Malta Offshore Company Formation

Malta is a country situated in southern Europe.  As an EU member State, the Republic of Malta gained independence from the UK in 1964 and its British history means that Malta’s company law is largely based on British Common Law, with all documentation prepared in English.  A Maltese company incorporation offers entrepreneurs access to EU tax treaties as well as providing companies with a European domicile which is favourable to clients worldwide. Its low tax rates, stable political system and professional business policy make Malta an attractive offshore company choice.

A Malta Private Exempt Company offers these benefits:

• Company structure – A Maltese Private Exempt Company requires one director and one shareholder. Non-residents can hold all of the shares. There is no requirement for the director to be local but cannot be the same person as the company secretary. Nominee directors and shareholders are permitted to offer privacy and confidentiality.
• Low tax – Malta taxes income derived worldwide. Corporate tax in Malta is 35%. However non-resident companies can obtain an 85% refund, meaning the rate is reduced to 5%. This is obtained by way of refunds that are made to the shareholders once the tax is fully paid. When distributions are made to the shareholder as dividends, they receive a partial refund (85%), resulting in 5% total tax paid by the Private Exempt Company.
• Zero tax benefits – Malta has no wealth tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax and there are no taxes on dividends or bank account interest. There is also no withholding tax on dividends, royalties and license fees.
• Double taxation treaty in place – Malta has over 70 double taxation agreements with other countries to ensure a company does not pay taxes twice for the same income.
• VAT application available – The Value Added Tax (VAT) is only applied to companies engaged in trading intra-EU and the rate is 18%.
• Registered office and agent – Private Exempt Companies must maintain a registered office in Malta.
• Entry into the EU market – As a part of the European Union, Malta benefits from all EU Double Tax treaties and regulations.
• Minimum share capital – There is a minimum authorised share capital requirement of €1,250. 20% of the minimum share capital must be paid on incorporation, the remainder must be paid within 12 months of incorporation.
• Trade restrictions – While there are no restrictions on the types of trade that a Malta Private Exempt Company may engage in, however some business activities might require a license. Examples of these would be insurance business, investment services and other financial services.

Requirements to Form a Private Exempt Company in Malta

• Registration – Company formation can take up to 4 weeks.
• Choosing the name of your Malta Private Exempt Company – Company names can be in any language using the Latin alphabet. As with all jurisdictions, the name must be unique and cannot not imply that the company is associated with illegal or governmental activity.
• Public records – Information about the directors and shareholders including their address and date of birth are a matter of public record and can be freely accessed. Trusts are required to disclose information regarding the settlor, trustees, and instigators.
• Financial statements – Accounts are required to be prepared, audited and filed with the Maltese government. Companies are required to maintain accounts to demonstrate the current financial situation.
• Company secretary – Every Malta Private Exempt Company must appoint a Company Secretary. This cannot be the same person as the Director but can be an individual or corporate body citizen of any country.
• Annual general meetings – Shareholders are required to hold an annual meeting, which can be held in any country.
• Ready made/shelf companies – Malta does not allow shelf Private Exempt Companies to be formed, as trading activities and beneficial ownership must be stated at the time of incorporation.

Please note that information given on this page is subject to change at any time without notice as a consequence of changes made in local legislation.