Unlocking Opportunities: Your Guide to Starting a Business in Malta

Starting a business in Malta brings many benefits due to its excellent location, attractive tax policies, and skilled workforce. This guide explores the advantages for companies, highlighting the supportive environment for growth and innovation, and the advanced infrastructure in place. Whether it's in the rising sectors like ai and fintech or substantial ones like agriculture, property, maritime and igaming, Malta offers great potential for business expansion. Malta has a proven reputation to be at the forefront when it comes to legislating emerging markets.

DZ Advisory is ready to guide you through this process, ensuring a straightforward and successful entry into Malta's dynamic business world.

Advantages for Businesses in Malta

• Great Location for Market Access: Malta is ideally situated for reaching markets in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. As an EU member, businesses in Malta enjoy access to the European Single Market without tariffs.
• Attractive Tax Benefits: Malta offers one of the most attractive tax structures in the EU, with over 70 double taxation treaties.
• Educated, English-Speaking Workforce: In Malta, English is an official language and the workforce is highly educated. They are also often multilingual. This makes it easy for businesses to operate internationally.
• Support for Innovation and Growth: The government of Malta encourages innovation in key sectors like fintech, gaming, and maritime, offering grants and tax credits for research and development.
• High-Quality Infrastructure: Malta boasts advanced telecommunications, efficient logistics, and modern facilities, all of which support robust business operations.
• Supportive Business Environment: Malta's government is pro-business, offering various incentives and programs to help businesses grow and thrive.

Guidelines and Requirements for Company Formation

• Registration Process: Any individual seeking to register his company in Malta can do so by appointing a CSP (Company Service Provider) who can assist with preparing a Memo that suits your needs and can also make sure you meet the substance requirements for effective management and control in Malta.
• To set up a company in Malta, first reserve a company name. Then submit the Memorandum and Articles of Association to the Malta Business Registry. You will then need to obtain the necessary licenses for your business, and register with the VAT department and with Jobsplus. If applicable, you’ll also need to register with the Data Protection Commissioner.
• Flexible Business Structures: Malta offers a variety of business structures to suit different needs, making it an ideal location for both small and large enterprises. For example, for a private limited company, the minimum share capital requirement is super low: it’s €1,165, with 20% to be paid upfront, facilitating an easier start for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Flexible Director and Shareholder Requirements: You can form a company in Malta with just one director and one shareholder. They don't have to live in Malta, which is great for international investors.
• Compliance and Reporting: Maltese companies must follow Maltese law and provide yearly financial reports and audits. This ensures that businesses operate transparently and reliably.

• Government Support: The Maltese government offers a range of programs to assist new and existing businesses. These include financial assistance, grants, and tax-related benefits.
• Business Growth Services: Malta has several helpful services, like business incubators, accelerators, and networking events, all aimed at helping businesses grow and succeed.
• Legal and Regulatory Assistance: Guidance is available to help businesses understand and comply with Malta’s business laws and regulations, which is vital across various industries.
• Assistance for International Trade: Malta also provides support for businesses wanting to expand internationally. This includes assistance with exporting, building international partnerships, and strategies for entering new markets.

The above is just a quick overview of the process of setting up a business in Malta. In reality, navigating Malta’s business landscape and all the necessary documents can be challenging, which is where DZ Advisory comes in.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring your business venture in Malta is as seamless and fulfilling as possible. Our services are designed to offer knowledgeable advice in areas including tax, compliance, maritime and aviation, property, fintech, and technology, as well as residency and citizenship investments.