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Company Formation in Malta
Updated on Friday 10th June 2022 We are a team of company incorporation specialists in Malta who offer a wide range of services for local and foreign investors interested in starting a business in this country.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of companies which can be started by foreigners | Limited liability company Public company |
| Minimum share capital for LTD Company and paid-in requirement | 1200 shares of €1 each - 20% paid up - ie : €240 |
| Minimum number of shareholders for Limited Company | 1 |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | 1-2 weeks |
| Corporate tax rate | 35% - but refund of 30% to shareholders - net effective tax of 5% |
| Dividend tax rate | - |
| VAT rate | 18% |
| Are shelf companies available? | No |
| Do you supply a registered address? | Yes |
| Local director required | No |
| Annual meeting required | No |
| Redomiciliation permitted | Yes |
| Electronic signature | Yes, but not in all instances |
| Is accounting/annual return required? | Yes |
| Foreign-ownership allowed | Yes, no min. or max. requirement |
| Any tax exemptions available? | - net effective tax of 5% - no dividend income tax - no stamp duty upon transfer of shares - no capital gains and no transfer pricing regulations |
| Tax incentives | Upon repatriation of dividends may be able to get up to 35% tax credit in country of residence |
Our affiliations
Ciantar Associates (CompanyIncorporationMalta.com) is a partner of BridgeWest and is licensed by the Malta Institute of Accountants as Auditors and by the Malta Financial Services Authority. Our firm is also a member of several important organizations, among which AGN International and the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners.
What types of companies can I register in Malta?
- • limited liability companies;
- • limited partnerships;
- • general partnerships.
Each form of business is subject to certain company formation conditions for which our team of company incorporation specialists in Malta can 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 the Maltese 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 the minimum 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 the company’s directors to be Maltese residents.
How can I register a public LLC in Malta?
Limited liability companies may also be registered as public companies during the process of company 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 the incorporation 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.
Documents for company formation in Malta
The most important documents for company incorporation in Malta are 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 your firm in Malta.
Copies of the passport or other identification papers of the directors and secretaries must also be submitted with the Maltese Trade Register. Foreign citizens are not required to come to Malta for the incorporation procedure. They can appoint a representative agent and 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 of company formation in Malta:
- Select the proper business structure for your future operations in Malta.
- Prepare at least 3 unique names for your company and solicit a name verification in this sense with the Registry of Companies in Malta.
- Open a bank account in Malta and draft the minimum share capital imposed for your business.
- Prepare and submit the Articles of Association and the Memorandum for your firm in Malta.
- Apply for the proper business licenses and permits before starting the activities in Malta.
- Register for tax purposes as soon as the company receives the certificate of incorporation issued by the Registry of Companies in Malta.
Branches in Malta
Foreign companies may also set 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. Our experts in company formation in Malta can help you choose the right type of company.
Costs for forming a company in Malta
Foreign investors interested in company incorporation in Malta should consider the approximate costs for starting a business in this country. Here are a few details presented by our firm:
- Registration fee: the standard registration fee is set at EUR 375, but it might vary depending on the chosen city for business.
- Minimum share capital: EUR 1,165 is necessary for opening a private limited liability company and EUR 46,600 for a public LLC.
- Virtual office cost: approximately EUR 125 per month for a virtual office package.
- Company formation fee: approximately EUR 1,350, but a tailored offer can be provided by our team.
- Accounting costs for 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) and register 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 in Zürich.
Buy a shelf company in Malta
Foreign investors who are interested in company formation in Malta and a fast start on the Maltese market can consider purchasing a shelf company in Malta. This is also known as a ready-made company that comes with several benefits like credibility on the market, a fast registration and easy access to bank credits in Malta. We are at your disposal with information about how the ownership transfer is made for a shelf company in Malta for foreign investors.
Virtual office services in Malta
A virtual office in Malta is directed to business persons who want to test the market and have no operational costs for traditional offices. Among the virtual office services in Malta we 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 the virtual office services we can offer in Malta.
Can I receive management services for my company in Malta?
Yes, foreign investors with companies in Malta can receive secretarial services, trust services, and nominee shareholders and nominee director services on request. Our Maltese company formation representatives can handle the management services and can cater to your needs as a foreign business investor in this state.
We also invite you to contact our team of company formation consultants in Malta for in-depth information and assistance about the services we can provide.
Meet us in Valletta
Call us now at +356 21 376 686 to set up an appointment with our specialists in company formation in Valletta, Malta. You can incorporate your company without traveling to Malta.
As a Ciantar Associates client, you will beneficiate from the joint expertize of local lawyers and international consultants. Together we will be able to offer you the specialized help you require for your business start-up in Malta.
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Bridgewest recommends Ciantar Associates
to all clients who need legal and company formation services in Malta.
to all clients who need legal and company formation services in Malta.