Open a Business Bank Account in Malta as a Non‑Resident

Malta is one of the most established EU financial jurisdictions for international founders looking to open a business bank account in Malta. As a full EU and Eurozone member, Malta offers access to EUR IBANs, SEPA payments, and a well‑regulated banking environment supervised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). The country is widely used by EU and non‑EU companies for cross‑border trade, digital services, fintech, and international holding structures, making a Maltese business account a valuable asset for global operations.

That said, opening a business bank account in Malta is not always straightforward. Maltese banks operate under strict AML and compliance frameworks and tend to be conservative when onboarding non‑resident founders, foreign‑registered companies, or businesses operating in higher‑risk sectors such as crypto, fintech, gaming, or cross‑border payments. As a result, many applications for a business bank account in Malta are delayed or rejected when founders approach the wrong institution.

Choosing the right bank or EMI is therefore critical. Applying to multiple providers without a clear strategy often leads to wasted time, repetitive KYC requests, and long email chains with no clear outcome. The best business account in Malta depends on factors such as residency, company structure, transaction volumes, risk profile, and whether remote onboarding is required.

This guide explains how to open a business bank account in Malta step by step, covering eligibility for resident and non‑resident founders, required documents, costs, timelines, traditional banks versus EMIs, and practical ways to improve approval chances when opening a Maltese business account.

Can a Non‑Resident Open a Business Bank Account in Malta?

Yes, non‑resident founders can open a business bank account in Malta, but approval depends heavily on the type of provider, company structure, and overall risk profile. Both EU and non‑EU founders are eligible to open a Maltese business account, including companies registered in Malta as well as foreign‑registered entities. However, traditional Maltese banks and EMIs apply very different onboarding standards, which significantly affects success rates.

For non‑resident founders, traditional banks in Malta typically expect a strong local connection. This may include Maltese tax residency, local directors, physical office presence, or clear economic substance in Malta. As a result, opening a business bank account in Malta with a traditional bank is often difficult for companies owned or managed entirely from abroad. Foreign‑registered companies and non‑EU founders face enhanced due diligence, longer timelines, and a higher likelihood of rejection.

International EMIs offer a far more realistic route for non‑residents looking to open a business account in Malta. EMIs are regulated financial institutions authorised to issue EUR IBANs and provide SEPA access, but they generally support remote onboarding, non‑resident directors, and companies registered outside Malta. For many founders, an EMI is the fastest and most practical way to secure a compliant Maltese business account without relocating or establishing physical substance.

Approval chances for a business bank account in Malta depend on several factors, including the clarity of the business model, expected transaction volumes, source of funds, ownership structure, and industry risk level. Low‑risk trading, consulting, and service businesses typically have the highest approval rates. High‑risk sectors such as crypto, fintech, gaming, or payment services are rarely accepted by traditional banks but may still be onboarded by specialist EMIs with enhanced compliance requirements.

In practice, most non‑resident founders open a business bank account in Malta through an EMI first, then consider transitioning to a traditional Maltese bank later once the business has operating history, revenues, and stronger EU substance.

Documents Required to Open a Business Bank Account in Malta

Opening a business bank account in Malta requires thorough KYC and KYB checks, reflecting Malta’s strict EU AML regulations and strong compliance reputation. Both Maltese banks and EMIs must fully understand who owns and controls the business, how it operates, and where funds originate. Incomplete or unclear documentation is one of the most common reasons applications for a Maltese business account are delayed or rejected.

Documentation requirements are broadly similar across providers, but traditional banks typically request deeper supporting evidence and apply higher scrutiny to non‑resident founders, foreign‑registered companies, and higher‑risk business models. EMIs tend to be more flexible, but still require clear, well‑prepared documents to approve a business bank account in Malta.

Personal Documents

• Passport or National ID – Valid, government‑issued identification for all directors, shareholders, and UBOs.
• Proof of residential address – Recent utility bill or bank statement (usually dated within the last 3 months).
• CV or professional background – Often required for non‑resident founders to demonstrate relevant experience and legitimacy of business activities.

Company Documents

• Certificate of incorporation – Official proof of company registration in Malta or abroad.
• Memorandum & Articles of Association – Outlining the company’s legal structure and permitted activities.
• Shareholder and director registers – Showing ownership, control, and management structure.
• UBO declaration – Identifying ultimate beneficial owners holding 25% or more of the company.
• Business plan and activity description – Clear explanation of products or services, target markets, and expected transaction flows.

Source of funds / source of wealth – Evidence explaining how initial capital and ongoing funds are generated, especially important for non‑resident and high‑risk businesses.

Types of Business Banking Options in Malta

When opening a business bank account in Malta, founders can choose between traditional Maltese banks and international EMIs. While both options provide access to EUR IBANs and SEPA payments, they differ significantly in onboarding speed, eligibility criteria, and risk tolerance. For non-resident founders, foreign-registered companies, and businesses seeking faster setup, EMIs are often the most practical option for opening a Maltese business account.

International EMIs – Easiest and Fastest Option

International EMIs are the preferred choice for many founders looking to open a business bank account in Malta, particularly non-resident and EU or non-EU owned companies. EMIs typically offer faster onboarding timelines of around 5–15 business days, fully remote application processes, and greater flexibility for cross-border and higher-risk business models. Most EMIs provide EUR IBANs, SEPA access, and multi-currency accounts, making them well suited for international operations and digital businesses.

EMIs are also more open to companies registered outside Malta and businesses without local substance, provided the business model, ownership structure, and source of funds are clearly documented. For founders who need speed, remote onboarding, and realistic approval chances, EMIs are often the best way to open a business account in Malta.

Top EMIs for Malta Business Accounts

Equals Money

A UK and EU‑regulated EMI commonly used by companies opening a business bank account in Malta for cross‑border and multi‑currency operations. Equals Money offers dedicated EUR IBANs, SEPA payments, multi‑currency accounts, FX risk management tools, and mass payment capabilities. It is best suited for non‑resident founders, trading companies, service providers, and internationally owned businesses with regular EUR and foreign currency flows. Pricing is typically subscription‑based, depending on account features and transaction volumes.

3S Money

A specialist international EMI well known for supporting non‑resident founders and companies with complex ownership structures when opening a Maltese business account alternative. 3S Money provides dedicated EUR IBANs, SEPA access, and tailored onboarding for higher transaction volumes. It is best for holding companies, international trading businesses, and firms that require personalised onboarding and higher compliance flexibility. Accounts are usually customised based on business profile and volume.

Fyorin

A modern EMI designed for globally active companies that need fast access to EUR IBANs compatible with Malta business banking requirements. Fyorin offers multi‑currency business accounts, SEPA payments, local collection options, and API‑friendly infrastructure. It is ideal for non‑resident founders, digital businesses, platforms, and service companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. Onboarding is fully remote and typically completed within 5–15 business days.

Moneybase

A Malta‑based regulated EMI providing digital business accounts with EUR IBANs, SEPA transfers, and local regulatory credibility. Moneybase is suitable for Malta‑registered companies and international founders who prefer a locally regulated Maltese business account solution. It works well for low‑to‑medium risk businesses, local trading entities, and companies seeking a domestic Malta banking alternative through an EMI structure.

Bankera

An EU‑regulated EMI offering EUR business accounts, SEPA payments, and extended services for fintech‑adjacent and eligible crypto‑related business models. Bankera is often chosen by founders who are unable to open a traditional business bank account in Malta due to risk classification. It is suitable for payment‑heavy businesses, marketplaces, and international platforms that require flexibility and broader financial services.

iBanFirst

A payments‑focused EMI built for companies with frequent international transfers and FX exposure. iBanFirst provides EUR business accounts, SEPA transfers, and competitive foreign exchange solutions, making it ideal for import‑export businesses, trading companies, and international service providers using Malta‑compatible EUR infrastructure primarily for payments and FX optimisation.

Traditional Banks in Malta

Traditional Maltese banks are highly regulated institutions with a conservative approach to risk. While they offer strong local credibility and full access to the Maltese banking system, opening a business bank account in Malta through a traditional bank is often challenging, especially for non-resident founders, foreign-owned companies, and businesses operating across borders. Onboarding timelines typically range from 3 to 8 weeks or longer, with extensive KYC, in-depth due diligence, and frequent follow-up requests.

Most traditional banks in Malta expect a clear local presence, which may include Maltese-resident directors, local employees, a physical office, or demonstrable economic substance in Malta. Non-EU founders and high-risk business models such as crypto, fintech, gaming, or payment services are rarely accepted. In-person meetings are often required, and approval decisions are highly discretionary, making outcomes difficult to predict.

Despite these challenges, traditional banks can be a good long-term option for Malta-registered companies with low-risk activities, stable revenues, and genuine local operations. Many founders aim to start with an EMI and later transition to a traditional Maltese bank once the business has built sufficient operating history and substance.

Top Traditional Banks in Malta

Bank of Valletta (BOV)

Malta’s largest and most established bank, widely used by locally incorporated companies. BOV offers full corporate banking services, EUR IBANs, and SEPA payments, but applies very strict onboarding standards. Best suited for Malta-based businesses with local directors, physical presence, and low-risk activities. Non-resident and foreign-owned companies face significant hurdles.

HSBC Malta

Part of the global HSBC group, offering international credibility and comprehensive corporate banking services. HSBC Malta focuses primarily on established businesses with strong compliance profiles, local substance, and transparent ownership structures. Opening a business bank account in Malta with HSBC is generally difficult for startups, non-residents, and higher-risk sectors.

APS Bank

A Malta-based bank with a more selective corporate banking offering. APS Bank may be suitable for small to medium-sized Maltese companies with straightforward ownership and local operations. Onboarding remains slow and documentation-heavy, with limited appetite for non-resident founders or complex international structures.

BNF Bank plc

A mid-sized Maltese bank providing business and corporate banking services to locally incorporated companies. BNF Bank offers EUR business accounts, SEPA payments, and standard lending facilities, and is best suited for Malta-based SMEs, family-owned businesses, and companies with clear local operations and low-risk activities.

Lombard Bank Malta plc

A long-established Maltese bank with a strong focus on SME and corporate banking. Lombard Bank offers business current accounts, deposits, trade finance, and FX services. It is suitable for Malta-registered companies with genuine local substance and straightforward ownership structures, but has limited appetite for non-resident founders or high-risk business models.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Business Bank Account in Malta

The cost to open a business bank account in Malta varies depending on whether you choose a traditional Maltese bank or an EMI, as well as your company’s risk profile, ownership structure, and transaction volumes. Non‑resident founders and high‑risk businesses typically face higher onboarding and compliance costs when opening a Maltese business account.

How Long Does It Take to Open a Business Bank Account in Malta

The time required to open a business bank account in Malta depends on the provider type, residency of founders, business risk profile, and ownership complexity. Traditional Maltese banks apply extensive due diligence, while EMIs typically offer significantly faster onboarding for eligible companies.

Low‑risk limited company: For a Malta‑registered, low‑risk limited company with local directors and straightforward ownership, opening a business bank account in Malta with a traditional bank typically takes 3–6 weeks. Timelines depend on document completeness, in‑person meeting availability, and internal compliance reviews.

Non‑resident founders and UBOs: For non‑resident founders or companies owned by foreign UBOs, timelines usually extend to 6–10+ weeks with traditional banks. Enhanced due diligence, additional source‑of‑funds checks, and repeated compliance reviews are common when opening a Maltese business account as a non‑resident.

High‑risk business account: High‑risk business models such as crypto, fintech, gaming, payments, or marketplaces face significantly longer timelines. Traditional banks rarely approve these cases, and where accepted, onboarding may take 8–12+ weeks or result in rejection. EMIs are generally the only realistic option for high‑risk business bank accounts in Malta.

Complex ownership structures: Companies with layered ownership, trusts, holding companies, or multiple jurisdictions should expect 8–12+ weeks with traditional banks. Each shareholder and UBO is reviewed individually, which increases approval time and documentation requirements.

EMI alternative: International EMIs offer the fastest route to opening a business bank account in Malta‑compatible EUR infrastructure. Most EMIs onboard eligible businesses within 5–15 business days, with fully remote processes, making them ideal for non‑resident founders and time‑sensitive operations.

How to Open a Business Account in Malta

Opening a business bank account in Malta is mainly a compliance and documentation exercise: the clearer your structure, activity, and money flows, the faster approval happens. Whether you choose a traditional Maltese bank or an EMI, the steps below show how to open a business bank account in Malta with fewer delays and stronger approval odds.

Step 1: Choose the Right Provider Type (Bank vs EMI)

The first and most important decision when opening a business bank account in Malta is choosing between a traditional Maltese bank and an international EMI. This choice determines your approval chances, onboarding timeline, and long-term banking flexibility.

A traditional Maltese bank is generally suitable for Malta-registered companies with genuine local substance. Banks expect low-risk business activities, local directors or management presence, physical offices, and clear economic ties to Malta. While traditional banks offer strong local credibility, they are slower, highly selective, and rarely suitable for non-resident founders or foreign-owned companies without substance.

An international EMI is often the fastest and most realistic way to open a business account in Malta for non-resident founders, EU and non-EU owned companies, and cross-border business models. EMIs support remote onboarding, flexible structures, and faster approvals while still offering EUR IBANs and SEPA access.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility Based on Your Profile

Before applying, you must realistically assess whether your profile matches the provider’s risk appetite. Maltese banks and EMIs evaluate eligibility based on substance, risk, and ownership transparency.

• Residency and substance – Traditional banks in Malta often expect local directors, employees, offices, or operational presence. Companies managed entirely from abroad face higher rejection risk.
• Sector risk – Low-risk consulting, trading, and service businesses are preferred. High-risk sectors such as crypto, fintech, gaming, payments, or marketplaces are rarely accepted by banks and are better suited to EMIs.
• Ownership complexity – Multi-layered holding structures, trusts, or multiple UBOs across jurisdictions increase scrutiny and extend onboarding timelines.

Step 3: Prepare Your Personal KYC Pack

Personal KYC documentation is a critical part of opening a business bank account in Malta, particularly for non-resident founders, foreign directors, and international UBOs. Maltese banks and EMIs are required under EU AML rules to clearly identify and assess the individuals who own and control the business. Weak, inconsistent, or outdated personal documentation is one of the most common reasons applications for a Maltese business account are delayed or rejected.

Providers will assess not only identity, but also background, experience, and credibility. This helps banks and EMIs determine whether the proposed business activity aligns with the individuals behind it and whether the risk profile is acceptable.

• Identification and address proof – All directors, shareholders, and UBOs must provide valid government-issued ID and recent proof of address. Details such as names, addresses, and dates must be consistent across all documents to avoid compliance red flags.
• Professional background – A clear CV or business profile explaining relevant industry experience, past businesses, and roles helps decision-makers assess legitimacy and reduces perceived founder risk when opening a business bank account in Malta.

Step 4: Prepare Your Company KYB Pack

Company-level KYB documentation explains how the business is legally structured, owned, and operated. When opening a business bank account in Malta, banks and EMIs rely heavily on KYB information to assess transparency, governance, and regulatory risk. A complete and well-structured KYB pack significantly improves approval chances and shortens onboarding timelines.

Maltese providers expect clarity around ownership, control, and permitted activities. Any ambiguity around shareholders, UBOs, or business purpose can result in enhanced due diligence or rejection.

• Core incorporation documents – Certificate of incorporation, Memorandum & Articles of Association, registers of directors and shareholders, and signed UBO declarations showing ultimate ownership and control.
• Business model overview – A concise, well-written explanation of products or services, target customers, operating countries, payment methods, and how the business generates revenue. This is essential for opening a compliant Maltese business account.

Step 5: Build a Clear Transaction and Funds Narrative

Banks and EMIs in Malta place strong emphasis on understanding how money will flow through the business account on a day-to-day basis. This narrative allows compliance teams to assess AML risk and determine whether expected activity matches the stated business model. Vague or generic explanations are a leading cause of rejection when opening a business bank account in Malta.

Your explanation should clearly connect business activity, customers, and financial flows in a logical and transparent way.

• Transaction flows – Expected monthly volumes, average transaction size, payment frequency, main corridors, and whether transactions are B2B or B2C.
• Source of funds and source of wealth – Clear evidence showing how startup capital is funded, where shareholder funds originate, and how ongoing revenues will be generated.
• Risk management – For higher-risk models, explain AML controls, transaction monitoring, customer due diligence, and any licences or regulatory oversight in place.

Step 6: Submit the Application (Remote or In-Person)

The application process for opening a business bank account in Malta depends largely on whether you apply to a traditional Maltese bank or an EMI. Understanding these differences helps set realistic expectations around timelines and effort.

• Remote onboarding – Most international EMIs allow fully remote applications, including digital document submission, identity verification, and electronic signatures. This makes EMIs ideal for non-resident founders seeking a fast Maltese business account alternative.
• In-person onboarding – Traditional banks in Malta often require physical meetings, wet signatures, and additional local verification. These requirements extend timelines and make banks less practical for founders based outside Malta.

Step 7: Respond Quickly to Compliance Questions

Compliance review is an interactive process. How quickly and clearly you respond to follow-up questions has a direct impact on approval speed when opening a business bank account in Malta.

Banks and EMIs interpret slow, unclear, or incomplete responses as increased risk.

• Treat compliance like a sales process – Clear, fast, and structured responses build confidence and trust.
• Provide complete answers – Attach supporting documents upfront to minimise repeated back-and-forth and delays.

Step 8: Account Approval, Activation, and First Transactions

Once approved, proper account setup and early transaction behaviour are essential to maintaining a healthy Maltese business account. Providers closely monitor initial activity to ensure it aligns with the declared business model.

• Account activation – Configure online banking access, user permissions, approval workflows, and security controls.
• Operational readiness – Add beneficiaries, configure SEPA and FX settings, and test inbound and outbound payments.
• Consistency matters – Early transactions should match stated activity to avoid compliance reviews or account restrictions.

Step 9: Ongoing Compliance and Account Maintenance

Opening a business bank account in Malta is not a one-time event. Ongoing compliance and transparency are required throughout the life of the account.

Banks and EMIs conduct periodic reviews to ensure continued compliance with AML regulations.

• Keep records updated – Notify providers of changes to ownership, directors, activities, or markets.
• Periodic reviews – Be prepared to provide updated invoices, contracts, financials, or explanations as part of routine AML monitoring.

How to Improve Approval Chances When Opening a Business Bank Account in Malta

Improving approval chances when opening a business bank account in Malta comes down to preparation, clarity, and choosing the right banking partner from the start. Maltese banks and EMIs are risk-driven institutions, and applications that clearly demonstrate transparency, consistency, and regulatory awareness are far more likely to succeed, especially for non-resident founders and foreign-owned companies.

• Prepare clean, consistent documentation – Ensure all KYC and KYB documents are up to date, professionally presented, and fully consistent across passports, addresses, company records, and UBO declarations. Even small mismatches can delay or derail a Maltese business account application.
• Clearly explain your business model – Use plain language to describe what your company does, who it serves, and how it makes money. Avoid vague descriptions. A clear business model aligned with permitted activities significantly improves approval odds when opening a business bank account in Malta.
• Be transparent about transaction activity – Clearly outline expected volumes, payment frequency, counterparties, and countries involved. Banks and EMIs in Malta look for predictable, logical transaction patterns that match the stated business purpose.
• Document source of funds and source of wealth early – Provide clear evidence showing where startup capital comes from and how revenues will be generated. This is especially important for non-resident founders and cross-border business models.
• Choose the right provider for your risk profile – Do not apply blindly. Traditional Maltese banks are best for low-risk, Malta-based companies, while EMIs are often better suited for non-resident founders, foreign-registered companies, and higher-risk sectors.
• Respond quickly and professionally to compliance queries – Fast, structured responses signal lower risk and operational maturity. Delayed or incomplete replies often trigger enhanced due diligence.
• Align early account activity with your application – Once approved, ensure initial transactions match what was declared during onboarding to avoid reviews, restrictions, or account freezes on your Maltese business account.

What Is Binderr Marketplace

Binderr Marketplace is a unified business banking and corporate services platform designed to simplify how founders open a business bank account in Malta and other international jurisdictions. Instead of approaching banks and EMIs individually, Binderr allows companies to compare, apply, and manage multiple business banking options through a single, structured process.

Through Binderr Marketplace, founders can access both traditional Maltese banks and international EMIs from one dashboard. The platform standardises KYC and KYB requirements into a single onboarding flow, meaning you complete your compliance checks once and reuse them across multiple bank and EMI applications. This significantly reduces duplication, delays, and inconsistent submissions when opening a Maltese business account.

Binderr also adds transparency to the process by clearly showing onboarding timelines, approval likelihood, fees, minimum balance requirements, and sector risk appetite. This allows founders to choose the best business account in Malta based on their residency status, company structure, and risk profile, rather than applying blindly and risking rejection.

For non-resident founders, foreign-registered companies, and higher-risk business models, Binderr Marketplace acts as a guided access layer to banks and EMIs that are actually open to those profiles, improving approval rates and speeding up the process of opening a business bank account in Malta.

Bottom Line

Malta remains a credible and strategic EU jurisdiction for international founders seeking a regulated, EUR‑based banking setup. With access to SEPA payments, EU financial credibility, and a mix of traditional banks and flexible EMIs, a business bank account in Malta can support cross‑border trade, international operations, and long‑term growth.

However, opening a business bank account in Malta is increasingly complex for non‑resident founders, foreign‑owned companies, and higher‑risk business models. Choosing the wrong bank, submitting unclear documentation, or applying without understanding risk appetite often leads to delays or rejection.

Binderr Marketplace removes this friction by helping founders identify the right banks and EMIs, apply with one unified KYC, and track every application from a single dashboard. For companies looking to open a business account in Malta efficiently and safely, Binderr offers the fastest and most transparent route to approval.

Find and compare top banks and EMIs in Malta and open a business account today.

FAQs: Business Banking in Malta