Register Company in Malta from anywhere in the world!

Introduction to Register Company in Malta

Malta is Europe’s most attractive business destination. The reason being you get access to sophisticated financial services sector and most favorable tax frameworks. For example, the robust legal system is based on English common law and Malta also encourages foreign investment through various incentives and support programs. So, when you register a company in Malta, you are not only setting up a business entity there. You are positioning yourself and your business in a business-friendly ecosystem that values your innovation and supports you in your growth.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose to Register Company in Malta

#. Strategic EU Market Access

When you register company in Malta, you get instant access to the European Single Market. Malta is a full member of the European Union. That means, if you register company in Malta, you can trade freely across all 27 EU Member states without facing any customs barriers, tariffs, or complex export procedures. In simple words, suppose you open a software business in Malta, you can then sell your product or services even in Germany, France, Spain and all other nations in the European Union without requiring other business registrations, import licenses or customs declarations.

#. Highly Competitive Tax System

Malta offers the most tax-efficient structures in Europe. You as a shareholder in Malta get to claim corporate tax paid by the company. Even though the corporate tax is 35% , the effective tax rate can be reduced to 5 or 10% through legitimate refund mechanisms. For instance, An international trading company that decides to register company in Malta and distributes dividends to its shareholders could potentially claim a 6/7ths tax refund, resulting in an effective corporate tax rate of just 5% on business profits, compared to rates of 25-30% in most other European countries.

#. Zero Minimum Capital Requirements

Malta makes it easier for you to register company in Malta. Unlike other jurisdictions that require substantial upfront capital deposits, Malta allows you to register company with no minimum share capital requirement for private limited companies. In practice, you can register company in Malta with just €1 in share capital and allocate the limited funds toward product development and marketing rather than locking capital in a bank account.

#. Extensive Double Tax Treaty Network

Malta’s treaty network minimizes international tax obligations. It has negotiated over 70 double taxation agreements with countries worldwide. So, suppose you register company in Malta and do business with Singapore clients and receive royalty payments. Now, Malta has treaties with Singapore and as a result, tax rates on royalties will be reduced from the standard rate to just 5%.

#. Specialized Industry Expertise

Malta has developed and has an active key growth sector. The country has intentionally cultivated expertise in high-value industries including online gaming, fintech, blockchain technology, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. Interestingly, An online gaming operator that chooses to register company in Malta can apply for a Malta Gaming Authority license. It is one of the most prestigious gaming license that is recognized globally.

Apart from these, there are several benefits essential for business growth that you can avail only if you register company in Malta.

Tax and Financial Benefits of Register Company in Malta

Types of Business Entities to Register Company in Malta

Eligibility Requirements to Register Company in Malta

DIRECTORS

#. Minimum 1 director is required to register company in Malta.

#. Individual or corporate directors are allowed.

#. No nationality or residency restrictions apply.

#. Director must be at least 18 years old.

#. A director can also be a shareholder.

#. Documents required: passport, proof of address, CV, and police conduct certificate if applicable.

SHAREHOLDERS

#. Minimum 1 shareholder is required to register company in Malta.

#. Shareholders may be individuals or corporate entities.

#. No nationality or residency restrictions apply.

#. A single shareholder may own 100 percent of the company.

#. No maximum limit on shareholders.

#. Nominee shareholders are permitted.

#. Documents required: passport or incorporation certificate, proof of address, source of funds documentation.

COMPANY SECRETARY

#. A company secretary must be appointed within six months when you register company in Malta.

#. Secretaries may be individuals or corporate service providers.

#. They must reside in Malta or an EU or EEA state.

#. The sole director cannot simultaneously be the sole company secretary.

#. Role is often outsourced to licensed professionals.

#. Documents required: acceptance letter, residency proof, qualifications where relevant.

REGISTERED OFFICE

#. A physical Maltese address is mandatory to register company in Malta.

#. PO boxes are not permitted.

#. Address may be provided by a corporate service provider.

#. Location must be accessible during business hours.

#. Address is used for all official government correspondence.

#. Documents required: lease agreement, consent letter, utility bill.

SHARE CAPITAL

#. No minimum capital requirement for private companies when you register company in Malta.

#. Public companies require a minimum of €46,587 in share capital.

#. Ordinary and preference shares are both allowed.

#. Multiple share classes may be issued.

#. At least 20 percent of the capital must be paid up at incorporation.

#. Documents required: bank statement, capital declaration, share subscription forms.

COMPANY NAME

#. Name must be unique to register company in Malta.

#. Must contain the word Limited or Ltd.

#. Certain words like Bank, Insurance, or Trust require special approval.

#. Name reservation is valid for 60 days.

#. Name cannot be misleading or offensive.

#. Documents required: name search results, reservation certificate, approvals if needed.

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES

#. These documents are mandatory to register company in Malta.

#. Memorandum outlines company objects and structure.

#. Articles define governance rules and operating procedures.

#. Must comply with the Companies Act.

#. May be customized for business needs.

#. Notarization is required.

#. Documents required: signed Memorandum and Articles of Association.

REGISTERED AGENT

#. Typically required for non-resident founders who register company in Malta.

#. Manages compliance, filings, and communication with authorities.

#. May provide the registered office address.

#. Documents required: service agreement, agent licence, acceptance of appointment.

BUSINESS LICENSE

#. Required for regulated activities when you register company in Malta.

#. Mandatory for sectors like gaming, finance, and aviation.

#. Certain professions require proof of qualifications.

#. Most e-commerce activities do not need a specific license.

#. Documents required: business plan, financial projections, compliance documentation, qualifications.

TAX REGISTRATION

#. Tax ID number is issued automatically when you register company in Malta.

#. VAT registration is required when reaching the applicable threshold.

#. Employers must register workers for social security.

#. Annual tax returns must be filed.

#. Documents required: incorporation certificate, VAT application if applicable, employee details.

BANK ACCOUNT

#. Corporate bank account required after you register company in Malta.

#. Can be opened in Malta or with an international EU bank.

#. Due diligence typically takes two to eight weeks.

#. Directors may need to be physically present, depending on the bank.

#. High-risk industries undergo enhanced checks.

#. Documents required: incorporation documents, director passports, proof of address, business plan, source of funds declaration, references.

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

#. UBOs holding 25 percent or more must be declared when you register company in Malta.

#. Details must be recorded in the beneficial ownership register.

#. Updates must be filed within 14 days of any change.

#. Non-compliance results in penalties.

#. Documents required: UBO form, passport copies, proof of address, ownership chart.

COMPLIANCE OFFICERS

#. Required for regulated companies that register company in Malta.

#. Roles include MLRO and compliance officer, depending on business activity.

#. Individuals must meet fit-and-proper standards.

#. Roles may be outsourced.

#. Documents required: CV, qualifications, police certificate, references, regulatory approval forms.

AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

#. Annual audit is mandatory for most companies that register company in Malta.

#. Auditor must hold a valid Maltese warrant.

#. Audited financial statements must be filed each year.

#. First audit covers the period from incorporation to the first year-end.

#. Documents required: auditor acceptance letter, warrant details, engagement letter.

Step-by-Step Process to Register Company in Malta

• 1

  Step 1

  Choose a Business Structure and Reserve Company Name

  The business structure determines your tax obligations and liability protection. Also, you will need to choose a legally acceptable name accordingly.

• 2

  Step 2

  Appoint Directors, Shareholders and Company Secretary

  Malta requires at least one director and one shareholder (who can be the same person), plus a company secretary who must be Malta or EU resident. These appointments are mandatory legal requirements when you register company in Malta.

• 3

  Step 3

  Secure Registered Office Address and Engage Service Provider

  Every company must have a registered office address in Malta where official correspondence is received. A registered agent or service provider such as E-Startup ensures compliance with local regulations and assists with ongoing administrative requirements.

• 4

  Step 4

  Notarize Documents and File Registration Application

  Maltese law requires the Memorandum and Articles to be notarized by a Malta notary public. The notarized deed, along with required forms (BO1 for beneficial ownership, Form A for officer details), must be filed with the Registry to legally register company in Malta.

• 5

  Step 5

  Open Corporate Bank Account

  Once your application to register company in Malta is done, you can operate corporate bank account. A corporate bank account is essential for receiving payments, paying expenses, and maintaining proper separation between personal and business finances. Banks conduct thorough due diligence, which can be the most time-consuming step when you register company in Malta.

Documents Required to Register Company in Malta

For Directors

#. Valid passport copy (certified)

#. Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)

#. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

#. Police conduct certificate (if requested)

#. Professional references

#. Bank reference letter

For Shareholders (Individuals)

#. Valid passport copy (certified)

#. Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)

#. Source of funds declaration

#. Source of wealth declaration

#. Bank statements (last 3-6 months)

#. Professional references

For Shareholders (Corporate Entities)

#. Certificate of Incorporation

#. Certificate of Good Standing

#. Memorandum and Articles of Association

#. Register of Directors and Shareholders

#. Corporate structure chart

#. Financial statements (last 2 years)

#. Board resolution authorizing investment

Company Formation Documents

#. Completed name reservation form

#. Draft Memorandum of Association

#. Draft Articles of Association

#. Form A (Particulars of Directors and Secretary)

#. Form BO1 (Beneficial Ownership Declaration)

#. Share subscription agreement

#. Declaration of compliance with Companies Act

Registered Office Documents

#. Registered office address confirmation

#. Lease agreement or property ownership documents

#. Consent letter from property owner

#. Utility bill for registered office address

Company Secretary Documents

#. Acceptance letter from company secretary

#. Proof of Malta or EU/EEA residency

#. Professional qualifications (if applicable)

#. Identification documents

Banking Documents

#. Certified Certificate of Incorporation

#. Memorandum and Articles of Association

#. Board resolution for opening bank account

#. Business plan

#. Proof of source of funds

#. Directors' identification and address proof

#. Beneficial ownership documentation

#. Company structure diagram

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

#. Business license application (for regulated activities)

#. Professional qualifications and certifications

#. Insurance certificates

#. Lease agreements for business premises

#. Employment contracts

#. VAT registration application

#. Social security registration forms

#. Data protection registration form

#. Auditor acceptance letter

#. Power of attorney (if directors cannot attend in person)

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Why Choose E-Startup to Register Company in Malta

E-Startup makes the process to register company in Malta easy, fast, and fully compliant. With E-Startup, registering a company becomes straightforward, from choosing the right business structure to ensuring all applications are accurately filed with the Companies Registrar and tax authorities. E-Startup delivers a smooth, efficient, and hassle-free experience when you register company in Malta.
You can also register company in Malta with E-Startup from anywhere in the world. The entire process is handled online, and registration is typically completed within 5–10 business days.
E-Startup provides expert support for banking setup, tax optimization, and post-registration compliance, helping you establish a fully operational business with confidence. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or global business owner, E-Startup simplifies every step of the journey when you register company in Malta. In short, E-Startup manages the complexities while you focus on growing your business.