Malta Company Registration & Formation Services

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Malta company formation is increasingly becoming the choice of entrepreneurs looking for opportunities to enter the EU market. Malta is an attractive choice due to its stable and reliable legal system and low taxes. Setup a company in Malta can also be done by non-residents by going through the registration process completely remotely. Governed by the Companies Act, company registrations in Malta are administered by the official Registrar of Companies Malta under the Malta Business Registry. Hereinafter, we will answer how to register a trading company in Malta.

Before start business in Malta, you should choose a legal structure. There are several legal structures available within the Malta register for companies, including:

1. Private Limited Company (Ltd)

The most popular choice for small and medium-sized enterprises.
May have 1 to 50 shareholders.
Minimum share capital: €1,165 (of which at least €245 must be paid upon registration).
Shares are privately held and not publicly traded.
At least one director and one company secretary are required (they do not have to be Malta residents).
This is the go-to option for foreign investors due to its simplicity, limited liability, and favorable tax treatment.

3. Sole Trader

A simple option for individuals operating in their own name.
No separate legal entity.
The sole trader bears full liability.
Quick to register but offers fewer legal protections.

2. Public Limited Company (PLC)

Ideal for larger businesses looking to raise capital through public stock offerings.
Minimum share capital: €46,588 (at least 25% must be paid up at incorporation).
Eligible for listing on a stock exchange.
Requires at least two directors and a company secretary.

4. Partnerships

Two main types exist under Maltese law:
Partnership en nom collectif – where all partners share unlimited liability.
Partnership en commandite – with general and limited partners based on liability.

5. Branch of a Foreign Company

International businesses can register a branch through the Malta register, which allows them to operate under local tax law without creating a separate legal entity.

Costs and Packages: Price of a Company Formation in Malta

The cost of registering a company in Malta varies depending on the structure and services included. A basic Malta company formation package typically ranges from €1,000 to €1,500, covering document preparation, name search via the Malta business registry search, and government fees (starting at €245).

More comprehensive “turnkey” packages can include tax registration, accounting services, registered address, nominee services, and administrative support — and may cost from €2,000 to €4,000 annually.

Name of the service

Start

Lite

Business🔥

Pro

Company registration, including state duty

✅

Share certificate

✅

Initial AML Compliance and Verification

✅

Legal address for 1 year

✅

Company secretary for 1 year

❌

✅

Confirmation of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)

❌

✅

Appointment of a Tax Representative

❌

✅

Corporate account

❌

✅

Tax number

❌

✅

VAT number

❌

✅

Appointment of a VAT Representative

❌

✅

Consultation on EU VAT and Taxation in Malta

❌

✅

Shareholders’ Agreement

❌

✅

Total cost

2925 EUR

2250 EUR

4225 EUR

3250 EUR

4550 EUR

3500 EUR

6175 EUR

4750 EUR

*The offer is valid until 08/31/2025

Getting Started with Company Registration in Malta

To start a business in Malta, you first need to select the suitable legal structure. Most foreign entrepreneurs choose the Ltd due to its flexibility and ease of management.

Next, you’ll define your company's structure (shareholders, directors, secretary, and registered address) and ensure your desired company name is unique via a Malta company registration search. This is easily done online through the official Malta Business Registry.

At this stage, it's also necessary to gather your KYC documentation:

Passport copies (for shareholders, directors, secretary);
Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement or other suitable document no older than 3 months);
CVs of key individuals;
Source of funds explanation;
Ownership structure chart;
Declaration of ultimate beneficial ownership;
In some cases, bank or professional references

Most of this can be handled remotely.

Step-by-Step: Malta Company Registration Process

Malta company formation follows a clearly defined legal process:

Choose a company type and corporate structure.
Perform a name check using Malta companies register search tools.
Create the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Submit KYC documents to the registrar.
File all documents and pay the fee to the Registrar of Companies Malta.
Receive your company registration number Malta and Certificate of Incorporation.
Automatically obtain a tax ID number (TIN).
Open a corporate bank account.

How to open a bank account in Malta?

Banks will require full KYC, company documents, proof of business activity, and in some cases — video identification or physical presence.

Typically the process is fully online if conducted via licensed professionals. After the official registration in the Maltese company register must publish basic company data, which allows for tracking recently incorporated companies in Malta.

Things to Know Before Registering Your Company in Malta

Before you setup company in Malta, consider the tax residency implications. A company is deemed tax-resident if management and control are exercised in Malta.

All companies must have a registered address in Malta and appoint a company secretary. Annual financial statements are mandatory, along with an audit (even for inactive entities), unless exempted.

There are also ongoing costs for legal compliance, accounting, registered office, and government filings.

Why is company registration in Malta so popular today?

Company registration in Malta is increasingly becoming the choice of entrepreneurs due to moderate taxes and fees, an effective and really working legal system, the ability to maintain documentation in English and the general spread of the English language and of course membership in the EU. Thanks to these features, Malta attracts more and more entrepreneurs every year.

Tax Information for a Malta Company Registration

The general tax rate is 35%, but Malta offers a tax refund mechanism for non-resident shareholders. In particular, non-resident shareholders can refund up to 6/7 of the taxes paid on profit distribution. This mechanism allows to significantly reduce the effective tax rate and makes Malta one of the most attractive jurisdictions.

Companies providing taxable goods or services must register for VAT and VIES. The standard VAT rate is 18%, and quarterly and annual returns must be filed.

When to register for VAT and VIES in Malta, and how to file reports?

VAT registration is mandatory once your business has taxable turnover. After registration, companies must file VAT returns quarterly and EC Sales Lists via the Malta register.

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Oleksandr Platonov
CEO, VorfahrQR UG

Germany📍
Apr 10, 2024

5.0

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