How to Open a Company in Malta: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Malta has become one of Europe’s most attractive business hubs, combining a strong legal framework, a competitive tax system, and a strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean. As part of the European Union, it offers access to the EU single market, double taxation treaty networks, and an investor-friendly environment.

Whether you are a Maltese entrepreneur launching your first venture or an international investor seeking a base in Europe, opening a company in Malta can be a straightforward process especially when working with an experienced corporate advisor who understands the system inside out.  

This guide breaks down everything you need to know for 2025, from choosing a structure to ensuring compliance after incorporation.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

The first step in company formation is deciding on the right structure. The most common are:

• Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd): Requires a minimum share capital of €1,165 (20% paid up). The liability of shareholders is limited to their investment.
• Public Limited Company (PLC): Requires a higher share capital (€46,587, with at least 25% paid up). Suitable for larger businesses or those planning to list shares publicly.
• Partnerships (en nom collectif / en commandite): Suitable for small teams or family-run businesses, with varying liability structures.
• Sole Trader: Simple and low-cost, but the owner has unlimited liability.

👉 Your choice affects tax, liability, and compliance obligations.

Tip: With a corporate advisor, you can assess your goals, risk exposure, and growth plans to determine which structure will serve your business best, both now and in the future.

Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name

Every company must have a unique name approved by the Malta Business Registry (MBR). You can submit a request to reserve the name, which is valid for three months. It’s recommended to prepare alternative names in case your first choice is rejected.

Tip: A corporate advisor ensures that your chosen name meets MBR standards from the start, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary rejections or delays.

Step 3: Draft the Memorandum & Articles of Association

These are the foundational documents of your company. They include:

• Company name and registered office in Malta.
• Shareholder details.
• Directors and company secretary appointments.
• Share capital structure.
• Object clause (business activities).

A company secretary is mandatory, and at least one director must be appointed (for private companies).

Tip: Having an advisor at this stage ensures that your documents are drafted in line with Maltese law, clearly defining your company’s framework, reducing risk of non-compliance.

Step 4: Deposit the Share Capital

For a Private Ltd, the minimum share capital is €1,165, with 20% paid up before registration. A bank deposit slip or payment certificate is required to prove the capital has been deposited.

Tip: An advisor helps you manage the financial documentation and liaise directly with the bank, ensuring your deposit process runs smoothly and aligns with regulatory expectations.

Step 5: Submit Documents to the Malta Business Registry

The following documents must be filed with the MBR:

• Memorandum & Articles of Association.
• Bank deposit slip for share capital.
• Identification documents (for shareholders, directors, company secretary).
• Beneficial ownership declaration.

Once approved, the MBR issues a Certificate of Incorporation, making your company official.

⏱ Timeline: If all documents are correct, incorporation can be completed in as little as 5–10 business days.

Tip: A corporate advisor ensures that all documentation is accurate and complete, minimising the risk of rejection and expediting the incorporation process.

Step 6: Register for Tax and VAT

After incorporation, companies are automatically registered for income tax and provided with a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

VAT registration depends on your business activities:

• Standard VAT rate: 18%
• Reduced rates: 7% (accommodation), 5% (electricity, certain goods/services)

Quarterly VAT returns and proper invoicing are required.

Tip: An advisor not only handles the registration process but also ensures your company meets ongoing tax and VAT obligations, preventing costly errors and penalties.

Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account

A corporate bank account in Malta is essential for operations. Banks will require:

• Certificate of Incorporation.
• Company documents.
• Proof of identity and address of shareholders and directors.
• Business plan or projected activities.

Non-residents may face stricter due diligence but can still open accounts with proper support.

Tip: Your advisor will guide you through bank selection, documentation, and due diligence, simplifying what can otherwise be one of the most complex steps for foreign investors.

Step 8: Stay Compliant Post-Incorporation

Incorporation is just the beginning. Companies in Malta must:

• File an Annual Return within 42 days of incorporation anniversary.
• Prepare and file audited financial statements annually.
• Maintain proper accounting records.
• Update beneficial ownership details within 14 days of any change.

Failure to comply can result in penalties or even strike-off from the registry.

Tip: Working with a corporate advisor ensures ongoing compliance, timely submissions, and a peace of mind, so you can focus on growth while your advisor manages the details.

Why Malta? Key Advantages of Incorporating

• EU Access: Full access to EU’s single market.
• Tax Benefits: 35% corporate tax rate, but effective tax rates as low as 5–10% thanks to shareholder refunds.
• Double Taxation Treaties: 70+ agreements to prevent double taxation.
• Investor-Friendly: English is an official language, and legal processes are transparent.
• Strategic Location: Gateway between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Opening a company in Malta is a smart move for both local and international entrepreneurs, but the process requires precision, compliance, and expert guidance.

At NOUV, we make incorporation seamless by handling everything from structure selection and documentation to VAT registration and compliance.

NOUV: Your Business Incorporation Partner

We offer a full suite of Corporate Services to help you set up and grow your business in Malta:

• Business structure advisory (Ltd, PLC, Partnerships, Sole Trader)
• Company formation & registration with the Malta Business Registry
• Memorandum & Articles of Association drafting
• Tax & VAT registration support
• Corporate secretarial services
• Compliance management (Annual Returns, Beneficial Ownership filings)
• Ongoing advisory for scaling and restructuring

Whether you’re opening your first venture, setting up a holding company, or expanding into Europe, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

👉 Let’s build your business future in Malta together.
🔗 Discover our Corporate Services: https://nouv.com/corporate/
🌐 Get in touch: https://nouv.com/contact-us/