Malta Company Formation

Your Gateway to European Business

Malta, a sun-drenched island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, has emerged as a highly regarded and prestige offshore jurisdiction for company formation. Its strategic location, stable political environment, EU membership, and attractive tax regime make it a compelling choice for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand their reach and optimize their operations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Malta company formation, focusing on the benefits and considerations for non-residents.

Forming a Company in Malta: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of Malta company formation is generally straightforward and efficient. Here’s a simplified overview:

1. Choose a Company Name: Your proposed company name must be unique and approved by the Malta Business Registry (MBR).
2. Appoint Directors and Shareholders: You’ll need to appoint at least one director and one shareholder. These can be individuals or corporate entities.
3. Determine the Registered Office: A registered office address in Malta is required.
4. Prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association: This document outlines the company’s purpose, structure, and rules.
5. Deposit Share Capital: A minimum share capital is required, a portion of which must be paid up.
6. Register with the Malta Business Registry (MBR): Submit all required documents and pay the registration fees.
7. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN): Essential for tax compliance.
8. Open a Bank Account: A Maltese bank account is necessary for conducting business.

Types of Companies Suitable for Non-Residents

Several company types are available in Malta, but the most common for non-residents are:

• Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd): This is the most popular choice, offering limited liability to its shareholders.
• Holding Company: Used to hold shares in other companies, often for tax optimization purposes.

Advantages of Malta Company Formation for Non-Residents

• EU Membership: Provides access to the European Union’s single market.
• Favorable Tax Regime: Malta offers a full imputation tax system, which can result in effective tax rates as low as 5% for trading companies.
• Strategic Location: Ideal for businesses operating in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Stable Political and Economic Environment: Malta boasts a robust and well-regulated financial system.
• Skilled Workforce: A highly educated and multilingual workforce is available.
• Double Taxation Agreements: Malta has double taxation agreements with numerous countries, minimizing tax burdens.
• Reputable Jurisdiction: Malta is a respected and compliant jurisdiction, enhancing your company’s credibility.

Disadvantages of Malta Company Formation for Non-Residents

• Compliance Requirements: Maintaining a Maltese company requires ongoing compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Substance Requirements: Increasingly, substance requirements are being enforced to ensure genuine economic activity in Malta. This may involve having a physical office and employees in Malta.
• Initial Setup Costs: While competitive, setting up a company in Malta involves costs such as registration fees, legal fees, and accounting fees.
• Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken, some official documents are in Maltese.

What is Required for Company Registration?

Generally, you’ll need the following:

• Certified copies of passports for directors and shareholders.
• Proof of residential address for directors and shareholders.
• Bank reference letters for directors and shareholders.
• A detailed business plan.
• Information about the source of funds for the share capital.
• Due diligence documentation as required by Maltese law.

Procedure for Malta Company Formation

The Malta company formation procedure typically involves these steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Discuss your business needs and objectives with our professionals to determine the most suitable company structure.
2. Name Reservation: We will assist you in reserving your desired company name with the MBR.
3. Document Preparation: Our team will prepare all necessary documents, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association, ensuring compliance with Maltese law.
4. Share Capital Deposit: We will guide you through the process of depositing the required share capital.
5. Registration with the MBR: We will handle the submission of all documents to the MBR and manage the registration process on your behalf.
6. Tax Registration: We will assist you in obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and registering for VAT, if applicable.
7. Bank Account Opening: We can facilitate the opening of a corporate bank account with a reputable Maltese bank.
8. Ongoing Compliance: We offer ongoing compliance services to ensure your company remains in good standing with Maltese authorities.

Timeframe for Malta Company Formation

The Malta company formation process typically takes between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the structure and the responsiveness of the authorities. We strive to expedite the process and keep you informed every step of the way.

How We May Help You with Our Professionals

Navigating the complexities of Malta company formation can be challenging, especially for non-residents. Our team of experienced professionals provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including:

• Expert Consultation: We offer personalized advice tailored to your specific business needs and objectives.
• Company Structuring: We help you choose the most appropriate company structure to maximize tax efficiency and minimize risk.
• Document Preparation: We prepare all necessary documents accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with Maltese law.
• Registration Assistance: We manage the entire registration process with the MBR, saving you time and effort.
• Tax Planning: We provide expert tax planning advice to optimize your tax liabilities.
• Bank Account Opening: We facilitate the opening of a corporate bank account with a reputable Maltese bank.
• Ongoing Compliance: We offer ongoing compliance services, including accounting, tax filing, and legal support, to ensure your company remains in good standing.
• Virtual Office Services: We can provide a registered office address and other virtual office services to meet substance requirements.
• Nominee Services: We can provide nominee directors and shareholders to maintain confidentiality, if required and legally permissible.

By partnering with us, you can benefit from our expertise and experience in Malta company formation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. We are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and support, helping you achieve your business goals in Malta. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and learn how we can help you establish your presence in this thriving European jurisdiction. We are your trusted partner for Malta company formation