Malta incorporation – sometimes called Malta company incorporation or company incorporation in Malta – is the official process of setting up a company in Malta that is legally registered under the Malta Business Registry (MBR) and recognised as an EU-compliant corporate entity.

When you incorporate a company in Malta, you gain a legal business structure that can trade across the EU single market, open Maltese and EU business bank accounts, and access Malta’s well-established tax refund system. The process is governed by the Companies Act (Chapter 386 of the Laws of Malta) and requires filing the Memorandum and Articles of Association, depositing the minimum share capital (€1,165 authorised / €250 paid-up), appointing directors and a company secretary, and registering a local Maltese office address.

There are several reasons why incorporation in Malta has become a leading choice for international founders and non-resident entrepreneurs:

• EU Membership & Passporting: A company incorporated in Malta enjoys the benefits of EU legislation, trade freedoms, and access to EU payment institutions and banking.
• Tax Efficiency: Malta’s standard corporate income tax rate is 35%, but foreign shareholders are typically entitled to a 6/7ths tax refund, which reduces the effective corporate tax rate to roughly 5% on active trading income. This makes incorporating in Malta especially attractive for international trading and holding structures.
• Double-Tax Treaties: With 80+ double-taxation agreements, a Malta-incorporated company can minimise withholding taxes on dividends, royalties, and interest from other jurisdictions.
• Robust Banking & Finance Ecosystem: Malta company incorporation enables access to respected local banks, EU SEPA networks, and fintech EMIs for multi-currency business accounts—a critical factor for cross-border businesses.
• English-Speaking & Business-Friendly Environment: English is an official language, and Malta’s Common-Law-influenced legal system is familiar to UK, EU, and Commonwealth investors.
• Strong Regulatory Framework: Regulated sectors—such as iGaming, fintech/EMI, PSP, forex, and crypto exchanges—favour Malta because it provides clear licensing regimes under authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority).
• Reputation & Credibility: A Malta-incorporated company is viewed as a legitimate EU entity, which improves trust with clients, investors, and banking partners worldwide.

Today, incorporation in Malta is particularly popular for:

• iGaming and betting operators seeking an MGA licence for EU credibility.
• Fintechs, EMIs, and PSPs that need an EU base for payment processing.
• Crypto and blockchain firms under the VFA Act.
• Holding and investment companies managing IP, yachts, aircraft, or other EU assets.
• Global trading companies leveraging EU market access and tax refunds.

Whether you’re looking to set up a company in Malta for trading, holding, or operating in a regulated high-risk industry, Binderr’s Malta incorporation services provide end-to-end support—from choosing the right entity type to managing KYC documentation, bank account opening, VAT registration, and ongoing compliance.

Choosing Malta for company formation gives entrepreneurs a rare combination of EU credibility, tax efficiency, and business-friendly regulation.

A Malta-incorporated company is registered under the Malta Business Registry (MBR) and benefits from the country’s strategic Mediterranean location, just a short flight from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Key reasons to incorporate a company in Malta:

• EU Membership & Market Access: A company incorporated in Malta is fully recognised across the EU, which makes it easier to trade cross-border, obtain EU VAT numbers, and passport certain financial and gaming licences.
• English-Speaking Workforce & Common-Law Influences: English is an official language, and Malta’s Common-Law-influenced legal system is familiar to UK, EU, and Commonwealth investors—making contracts, compliance, and corporate governance straightforward.
• Tax Refund Mechanism: While the headline corporate tax rate is 35%, foreign shareholders can usually claim a 6/7ths refund, reducing the effective tax rate to around 5 % on most active trading income. This makes Malta company incorporation highly attractive for international trading and holding structures.
• Double-Taxation Treaties: Malta has 80+ double-tax treaties, reducing withholding taxes on dividends, royalties, and interest—an advantage for cross-border trading companies and holding structures.
• Robust Banking & Fintech Ecosystem: A Malta-incorporated company can access multi-currency EU business accounts, SEPA payments, and fintech EMIs alongside traditional Maltese banks.
• Reputation for Regulated Sectors: Malta is one of Europe’s top hubs for iGaming (MGA licence), fintech/EMI/PSP firms (MFSA licences), crypto & blockchain businesses (VFA Act), shipping & yacht registration, and asset-holding companies.
• Global Credibility: Incorporating in Malta signals stability and compliance to investors, clients, and banks—important for raising capital and opening international accounts.

For founders who want EU recognition, tax-efficient profits, and a stable regulatory home, company incorporation in Malta remains a first-choice jurisdiction.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services guide you through everything—from entity selection and KYC preparation to bank account opening and VAT registration, so your launch is fast and fully compliant.

When you set up a company in Malta, you can choose from several legal structures depending on your size, industry, and liability preferences.

Private Limited Company (Ltd): The most common type of Malta company incorporation.

• Requires at least €1,165 authorised share capital (of which €250 must be paid-up at incorporation).
• Suitable for SMEs, startups, and trading companies.
• Liability is limited to the unpaid amount of shares.

Public Limited Company (PLC):cDesigned for large businesses and companies planning to raise capital publicly.

• Requires €46,587 authorised share capital (at least 25 % paid-up).
• Often chosen for financial services, listed entities, or large holding structures.

Branch or Subsidiary of a Foreign Company: Allows an existing overseas company to establish a registered Maltese presence without creating a brand-new legal entity.

• Popular with multinationals expanding into the EU market.

Partnerships (General or Limited): Less common for foreign investors but still available for small local ventures or professional firms.

Societas Europaea (SE): A cross-border EU-wide company form allowing seamless operations in multiple member states.

• Often used by pan-EU trading or holding companies.

Choosing the right structure for incorporating in Malta affects tax rates, liability, licensing, and substance requirements.

Binderr helps you compare each option, factoring in corporate tax refunds, VAT obligations, industry licences, and banking needs, to ensure your Malta company incorporation is fit for purpose from day one.

The timeline to incorporate a company in Malta is relatively fast compared to many other EU jurisdictions.

For a clean, standard Private Limited (Ltd) company file, where all KYC (Know-Your-Customer) and UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) checks are in order and the share capital is deposited, Malta company incorporation typically takes between 5 to 10 working days from the date the documents are submitted to the Malta Business Registry (MBR).

Key factors that influence Malta incorporation timelines include:

• Completeness of the KYC pack: Any missing documents, unclear UBO structures, or delays in notarisation/apostille can extend the process.
• Banking arrangements: If you also need to open a company bank account in Malta, onboarding with traditional banks may add extra weeks, especially if the business is in a higher-risk sector.
• Licensing requirements: If you plan to incorporate a company in Malta for a regulated sector—such as iGaming, fintech/EMI, PSP, forex brokerage, or a crypto exchange under the VFA Act—you should expect additional regulatory approvals. These can extend the overall timeline to 2–4 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the application and fit-and-proper assessments by regulators like the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) or MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority).
• Local holidays and MBR workload: Registry processing times can vary slightly during peak periods.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services help you avoid delays by:

• Pre-vetting your UBO structure to flag compliance risks early.
• Preparing complete, regulator-ready KYC and incorporation packs.
• Coordinating with the MBR, banks, and regulators on your behalf.

With Binderr Concierge, a straightforward Malta company incorporation can be completed in as little as one business week, assuming the file is clean and the shareholder is responsive.

 What are the key requirements to set up a company in Malta?

• At least one shareholder (individual or corporate)
• One director (can be non-resident)
• Company secretary (mandatory, must be Maltese-resident if sole director)
• Registered Maltese office address
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Paid-up share capital (€250 minimum for a Private Ltd)

Binderr Concierge assists with document drafting, notarisations, and registry filings.

For most entrepreneurs, you do not have to travel to Malta to incorporate a company in Malta. Modern Malta incorporation services make it possible to set up a company in Malta remotely, provided your KYC/UBO documents are properly certified and apostilled according to Malta Business Registry (MBR) requirements.

For a standard Private Limited company (Ltd):

• The whole Malta company incorporation process—drafting the Memorandum & Articles of Association, verifying UBO/shareholder identity, and filing documents with the MBR—can be handled entirely online or by courier.
• Non-resident shareholders and directors can sign documents remotely or provide wet-ink signatures that are later certified and apostilled in their home country.

However, certain steps may still require in-person attendance:

• Opening a Malta company bank account: Many traditional Maltese banks still require at least one physical meeting with the UBO or director to comply with AML/KYC regulations.
• High-risk or regulated businesses—for example iGaming, fintech/EMI, PSP, forex, or crypto exchanges under the VFA Act—may involve face-to-face interviews with the bank’s compliance team or with Maltese regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services make remote formation easy:

• We identify banks and EMIs that allow remote onboarding for low-risk industries.
• We pre-submit KYC packs to reduce or sometimes remove the need for travel.
• We coordinate any required in-person meetings so that you travel only if and when necessary.

Bottom line: Most founders can incorporate in Malta without visiting, but banking and regulated-sector licensing may still require at least one physical visit. Binderr helps you set up your Malta company remotely and plans ahead for any travel you might need.

If you’re wondering “how much does it cost to incorporate in Malta?”, the answer depends on the type of entity you choose and whether you’re in a regulated industry. Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for company incorporation in Malta:

Standard Private Limited Company (Ltd) – the most common for startups and SMEs:

• Government & MBR registry fees plus agent/service fees: usually €1,200 – €2,500.
• Paid-up share capital: minimum €250 (part of the required €1,165 authorised share capital) to be deposited in a Maltese or EU bank before registration.
• Registered office and company secretary: about €400 – €800 per year depending on the provider.

Public Limited Company (PLC) – for larger ventures or those raising capital:

• Requires €46,587 authorised share capital (at least 25 % paid-up on incorporation).
• Total incorporation and professional fees often €6,000+ because of the higher governance and compliance obligations.

Special-licence / High-risk sectors: Businesses that want to incorporate a company in Malta in sectors like:

• iGaming / betting (MGA-licensed)
• Financial institutions, EMI/PSP, forex brokers (MFSA-licensed)
• Crypto exchanges, custodians, token issuers (VFA-regulated)

must also budget for licensing, compliance, and ongoing supervisory fees, which can range from €10,000 – €50,000+ annually depending on the activity, size, and risk profile.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services provide all-inclusive quotes upfront so there are no hidden charges. Packages can include:

• Company formation & MBR filing fees
• Drafting of Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Government charges and annual return filings
• Bank-match and introduction to Maltese/EU banks or EMIs
• VAT registration and EORI numbers for EU trade
• Optional accounting, bookkeeping, and audit packages for ongoing compliance

By using Binderr to set up a company in Malta, you’ll know the exact cost of Malta company formation—from the initial incorporation to registered office, substance, banking, and regulatory obligations—before you even begin.

A key reason why businesses choose Malta incorporation is its unique tax refund framework that substantially lowers the effective tax burden on international investors.

• The statutory corporate income tax rate in Malta is 35 %, applied to a company’s worldwide income.
• Under Malta’s full-imputation tax system, foreign shareholders of a Malta-incorporated company can typically claim a 6/7ths refund of the tax paid on active trading income, which reduces the effective tax rate to about 5 %.
• Other refund tiers apply in certain cases: for example 5/7ths for passive interest or royalties and 2/3rds for specific investment income, depending on the nature of the earnings.
• The refund is normally paid within 14 days of a dividend distribution, meaning shareholders do not wait until year-end for relief.
• Malta also benefits from 80+ double-taxation treaties, which minimise or eliminate withholding taxes on outbound dividends, royalties and interest—an added advantage for cross-border trading or holding companies.

To maximise this benefit, it’s crucial to structure your Malta company incorporation to comply with Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and EU Anti-Tax-Avoidance directives.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services can connect you with Maltese tax advisors to design the optimal structure so you stay refund-eligible and compliant from the start.

Yes. A company incorporated in Malta is required to register for Maltese Value-Added Tax (VAT) once its annual taxable turnover exceeds €35,000 or if it trades goods or services within the EU single market.

• VAT is generally charged at the standard rate of 18 %, with reduced rates (7 % or 5 %) available for certain goods and services such as accommodation or medical supplies.
• Companies engaging in EU imports/exports often also need an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number for customs clearance.
• VAT returns are normally filed quarterly, and compliance is strictly enforced by the Commissioner for Revenue.

Binderr helps newly incorporated Malta companies by:

• Handling the VAT registration process during or immediately after company incorporation in Malta.
• Assisting with EORI number registration for cross-border trade.
• Setting up VAT-compliant invoicing and reporting systems to ensure smooth operations and avoid penalties.

Absolutely. Non-EU entrepreneurs can incorporate a company in Malta provided they pass the jurisdiction’s KYC (Know-Your-Customer) and AML (Anti-Money-Laundering) checks. Malta actively encourages international investment and offers a clear legal pathway for foreign founders.

Key points for non-EU residents incorporating in Malta:

• There is no nationality restriction for shareholders or directors of a Malta-incorporated company.
• However, all beneficial owners, shareholders and directors must supply certified copies of passports/ID, proof of residential address, and in some cases a source-of-funds declaration.
• Certain regulated industries—such as financial services, EMI/PSP, forex trading, iGaming under the MGA licence, and crypto businesses under the VFA Act—require additional “fit-and-proper” tests, background checks and sometimes local substance (e.g. Maltese-resident directors, compliance officers or physical offices).
• If founders or key executives intend to live or work in Malta, they may need a work permit, investor visa or residence permit.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services specialise in assisting non-EU clients by:

• Preparing compliant KYC/UBO packs for the Malta Business Registry.
• Helping secure local registered office addresses, resident directors and company secretaries to satisfy substance rules.
• Coordinating with immigration professionals for visas and work permits where needed.

With Binderr, non-EU investors can set up a company in Malta confidently, knowing they meet all legal, immigration and regulatory obligations from the outset.

Yes. Every company incorporated in Malta is legally required to maintain a registered Maltese office address that is recorded with the Malta Business Registry (MBR). This address is used for official correspondence, service of legal notices, and statutory compliance.

For a standard Private Limited (Ltd), a registered office service—often provided by corporate agents—is usually sufficient for company incorporation in Malta.

However, if you’re incorporating in Malta for regulated activities such as Electronic Money Institutions (EMI), Payment Service Providers (PSP), iGaming operators licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or Virtual Financial Asset (VFA) crypto companies, you may need to meet additional Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), which can include:

• Leasing a physical commercial office in Malta.
• Employing local staff or appointing Maltese-resident directors/compliance officers.
• Demonstrating that management and control of the business is effectively carried out in Malta.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services can provide a registered office address for standard companies and also help secure compliant workspace solutions, local directors, and substance packages for businesses in regulated or high-risk sectors.

One of the strongest advantages of company incorporation in Malta is its investor-friendly tax regime:

• Malta’s headline corporate income tax rate is 35 %, but foreign shareholders of a Malta-incorporated company can typically claim a 6/7ths refund, reducing the effective tax rate to about 5 % on most active trading income.
• Participation exemptions are available for qualifying holding companies, often reducing tax to 0 % on dividends and capital gains derived from subsidiaries in treaty jurisdictions.
• Malta has an extensive network of 80+ double-taxation treaties, lowering or eliminating withholding taxes on dividends, royalties and interest payments—a key benefit for cross-border trading or holding structures.
• The country offers VAT-efficient leasing schemes for certain assets such as yachts and aircraft, which is popular with shipping and aviation companies.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services can connect you with specialist Maltese tax advisors to ensure your company is structured for maximum eligibility for refunds, exemptions and treaty benefits while staying fully compliant with EU CFC and ESR rules.

Opening a Malta company bank account is a crucial step after company incorporation in Malta, but Maltese and EU banks apply strict AML/KYC standards.

Typical opening timelines:

• Low-risk trading or service companies: usually 2 – 4 weeks once all documentation is complete.
• High-risk or regulated sectors—including crypto, forex, PSP, EMI and iGaming companies—can take 8 – 12+ weeks due to enhanced due-diligence checks.

Banks require a full KYC/UBO pack, certified incorporation documents, business plans, and sometimes a face-to-face meeting with the shareholder or director.

Binderr’s Bank-Match service identifies Maltese and EU banks as well as fintech EMIs (e.g., Wise, Airwallex, Payoneer) that fit your company’s risk profile, industry, and payment needs—significantly improving the chances of approval and reducing delays.

Yes. Incorporating in Malta for high-risk or regulated sectors is very common because Malta is a recognised EU hub for fintech and gaming—but it comes with special licensing and compliance requirements.

Key sectors include:

• iGaming and betting operators: require a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
• Financial institutions, EMIs, PSPs and forex brokers: regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
• Crypto exchanges, custodians and token issuers: fall under Malta’s Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act.

These businesses often need:

• Higher paid-up capital thresholds.
• Fit-and-proper assessments of UBOs and directors.
• Local compliance officers, resident directors and physical office space to satisfy ESR and licence conditions.
• Specialised high-risk merchant accounts and payment gateways.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services specialise in high-risk industries by providing end-to-end support—from licence application preparation and compliance-ready KYC packs to introductions to suitable banks, EMIs and high-risk payment providers.

Malta is a preferred EU jurisdiction for IP-holding companies, asset-holding structures, yacht and ship registration, and investment-holding entities. A Malta-incorporated company that’s set up purely for holding purposes can unlock several tax and operational advantages:

• Participation Exemptions: Qualifying holding companies may pay 0 % tax on dividends and capital gains derived from shareholdings in subsidiaries that meet Maltese criteria.
• 0 % Withholding Tax on Outbound Dividends: Distributions to non-resident shareholders are often exempt from Maltese withholding tax, subject to treaty conditions.
• IP Income Structuring: Royalties or licensing income earned by a Malta company holding intellectual property (IP) can benefit from the country’s double-taxation treaty network (80 + treaties) and favourable refund system.
• Yacht & Ship Registration: Malta’s shipping register is one of Europe’s largest. Companies that own and lease yachts or commercial vessels often benefit from VAT-optimised yacht leasing structures and competitive tonnage tax rates.
• Credibility & EU Compliance: A company incorporated in Malta for asset holding is recognised across the EU, making it easier to open EU business bank accounts and demonstrate substance.

Binderr’s Malta incorporation services will help you:

• Select the right entity type (Private Ltd vs. holding vehicle).
• Draft Memorandum & Articles tailored to IP or asset-holding objectives.
• Arrange registered office, company secretary, and tax registrations.
• Coordinate with shipping authorities, IP lawyers, and tax advisors to ensure your structure remains compliant and optimised.

No service provider can guarantee company incorporation in Malta or automatic bank-account approval. Final decisions always rest with the Malta Business Registry (MBR) for incorporation, and with banks, EMIs, or regulators such as the MFSA and MGA for account onboarding and licensing.

That said, Binderr significantly improves your success rate by:

• Pre-vetting your UBO structure and documents before submission.
• Building complete, compliant KYC/AML packs that satisfy MBR and banking standards.
• Matching you with the most suitable Maltese or EU banks / EMIs for your industry and risk profile.
• Providing on-the-ground support for high-risk sectors (crypto, iGaming, PSP, EMI, yacht leasing, IP-holding).

This proactive approach reduces the chance of delays, rejections, or repeat document requests, giving your Malta incorporation the smoothest path possible.

Getting started is straightforward:

1. Submit your business profile via the Binderr Marketplace or request a consultation with the Binderr Concierge team.
2. Our specialists will analyse your industry, risk level, shareholder/UBO structure, and target banking needs.
3. You’ll receive an all-inclusive quote that outlines the full cost of Malta company formation, including incorporation fees, registered office, VAT/tax registration, bank-match introductions, licensing (if required), and optional accounting packages.
4. Once approved, Binderr manages the end-to-end process—preparing documents, filing with the Malta Business Registry, coordinating with banks and regulators, and staying in touch until your company, tax number, licences, and accounts are live.

By using Binderr’s Malta incorporation services, you avoid dealing with multiple agents and enjoy a single point of contact who guides you from entity selection all the way to operational launch.