Company registration in Malta is overseen by the Malta Business Registry (MBR — mbr.mt). The process can be completed online and usually takes two to three days if documents are in order. Common legal structures include private limited companies, which require a minimum share capital of €1,165 (~$1,330), 20% paid up. A company must have at least one director, one shareholder and a company secretary, and all can be foreign nationals. Statutory documents include the memorandum and articles of association. Once incorporated, businesses must register for a tax number and VAT, depending on activity. Corporate tax is set at 35%, though Malta’s full-imputation system and refund mechanism often reduces the effective tax rate to between 5% and 10% for foreign-owned companies. Opening a business bank account can take longer than incorporation itself with extensive due diligence checks. Many founders engage local accountants or law firms to navigate compliance, payroll and licensing requirements.

Opening a bank account is a straightforward but document-heavy process. Both traditional banks and newer digital services are available, the latter being widely used by expats. Most brickand- mortar banks require proof of residence in Malta, a valid passport and sometimes a reference from an existing account holder or employer. Processing can take several weeks. For freelancers or newly arrived professionals, digital banks are often faster and offer Englishlanguage support and easy EU transfers. Entrepreneurs setting up companies usually need a local business account, and banks typically request detailed business plans, tax registrations and proof of capital. The Malta Financial Services Authority oversees all financial institutions, ensuring compliance with EU anti-money laundering regulations. With strict documentation requirements, expats are advised to begin applications early and consider digital-first banks as a bridge solution before obtaining full residency documents.

Healthcare coverage is a legal requirement in Malta. EU citizens can rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC — employmentsocial- affairs.ec.europa.eu/policiesand- activities/moving-working-europe/ eu-social-security-coordination/europeanhealth- insurance-card_en) for short stays, but non-EU residents must take out a private policy until they are covered by Malta’s public system. Once registered, residents gain access to free healthcare through the national health service, while private hospitals and clinics are also available for those who prefer them.

Individual taxes are charged on a progressive scale, ranging from 0% to 35%, and Malta has signed more than 70 double-taxation treaties, which benefits entrepreneurs with international clients. Foreign workers should also note Malta’s remittance basis of taxation: non-domiciled residents are taxed only on income earned locally and on foreign income remitted into Malta, an arrangement attractive to many expats. Freelancers and self-employed individuals must register with the Commissioner for Revenue (mtca.gov.mt) to obtain a tax number, and national insurance contributions are mandatory, funding pensions, unemployment benefits and healthcare. The system is designed to be straightforward, but professional advice is often recommended to navigate exemptions and ensure compliance.

Written by Yessica Klein
Main photo by Business Iceland