Set up a company in Malta

Maltese legislation is very encouraging for foreign investors. Malta offers many incentives for foreign investments, being a country open for economical and cultural development. The incorporation process of company in Malta is rather simple, and does not require many complicated procedures. Registering a company requires little documentation, and does not imply physical presence.

Preliminary activities before registering a public and private company in Malta
Prior to registering a Maltese public or a private limited liability company it is necessary that the owners or representatives verify the uniqueness of the name chosen for the company. This procedure can be done online. The next step prior to registration is opening a bank account and depositing the minimum paid-up required capital. The memorandum and articles of association must be prepared for submitting to the Companies Registrar.

Registering the public and private limited liability companies with the Companies Registrar in Malta
The founders of the Maltese companies must submit the memorandum of association which should contain the name and residence of the subscribers, the name of the company, the registered office, objects of the company etc. In the case of a public limited company in Malta another document containing the total amount of all the costs payable by the company or chargeable to it from its formation up to the time it can commence business and a description of any special advantage granted. The period of time to registration depends if all the documents are available and in order. Once the Registrar has all the documents and information, the registration process may take as little as 24 hours.

Registering for VAT in Malta
After receiving the registration certificate issued by the Companies Registrar in Malta, the owners of a public or limited liability company must register for VAT at the VAT Department of the Ministry of Finance of Malta. The procedure can be done online submitting an application that contains identification information of the company. The result is the issuance of the VAT number.

Registering for Social Security and Insurance
After the company receives the permission to commence business activities, and after hiring the first employee, the founders of the company must register for Social Security, by submitting required documentation and identification information on the company and the employees.

Setting up a Maltese company from abroad
The Maltese government is very open to foreign investment, encouraging foreign business development. The same laws and regulations apply both to national and foreign entrepreneurs. A foreign investor is free to use any currency desired and does not have to be a Maltese resident. Also, the incorporation process does not require physical presence in Malta.

How long does it take to set up a company in Malta?
Verifying the company name and preparing the necessary for registration documents do not take more than two days two complete, and the registration process itself can be completed in 24 hours. Registering for VAT and Social Security can be done simultaneously in one day. A Maltese company is established in as little as 3-4 days.