Incorporate in Malta
Establishing a company in Malta
Malta is a reputable and well-regulated EU jurisdiction that offers a favorable environment for international businesses. Since joining the EU in 2004 and adopting the Euro in 2008, Malta has benefited from full access to the European single market and the harmonization of EU directives. Its business-friendly tax regime, legal stability, and strategic location make it a popular choice for corporate structuring and investment.
Malta’s standard corporate tax rate is 35%. However, its full imputation system allows for significant tax refunds to nonresident and corporate shareholders upon the distribution of dividends, reducing the effective tax burden substantially:
- A 6/7 refund applies to active trading income, lowering the effective rate to about 5%.
- A 5/7 refund applies to passive interest and royalties, resulting in an effective rate of approximately 10%.
- A 2/3 refund applies to other passive income such as capital gains, reducing the effective tax to around 11.67%.
Dividends paid to nonresidents are not subject to withholding tax, further enhancing Malta’s appeal. A participation exemption is also available, eliminating tax on dividends and capital gains from qualifying shareholdings in foreign companies, subject to certain conditions.
Malta also allows for fiscal consolidation, treating a parent and subsidiary as a single taxpayer. This means the applicable effective tax rate can be applied directly at the company level, simplifying administration and improving cash flow. When fiscal units are not used, traditional refund claims are available and are generally processed within one to two months.
Malta permits the formation of private limited liability companies with as few as one shareholder, and up to 50. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities, with no residency restrictions. Each company must have at least one director (who may also be a shareholder) and a company secretary (who must be a natural person). If the director is a legal entity, two shareholders may be required.
Company ownership and management information is publicly accessible through the Malta Business Registry. However, following a European Court of Justice ruling, public access to beneficial ownership data has been restricted.
Malta’s VAT regime features an 18% standard rate. VAT applies to imports and local transactions, and businesses must file returns quarterly. Intra-EU B2B transactions benefit from the reverse charge mechanism, resulting in zero-rated supplies, while cross-border B2C sales exceeding €10,000 must apply the VAT rate of the customer’s country. These can be reported through the One Stop Shop (OSS). Electronically supplied services to EU consumers are also taxed at the point of consumption, with OSS reporting available. Sales outside the EU are generally VAT-exempt.
To obtain a VAT number, businesses may need to demonstrate a substantial presence in Malta, such as a local office or resident personnel.
All Maltese companies must file audited annual financial statements, regardless of activity level. Additional compliance requirements include:
- Audited accounts due by October for calendar-year companies,
- Tax returns due nine months after financial year-end,
- Provisional tax payments in three installments unless most income is foreign-sourced.
An Annual Return must also be filed, listing current shareholders, directors, and company secretary. While small companies may qualify for limited reporting exemptions, these are subject to strict eligibility rules.
The foundational document package confirming the company’s establishment and outlining its operational structure, includes:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MFSA stamped)
- Organigram
- Letter of Appointment of Shareholder, Secretary and Director
- First Resolutions of the Directors
- Register of Members
- Register of Directors
- Register of Beneficial Owners
- Shares Certificates
Learn more about companies in Malta:
Malta Limited Liability Company Formation and First-Year Corporate Services – USD 5,300.00 (All Included)
Note that our incorporation and annual fees are all “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services, duties, disbursements, and procedures to incorporate a limited liability company in Malta, and keep it in good standing.
- All applicable Registration and Government Fees (Malta Business Registry, and Malta Financial Services Authority)
- Preparing the Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association
- Preparing the Letter of appointment of Shareholder
- Preparing Power of Attorney to submit corporate documents to the MBR on behalf of the client
- Filing the M&AA and related incorporation documents with the MBR
- Providing Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum & Articles of Association certified by the Registrar
- Preparing Organigram, Register of Members, Register of Directors and Register of Beneficial Owners
- Preparing First Board Meeting Resolution resolving the Appointment of Directors, Registered Office and other corporate matters
- Registering the company with the Inland Revenue Department for Corporate and Value-added tax (VAT) purposes
- Preparing and Maintaining Share Registers
- Preparing Share Certificates
- Providing Registered Office Services for one year
- Providing Secretarial Services for one year
- Registering the company for VAT
- Providing Certified Copies of Corporate Documents
- Delivery of Corporate Documents, inclusive of Courier Fees
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We assist you in opening a bank account in Malta.
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Malta Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Malta Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoEURYesCompanies must have a business presence in Malta in the form of resident directors, offices and/or employees.Bank 2N/ANoMulticurrencyYesCompanies must have a business presence in Malta in the form of resident directors, offices and/or employees.Bank 3N/ANoMulticurrencyNoCompanies must have a business presence in Malta in the form of resident directors, offices and/or employees.
Note that we can also open overseas bank accounts for Malta companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, SEK, NOK, NZDYesPrivate Bank with focus on wealth management. If they open a corporate account for an active company, they would need that either the account has a substantial amount on the account, or that the UBO himself opens an account for wealth management.Bank 2EUR 300,000NoEURYesMinimum Initial Deposit requirements for countries outside of the European Union is EUR 1,000,000 or equivalent.
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Antigua Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Antigua Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, EURYesIn Euros they processes only via SEPA. In dollars at the moment only with correspondents in the US, through FEDWIRE (not ACH at the moment). Cash Secured Visa Credit Card available.Bank 2USD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
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Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesEUR, USD, RUB, AMDYesBusiness connection to Armenia is required. The annual outgoing turnover of the client should be at least 10 mln USD per year. The annual number of outgoing transfers should be at least 60 per year. Note that the banks considers smaller companies is well on case-by-case basis, but they could charges additional fees.
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Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.Bank 3USD 10,000,000NoMulticurrencyYesPrimary focus with physical presence in Bahamas. Business interest in the Bahamas. The company needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years.Bank 4USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Bank 5USD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
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Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesBank 2USD 2,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Bank 3USD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.Bank 2USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesVP Bank offers services to local BVI residents as well as international clients who have BVI companies, trusts or fund structures. It is primarily focused on financing, investment management, custodial and securities trading accounts. No Commercial Activity, only for asset management business.
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Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Cayman Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesBank 2USD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, CAD, GBP, AUD, MulticurrencyYesNCB Cayman Bank offers trading, private and investment bank accounts
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Cook Islands Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Cook Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, HKDYesClients can have a corporate account for operational purposes only if they open an investment account as well.
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Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingBank 2N/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/AYesMulticurrencyYesSupports large Cypriot and international groups, preferably operating from Cyprus and international companies in their expansion and operations in Cyprus.
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Dominica Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Dominica Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2N/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Bank 3N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 4N/ANoEUR, USDYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.
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Gibraltar Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 20,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesFor wealth management and brokerage accounts minimum relationships start from USD 250,000. Cards are dependent on jurisdictions.
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Hong Kong Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00Hong Kong Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1HKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.Bank 2HKD 200,000YesHKD, USD, MulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.
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Isle of Man Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Isle of Man Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoUSD, AUD, EUR, CZK, DKK, HUF, SGD, JPY, NOK, GBP, ZAR, ILS, NZD, PLN, CHF, SEK, CAD, BGNYes
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Labuan Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Labuan Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000NoUSD, JPY, SGD, EUR, GBPYesFor businesses operating offshore or non-resident companies seeking to establish corporate banking relationships in Labuan, we collaborate with a mid-size financial institution renowned for its expertise in serving international clientele. With decades of industry experience, this bank has positioned itself as a key player in supporting global businesses across a variety of sectors. This bank welcomes companies incorporated in numerous offshore jurisdictions without the stricter requirements, such as business nexus in the South Asia - East Asia regions, unlike larger institutions within Labuan. Catering to a diverse range of industries, the bank is well-versed in supporting investment and asset holding companies, as well as businesses engaged in sectors such as trade, professional services, e-commerce, among others. Whether you operate in consultancy, marketing or international trade, this bank offers tailored services to meet your corporate banking needs. Their corporate accounts are available in various major currencies, such as USD, JPY, SGD, EUR and GBP and the bank supports SWIFT transactions. Transactions will be carried out with the assistance of a dedicated personal relationship manager. In addition to traditional banking services, the bank also offers Islamic banking options, including Shariah-compliant investment products and Islamic trade financing solutions. Minimum relationships start from USD 10,000. The account opening process can be handled entirely remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Labuan. We will guide you through the preparation of the necessary KYC documentation and provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless and efficient bank account application process. If you are interested in opening a corporate bank account in Labuan, contact us today to assess your eligibility and initiate the account opening process!Bank 2USD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 3USD 25,000NoUSD, EUR, CAD, CHF, GBP, HKD, SGD, JPY, THB, AEDYesThey focus more on Labuan incorporated entities.
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Latvia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Latvia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1case-by-caseNoEUR, PLN, CNY, HUFYesThe company should have a substance in EU or UK. Personal accounts only for persons residing/working in Latvia.
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Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2USD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesBank 3USD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 4USD 10,000NoUSDYes
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesBank 2USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYes
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2N/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Bank 3USD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Bank 4USD 150,000NoUSDYes
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Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, HKD, Multicurrency, CAD, CHF, AED, AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK, THB, JPY, ZARYes
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Seychelles Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Seychelles Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 25,000NoUSDYesInternet banking is in view mode only, all transactions are carried out via email or by phone.
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Singapore Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Singapore Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1SGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 2USD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesBank 3SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 4USD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 5SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.
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Switzerland Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Switzerland Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1CHF 500,000YesEUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD, PLN, HKD, NOK, SEK, ILS, MXN, DKK, TRL, NZD, AEDYesAmina Bank does not open accounts with a pure transactional business nexus.Bank 2CHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 3CHF 3,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesDeposit must be maintained in crypto assets held through the bank's custody services. Minimum Average Balance for high risk jurisdictions should be 1-2Mio CHF.
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USA Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00USA Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MBank 2from 10,000 but preferred 250K-300KYesUSD, MulticurrencyYesThey tend to focus more on technology/startup companies that are focused on growing and scaling through future equity raises and subsequent debt facilities.Bank 3USD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).Bank 4Typically USD 25,000 - USD 50,000, for high risk USD 500,000YesUSDYesAt least one US based signatory is required. Purpose to open an account in US is required.Bank 5N/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
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EMI Account - USD $ 300.00EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteEMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesKazakhstan EMI AccountDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLuxembourg EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesSGD, USDYesSingapore EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesEUR, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountDepending on category.NoEUR, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoUSD, EUR, GBP, CADYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
Our bank account opening service is not just a mere introduction to the bank. We assist you in filling out the business plan forms appropriately and help you understand and provide business details, commercial information, and purpose/use of the bank account that a given bank wants to know in order to approve your account application.
Banks want certainty and clarity on how the account will be used. Everything must be watertight. We will work with you to make sure there is minimal ‘back and forth’ and a smooth account opening process.
Resident Director Services (Optional)
Note that the appointment of a Maltese resident director is not a statutory requirement, but it may be advisable in certain circumstances for tax residency and double tax treaty benefits purposes.
- Malta Resident Director (Corporate) – USD 6,500.00 p.a. (Corporate Director, including appointment of a resident individual as Corporate Secretary)
Malta Company Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 3,150.00 (payable one year after incorporation and annually thereafter)
- Providing Registered Office Services, including Registered Address, for one year
- Providing Secretarial Services for one year
- Preparing and Filing the Annual Return
- Annual Return Filing Fees and MBR Disbursements
Accounting and Tax Services (Optional, Estimation for Holding Companies / Low Number of Transactions)
Please note that the below are starting fees for companies with a low number of transactions (e.g. holding companies). Actual fees would depend on the scope of work. We will need to understand the transactional profile of the company (e.g. number of transactions per month) to provide an estimate.
- Accounting Services (setting up the company general ledger and Trial Balance and preparation of Financial Statements) – USD 1,450.00 p.a.
- filing Quarterly VAT returns with the VAT Authority – USD 275.00 per quarter (if applicable, on an ongoing basis)
- auditing of annual accounts and preparing and submitting annual tax return, including tax refund registration and claims – USD 2,150.00 p.a. (one year after incorporation)
Other Services (Optional)
- Establishment of Foundations and Trusts, and provision of Trustee Services
- MFSA Licensing and Registration of Investment Firms, Investment Funds, Payment and Electronic Money Institutions, and Virtual Financial Assets Providers
- MGA Licensing of B2B and B2C Gaming Providers
Please, contact us for further information.