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Company Formation in Malta

Establish your business in the heart of the Mediterranean. Malta offers EU membership, one of Europe's lowest effective tax rates (5%), world-class gaming regulation, and a strategic gateway between Europe and Africa.

EU Member State
5% Effective Tax Rate
5-7 Day Incorporation
70+ Tax Treaties

Why Incorporate in Malta?

A premier EU jurisdiction combining tax efficiency, regulatory excellence, and strategic location.

EU Member State

Full access to the European Single Market, EU passporting rights, and compliance with EU directives for seamless cross-border operations.

Favorable Tax System

Effective corporate tax rate as low as 5% through Malta's imputation system and tax refund mechanism for shareholders.

Reputable Jurisdiction

A highly respected, OECD-compliant onshore jurisdiction with a robust legal framework based on English common law.

Gaming & FinTech Hub

World-renowned for iGaming licensing, blockchain frameworks, and innovative financial services regulation.

Holding Company Regime

Participation exemption on dividends and capital gains from qualifying holdings, ideal for international structures.

Skilled Workforce

Highly educated, multilingual workforce with strong English proficiency and expertise in financial services.

Malta Company Structures

Choose the right legal structure for your business objectives.

Private Limited Company (Ltd)

The most common structure for foreign investors and SMEs.

Minimum Capital:€1,165 (USD $1,270)
  • Limited liability protection
  • Minimum 1 shareholder
  • Minimum 1 director
  • Corporate directors allowed
  • No residency requirements
Ideal for:SMEs, holding companies, trading businesses
Public Limited Company (PLC)

For larger enterprises seeking to raise capital publicly.

Minimum Capital:€46,588 (USD $50,800)
  • Can list on stock exchange
  • Minimum 2 shareholders
  • Minimum 2 directors
  • Secretary required
  • Stricter governance requirements
Ideal for:Large enterprises, IPO candidates
Holding Company

Optimized structure for holding investments and subsidiaries.

Minimum Capital:€1,165 (USD $1,270)
  • Participation exemption on dividends
  • Capital gains exemption
  • EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive benefits
  • Access to 70+ tax treaties
  • No withholding tax on outbound dividends
Ideal for:Investment holding, IP holding, group structures
Partnership (En Commandite)

Flexible structure combining general and limited partners.

Minimum Capital:No minimum
  • Tax transparent option
  • General partner unlimited liability
  • Limited partners protected
  • Suitable for funds
  • Flexible profit allocation
Ideal for:Investment funds, joint ventures, family offices

Malta Tax Framework

Understanding Malta's unique imputation system and tax advantages.

35%

Corporate Tax Rate

Headline rate, effectively reduced through refund system

5%

Effective Tax Rate

After shareholder refunds on trading income

18%

VAT Rate

Standard rate; reduced rates of 7%, 5%, and 0% apply

0%

Withholding Tax (Dividends)

No withholding tax on dividends to non-residents

0%

Withholding Tax (Interest)

No withholding tax on interest payments

0%

Withholding Tax (Royalties)

No withholding tax on royalties

0%

Capital Gains Tax

On transfer of shares by non-residents (with conditions)

70+

Tax Treaties

Extensive double taxation agreement network

How the Tax Refund System Works

35%

Company Tax Paid

Corporate tax at headline rate

6/7

Shareholder Refund

Refund on trading income

5%

Effective Rate

Net tax after refunds

Key Industries in Malta

Malta is a hub for specialized industries with world-class regulatory frameworks.

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iGaming & Online Gaming

Malta is the world's leading iGaming hub with the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licensing framework.

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Financial Services

Comprehensive licensing for investment services, payment institutions, and e-money.

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Blockchain & Crypto

Pioneering Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) framework for crypto businesses and exchanges.

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Maritime & Shipping

One of the largest ship registries globally with favorable tonnage tax regime.

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Aviation

Growing hub for aircraft registration and aviation finance with EU benefits.

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Pharmaceuticals

Manufacturing and distribution hub with EU market access.

Malta Company Formation Packages

Comprehensive packages tailored to your business needs. All prices in EUR with USD equivalent.

Essential Formation

Basic company incorporation for straightforward setups.

€1,850(USD $2,015)

5-7 business days

  • Company name reservation & registration
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Registration with Malta Business Registry (MBR)
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Share certificates issuance
  • First board resolutions
  • Registered office address (1 year)
  • Government fees included
Most Popular
Business Ready

Complete setup with tax registration and banking support.

€2,950(USD $3,215)

7-10 business days

  • Everything in Essential Formation
  • Company Secretary (1 year)
  • Tax (TIN) registration
  • VAT registration (if applicable)
  • Corporate bank account introduction
  • Employer registration
  • AML/KYC compliance setup
  • Digital document management
  • Dedicated account manager
Premium Corporate

Full-service solution with ongoing compliance and support.

€4,750(USD $5,180)

7-10 business days

  • Everything in Business Ready
  • Nominee Director service (1 year)
  • Nominee Shareholder service (1 year)
  • Annual compliance management
  • Annual return filing
  • Accounting setup & bookkeeping intro
  • Virtual office with mail handling
  • Priority support & consultations
  • Corporate restructuring advice
Holding Company Setup

Specialized structure for investment and IP holding.

€5,500(USD $5,995)

10-14 business days

  • Everything in Premium Corporate
  • Holding company structuring advice
  • Participation exemption analysis
  • Tax treaty planning consultation
  • Substance requirements guidance
  • Transfer pricing documentation intro
  • Shareholder agreement drafting
  • Board meeting organization
  • Ongoing tax optimization support

Formation Process

Our streamlined process ensures efficient company incorporation in Malta.

1

Initial Consultation

We assess your business needs, recommend the optimal structure, and outline regulatory requirements.

1 day
2

Name Reservation

Reserve your company name with the Malta Business Registry (MBR) ensuring availability and compliance.

1-2 days
3

Document Preparation

Prepare Memorandum & Articles of Association, shareholder agreements, and collect KYC documents.

2-3 days
4

Company Registration

Submit incorporation documents to MBR and obtain Certificate of Incorporation.

2-3 days
5

Tax & VAT Registration

Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN) and VAT if applicable.

3-5 days
6

Bank Account Opening

Introduction to Maltese and international banks for corporate account opening.

2-4 weeks

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

Stay compliant with Malta's regulatory requirements.

Annual Returns

File annual return with MBR within 42 days of anniversary date.

Deadline: 42 days after anniversary
Financial Statements

Prepare and file audited accounts (exemptions for small companies).

Deadline: 10 months after year-end
Tax Returns

Submit corporate income tax return and pay tax due.

Deadline: 9 months after year-end
VAT Returns

Quarterly or monthly VAT filings depending on turnover.

Deadline: Quarterly/Monthly
Beneficial Ownership

Register beneficial owners with Malta Business Registry.

Deadline: 14 days of change
AML Compliance

Maintain AML policies, conduct customer due diligence, report suspicious transactions.

Deadline: Ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Malta company formation.

Ready to Incorporate in Malta?

Join thousands of international businesses benefiting from Malta's strategic location, EU membership, and favorable tax regime. Start your journey today.

Call us: +1 800 566 7151