CSB provides a full range of Malta Company Formation and Incorporation services, corporate and tax administration and back-office support services including assisting clients with their Company Incorporation, tax structuring and general administration needs.

Malta Company Formation

Maltese companies provide an effective solution as a European Union based company of choice. Malta's competitive tax system, extensive network of Double Taxation Agreements, and its English-speaking educated workforce make it an increasingly popular business vehicle for companies from all over the world. Whether you're looking for an effective asset-holding structure, an international trading company, a ship-owning company, an investment vehicle or a captive insurance company, Malta provides several solutions to accommodate your requirements. Malta is currently signatory to over 60 Double Tax Treaties and some interesting opportunities exist when putting into place the appropriate corporate structure.

Malta Company Formation - Company Types and Company Name

  • private limited liability company; and
  • public limited liability company.

The name of a private company must end with the words ' Ltd.' whereas a public company must have 'p.l.c.' at the end.

Malta Company Incorporation - Shareholders

Every private company must have, at least, one shareholder who may be individuals or corporate. A private exempt company may be set up subject that the company's director is an individual and not a corporate entity. 

CSB Trustees & Fiduciaries, a member of CSB Group has announced the extension of the authorisation in accordance with Article 43(12)(b) of the Trusts and Trustees Act (Cap 331 of the Laws of Malta), so as to include acting as an administrators of private foundations.

Malta Registered Office

Every company must have a registered office situated in Malta. CSB Group provides registered office facilities in Malta apart from Malta Company Incorporation services.

Registry of Companies - Fees

Malta company formation expenses are payable to the Registrar of Companies upon incorporation. Currently, they vary from a minimum of EUR 350 to a maximum of EUR 1750, depending on the value of Authorised Share Capital. A fee of EUR 163.06 is payable annually upon submission of the Annual Return. The share capital may be divided into ordinary shares and preference shares and classes or variants thereof. In the case of private companies, bearer shares are not allowed. Ownership of unlisted company shares or debentures is evidenced by entry in the company's register of members or of debentures and by the issue of a share or debenture certificate.

Registration Period

The length of time to incorporate depends on the type of company involved and on the timely submission of all information and documentation to our offices. The process can take as little as 48 hours.

Taxation and Double Tax Treaties

The company rate of tax is a flat-rate of 35% on the chargeable profits based on the audited accounts of the company. However, a system of tax refunds granted to shareholders provides significant fiscal benefits, reducing Malta tax in the hands of shareholders to 0% in the case of holding companies, and 5% in the case of trading companies. In either case, there are specific legal requirements that must be satisfied in order for shareholders to benefit from such refunds. Licensed shipping organisations which own or operate tonnage tax ships are exempt from taxes in Malta. Malta is currently signatory to over 60 Double Tax Treaties and some interesting opportunities exist when putting into place the appropriate corporate structure.

Accounting & Auditing Requirements

Malta companies are required to keep proper accounting records and to have their accounting records audited at the end of each financial year and this in accordance with Malta's Companies Act, 1995 and International Accounting Standards. Financial statements comprise of the directors' report, the auditors' report, balance sheet, profit and loss account, notes to the financial statements, together with schedules to the profit and loss account. 

Malta Company Formation Procedure

A Malta company is constituted by a Memorandum of Association being entered into and subscribed to by the shareholder/s and a certificate of registration being issued in respect thereof. The Memorandum should state the name of the company; the name, address and official identification of the subscribers thereto; whether the company is a private company or a public company; the registered office of the company in Malta; the objects of the company; details regarding the authorised, issued and paid-up share capital; the number of directors and the particulars of the first directors and secretary, and the manner in which the representation of the company is to be exercised.

Exchange Control and Share Capital

Maltese Companies are not subject to any exchange control restrictions. The authorised and issued share capital of a private company shall be of a minimum of EUR 1164.69 of which at least 20% is to be paid-up. In the case of public companies, the minimum authorised and issued share capital shall be of EUR 46,587.46 of which at least 25% must be paid-up. Companies may have their share capital denominated in any major foreign currency.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.