News: Company Formation and Registration in Malta

Malta Company Formation

Republic of Malta with its capital city of Valletta is a tiny, beautiful country with gorgeous architecture and hospitable population. Malta is a part of the Maltese archipelago, situated in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea. It has direct proximity to the North African coast (230 km) and Sicily (90km).

Until 1964, Malta was under the British rule. Now being an independent republic, it has the status of a neutral state in military terms. The Head is the president.

The country's population is about (470,000) Four hundred and seventy thousand people. The bulk of the residents practices Catholicism. The official language is Maltese but you will probably hear English in the streets, and sometimes - Italian or French. The lack of rivers and mountains is typical for the Maltese landscape, plowed fields separated by stone walls spread out on the hillsides. The climate of Malta is very warm and favorable. The natural phenomena like cold winds, severe frosts, fogs or snow don’t occur in Malta.

Nowadays, the improved tax system in Malta is the most attractive for representatives of international business in Europe.

COMPANY FORMATION IN MALTA: THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A BUSINESS IN MALTA

• A shorter registration procedure.
• Malta is a full member of the EU.
• The cost to obtain an administrative/business license is one of the lowest amongst the European Union. 
• A company is tax resident in Malta if it is incorporated in Malta or the management and control of its business is exercised in Malta.
• Excellent quality of banking services, and use of Internet banking.

The activity of company in Malta is regulated by the ‘Companies Act 1995’.

FORMS OF BUSINESS CORPORATION ALLOWED IN MALTA

A business can be registered in Malta in the following forms:

• Limited liability Company;
• Partnerships;
• International holding companies;
• Trusts

The most popular among foreign investors is private or public limited liability company (LLC). The main advantage is the limitation of liability for shareholders.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LLC COMPANY IN MALTA

• Malta is a full-fledged European jurisdiction.
• The company can take advantage of the agreements concluded for the avoidance of double taxation.
• High level of confidentiality. Preservation of information is protected by the Law "On the professional secrecy."
• Company name should not contain indications of illegal type of activity or activity that requires a special license.
• Company name can be prepared in any language, but it is important to use Roman alphabet for this purpose.
• Registration takes about 2 days, and preparation of all documents - about 8 working days.
• The minimum authorized and issued share capital for:

A private company in Malta is €1164.69, of which at least 20% is to be paid-up front; 

A public company in Malta is €46,587.46 of which at least 25% must be paid-up.

• The bearer’s shares are not permitted.
• The minimum number of directors.

For a public company, it is two (2); while for a private company, it is one (1).

• Information regarding the directors is public. Nominee service is possible.
• Only persons / legal entities can be the secretary of the company, provided that the secretary shall be resident of Malta..
• Minimum number of shareholders: 1.

There are exceptional cases when one member is permitted

• The status of shareholders does not matter.

Obtaining special license is a necessary condition for conducting gambling business, providing banking, investment and insurance services in Malta.

BUSINESS IN MALTA: TAXATION

• Income tax equals to 35%. But if the company's activity is conducted outside Malta, the tax can be reduced to even zero.
• Depending on the authorized capital annual assignments to the budget are calculated and range from € 245 (authorized capital - up to € 1 500) to € 2250 (capital - more than € 2.5 million).
• Shipping companies in Malta do not pay income tax, but make contributions depending on the tonnage of the vessel.

MALTA COMPANY REGISTRATION FAQs

• How much does it cost to register a new company in Malta?

The cost of registering a company in Malta is 2900USD. The total cost of registration includes comprehensive review, company registration, service and certificate.

• How long does it take to register a company in Malta?

It takes about 2 (two) weeks to register a company in Malta.

• Is Malta an offshore jurisdiction?

Yes, Malta can be considered as an offshore jurisdiction.

• Is Malta a tax free country? 

No, Malta isn’t a tax free country but their tax rates/policies are one of the lowest in the world.

Why incorporate with Law&Trust International?

• Full range of related services: Provision of a full range of legal, corporate, government, and business intelligence related services.
• Professionals and expertise of Law: Worldwide registration and legal maintenance of companies, accounting services and audit, tax planning and optimization, trademark and patent registration, and many more. Best professionals are always available to help your business.
• Thorough domestic service: Law &Trust ensure our services cover every region in Malta. No matter where you decide, be rest assured we got the location covered.
• Free initial advice: Lawyers of Law and Trust provide free initial advice, as well as services for analyzing and developing a legal position on the issue you have raised.
• Fast and safe: Law&Trust keeps every clients’ details secured.
• Efficiency and productivity: Strategically providing up to date personalized services to help your business succeed.

READY FOR COMPANY FORMATION?

If you are interested in setting up a company in Malta, lawyers of Law and Trust International can help. Write us an email or simply call now to take the next step in your business!