Company Formation in Malta

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Incorporate an EU company in Malta — a reputable financial centre with a full imputation tax system: 35% headline corporate tax with shareholder refunds that can reduce the effective rate to around 5% for trading income.

Malta company formation services, business registration and corporate setup in Malta

Why Choose Legarithm

At Legarithm, we blend legal expertise with a sharp eye to help your business grow. We handle corporate law, governance, contract risks, and all the tech–focused legal stuff startups and tech companies run into.

Opening a company in Malta presents an opportunity to elevate your business in one of the world’s most dynamic jurisdictions. Whether you are a resident or planning to expand into the Middle East, we’ll help you set up your company in this lucrative jurisdiction quickly and in full compliance. We have consultants, legal basis, and licenses to help you as effectively as possible. Advanced infrastructure, tax benefits, and simplified procedures—start building your successful business in Malta with our professional support.

Benefits of a Malta company

Why international groups choose Malta.

  • Business tax calculation, accounting services, bookkeeping and tax compliance for international companies.
    Refund tax system

    Refund tax system

    Thanks to the Tax Refund System, foreign shareholders can claim a refund of up to 6/7 of the corporate tax, which effectively reduces the tax rate from 35% to just 5%. This makes Malta one of the most attractive tax jurisdictions in Europe for international business.

  • Professional business consultation focused on trust, compliance and long-term client relationships
    Holding regime

    Holding regime

    Malta’s holding regime offers a full tax exemption on dividends and capital gains derived from a disposal of shares (Participation Exemption), provided the subsidiary meets specific criteria. Additionally, there are no withholding taxes on the distribution of dividends, interest, or royalties to non-resident shareholders.

  • European Union flag representing EU company formation and compliance services
    EU passporting

    EU passporting

    Malta’s EU membership allows locally registered financial, insurance, and gaming companies to freely provide their services across the entire European Economic Area without needing to establish separate branches in each country. This grants direct and simplified access to a single European market of over 450 million consumers.

  • Business tax calculation, accounting services, bookkeeping and tax compliance for international companies.
    Double tax treaties

    Double tax treaties

    Malta has concluded over 70 double taxation treaties, securely protecting international businesses from being taxed twice on the same income in different jurisdictions. These agreements significantly minimize or completely eliminate withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties.

  • Corporate document certification and compliance services for international businesses
    Skilled workforce

    Skilled workforce

    With English as an official language and high educational standards, Malta has built a highly qualified, multilingual labor market, particularly tailored to the IT, finance, and iGaming sectors. This enables international companies to recruit top talent easily and smoothly integrate local teams into global business operations.

Who uses Malta companies

Typical structures we set up.

Trading companies

International trade and services with refund-system efficiency.

Holding companies

Participation exemption on qualifying holdings.

iGaming & tech

Malta is a leading EU hub for online business.

Shipping & yachting

Tonnage tax and registration advantages.

IP structures

Royalty and licensing arrangements.

We will set up your Malta company efficiently and in full legal compliance.

Incorporation, tax and VAT registration, registered office, accounting and the refund mechanics handled by one team.

Requirements & Documents

A Malta limited company needs at least one shareholder and one director, a Malta registered office, and a company secretary. Minimum capital €1,164.69 (20% paid up). KYC documents for all involved parties; audited annual accounts are mandatory.

  • Valid passport copy for each shareholder, director and ultimate beneficial owner
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, usually not older than 3 months)
  • Short description of the planned business activity
  • Source-of-funds confirmation where required by compliance checks
Need help confirming eligibility?
Our compliance team can review your application and guide you through the process.

Malta company: step-by-step

From name reservation to a tax-registered EU company.

  • Step 01

    Structure and name

    We agree the share structure (often two-tier for refunds) and reserve the name with the Malta Business Registry.

  • Step 02

    KYC/AML pack

    Identity, address and source-of-funds documents for shareholders, directors and UBOs.

  • Step 03

    Incorporation filing

    Memorandum & Articles filed with the MBR; capital deposit confirmation.

  • Step 04

    Tax and VAT registration

    Corporate tax registration, VAT number and PE/employer registrations as needed.

  • Step 05

    Banking and operations

    Bank/EMI introductions, accounting setup, and the dividend/refund calendar.

Malta company formation: costs

Registry fees depend on authorised capital; our fees are fixed and quoted upfront.

Standard Package
  • Malta Business Registry (MBR) incorporation
  • Creating the company’s blueprint—the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
  • Correct registration under the Income Tax Act so you can legally operate and eventually utilize Malta’s imputation system.
Smart Package
  • Covers all the foundational steps from the first tier (MBR filing, tailored M&A drafting, and tax registration)
  • Registered office 12 months
  • Company secretary
Premium Package
  • Includes the full corporate packet (Setup, registered office, and company secretary), plus initial tax and VAT activation.

  • Refund claim support for you to get 6/7ths corporate tax refund back from the government

From 1 to 2 Weeks

That’s how long it will take for your business to start generating profits when you start right now with the Legarithm team.
*Typical MBR processing once KYC and capital confirmation are complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer to your question? Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Is Malta an EU jurisdiction?

Yes, absolutely. Malta has been a full member state of the European Union since May 1, 2004, and adopted the Euro (€) as its currency in 2008. This means a Maltese company is a fully compliant European entity, operating under the EU’s strict legal frameworks, data protection rules (GDPR), and harmonized financial regulations.

What if I already have companies in other jurisdictions? Can I have one in Malta?

Yes, you can freely hold a Maltese company alongside other international entities. In fact, Malta is a primary location for cross-border corporate structuring:

  • As a Holding Company: A Malta company can serve as an excellent top-level holding company to hold shares in your existing UK, US, EU, or UAE entities, allowing you to pass dividends up to Malta without triggering local taxation (thanks to its Participation Exemption).

  • As a Trading Subsidiary: You can set up a Malta company specifically to act as your European trading arm, using EU Passporting to distribute services across all EU countries while keeping operations in other regions separate.

What benefits does Malta offer if I go for a company here?

The key commercial advantages of choosing Malta include:

  • The 5% Effective Corporate Tax Rate: While Malta has a standard corporate tax rate of 35%, its unique, EU-approved tax refund system allows non-resident shareholders to claim back 6/7ths of that tax once dividends are paid.
  • No Withholding Taxes: Malta does not levy withholding taxes on the distribution of dividends, interest, or royalties to non-resident shareholders.
  • A True Gateway to the EU: You gain immediate access to the single European market with English as the official language of business, law, and corporate banking.
What is the real tax rate for a Malta company?

Headline corporate tax is 35%, but shareholders of trading companies can typically claim a 6/7 refund, bringing the effective rate to around 5%.

What is the minimum share capital?

€1,164.69, of which only 20% (~€233) must be paid up on incorporation.

Is an audit mandatory?

Yes — Malta companies file audited annual accounts. We arrange the audit.

Does Malta suit holding structures?

Yes — the participation exemption can fully exempt qualifying dividends and capital gains.

We Are Always Available

Our team ensures your business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.

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Cyprus, Nicosia

Arch. Makarios Av. III, No. 1-7, Mitsis Building 3, 3rd floor, Office 302, 1065 Nicosia

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Estonia, Tallinn

Tallinn,  Harju maakond, Lasnamäe linnaosa, Ruunaoja tn 3, 11415

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Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, UAE

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Ukraine, Kyiv

Kyiv, Mykhailo Boychuk Street, Office 3011, 01103, Ukraine

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United States, New York

228 Park Ave S, New York City, New York, 10003, USA

Get in Touch

Leave your inquiry, and our legal team will get back to you as soon as possible. Initial consultation is free of charge and confidential.