Malta Maintained Its Attractiveness for Foreign Investors in 2016

Without a doubt, Malta remained one of the most attractive countries for foreign investors in 2016 considering the National Statistic Office’s analysis. The first half of last year saw significant increase of foreign direct investment (FDI) compared to the same period of 2015. Our company incorporation agents in Malta can offer information on the legislation on foreign investments.

455.6 million euros were injected in the Maltese economy last year

The first six months of 2016 were the most prolific ones for the Maltese economy from the foreign investments point of view. Also, compared to 2015, an increase of 1.9 billion euros – income generated by foreign investments only, was registered throughout 2016.

When comparing the first six months of 2016 with the same period of 2015, Malta registered a 455.6 million euro growth in terms of FDI, according to the National Statistics Office.

Maltese companies which have earned most from these investments, re-invested the amounts into the expansion of their operations abroad. Statistics show that 2.5 billion euros were re-invested by Maltese companies in 2016.

The National Statistics Office also issued a guide on what is considered foreign direct investment in Malta. According to this guide, a foreign investor must own at least 10% of the shares in a Maltese company. The same 10% held by a Maltese shareholder is definitory for foreign investments abroad.

If you are interested in opening a company in Malta, our local consultants can assist you with the company registration process.

What were the industries receiving most of the FDI?

The financial and insurance services were the industries attracting most foreign investments in Malta during the first half of 2016. These accounted for 95.6% of the total amount invested. On the other hand, in 2015 transportation, accommodation and real estate attracted the largest sums over the same period.

In June 2016, the stock position of FDI was 156.7 billion euros, increasing by 10 billion euros, while the stock position of investment abroad accounted for 61.8 billion euros, up by 676 million euros.

For full information on the laws encouraging foreign investments in Malta, please contact our company formation agents.