at least one stockholder and managed by a board of directors. Being a cost-efficient business structure in Malta, a limited liability company is the preferred entity for establishing most of the activities in this country.

If you are interested in starting a business in another country, such asopening a company in Austria, our agents who can put you in touch with our local partners.

How much does it take to register an LLC in Malta in 2024?

Limited liability companies in Maltacan be registered fast, in about two weeks, as soon as the Trade Register accepts the Articles of Association, the main documents of the company. It is good to know that the next step after the incorporation certificate is obtained is to register the company as a taxpayer and apply for the company’s seal.Registering an LLC in Malta in 2024is not complicated, yet our agents can tell you more in this sense.

Foreign investors can decide toopen companies in other countries too, such as Canada, where the time frame for the incorporation of a company is just one day after they submit all the necessary documents at the local Trade Register. They can obtain an entrepreneur startup visa and permanent residency in this country. They can also enroll for the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Scheme, if they can make a significant investment of minimum CAD$ 2 million for a period of 15 years.

Documents for company formation in Malta

The most important documents forcompany incorporation in Maltaare the memorandum and the articles of association. These must contain:

• the type of company and the name and residence of each shareholder;
• the name of the company and the registered office in Malta;
• the objects of activity and the minimum share capital (plus the contribution for each member);
• the name of the registered agent and the board of managers;
• the name and residence of the company secretary for yourfirm in Malta.

Copies of the passport or other identification papers of the directors and secretaries must also be submitted with theMaltese Trade Register.Foreign citizens are not required to come toMaltafor the incorporation procedure. They can appoint a representative agentand give him/her the power of attorney for legal representation.

Steps for company incorporation in Malta

Here is information about the main stages to consider when starting the process ofcompany formation in Malta:

1. Select the proper business structure for your future operations inMalta.
2. Prepare at least 3 unique names for your company and solicit a name verification in this sense with theRegistry of Companies in Malta.
3. Open a bank account in Maltaand draft the minimum share capital imposed for your business.
4. Prepare and submit the Articles of Association and the Memorandum for yourfirm in Malta.
5. Apply for the properbusiness licenses and permitsbefore starting the activities inMalta.
6. Register for tax purposesas soon as the company receives the certificate of incorporation issued by theRegistry of Companies in Malta.

Branches in Malta

Foreign companies may alsoset up branch offices in Malta, while for individuals looking for a simpler way of doing business in the country, the sole proprietorship is the best option. Ourexperts in company formation in Maltacan help you choose the right type of company.

Costs for forming a company in Malta

Foreign investors interested incompany incorporation in Maltashould consider the approximate costs for starting a business in this country. Here are a few details presented by our firm:

1. Registration fee: the standard registration fee is set at EUR 375, but it might vary depending on the chosen city for business.
2. Minimum share capital: EUR 1,165 is necessary for opening a private limited liability company and EUR 46,600 for a public LLC.
3. Virtual office cost: approximately EUR 125 per month for a virtual office package.
4. Company formation fee: approximately EUR 1,350, but a tailored offer can be provided by our team.
5. Accounting costsfor your company: from EUR 50/month (for a package that contains bookkeeping services, tax advice and many more).

Are there other requirements for company formation in Malta?

Once the registration procedure is concluded, the company must also apply for a business license and other necessary permits depending on the activity to be carried out. The company must also apply for a tax identification number (TIN) andregister for VAT. The last step is to obtain an employer identification number (PE number) and register its employees with the Employment Training Corporation (ETC). If you need tax advice in Switzerland, we can put you in contact with our partners, a team of experienced tax advisors inZürich.

How can I register an offshore company in Malta?

Malta Private LLCis the most popular structure to have an offshore in this country. The advantages of the imposed or reduced taxes are among the first taken into account by international investors who chooseMalta offshore company formation. Here is what the registration of such a company entails and what conditions must be observed:

• Single-member ownership is allowed for this structure, according to Maltese laws.
• A registered office in Malta is required to set up this company.
• You can appoint a local or foreign manager forMalta offshore company formation.
• A company secretary is needed for this business structure.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association are important documents for theestablishment of an offshore Malta.
• Each shareholder must provide personal information, have a valid passport and pay the fees imposed forMalta offshore company formation.

Malta offshore company formationcan be found in areas such as e-commerce, maritime, online gambling, international trading, or for holding intellectual property rights. These are just a few examples of sectors in which you canset up a Malta offshore company, but for more details, you can contact our specialists. We are here to provide help and assistance toforeign investors interested inbusiness in Malta.

As I mentioned earlier, thetax system in Maltais advantageous for international entrepreneurs. The “full imputation” taxation system involves the profits of companies, which are taxed at the standard rate of 35%. There are also special cases, for example when it comes to dividends distributed to individuals from taxed profits. In this situation, an imputation credit is applied on the tax that has already been paid by the company, which determines a final tax of 5% or even 0% under certain conditions. Thus, there is no double taxation.

Malta continues to be a tax haven, and this is evidenced by several tax exemptions such as no wealth tax, no withholding tax on dividends, no inheritance tax, and even no annual property tax. Therefore, the offshore structure is often used byforeign investors in Malta. Please note that more information aboutMalta company formation feesand taxes can be provided by our local agents.

Virtual office services in Malta

Avirtual office in Maltais directed to business persons who want to test the market and have no operational costs for traditional offices. Among thevirtual office services in Maltawe mention the collection of incoming and outgoing faxes, voice mailbox, call redirecting to the private local number on request, the collection of bank statements and many more. We are at your disposal with information about thevirtual office services we can offer in Malta.

Can I receive management services for my company in Malta?

Yes,foreign investors with companies in Maltacan receive secretarial services, trust services, and nominee shareholders on request. OurMaltesecompany formation representativescan handle the management services and can cater to your needs as a foreign business investor in this state.

We also invite you tocontactourteam of company formation consultants in Maltafor in-depth information and assistance about the services we can provide.