Set up a company in Malta as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in Malta is the private limited company (Ltd). Minimum capital: €1,164.69 authorised share capital for a private company, with at least 20% of the nominal value of each share paid up. Government fee: €100 registration fee when filed electronically through BAROS for authorised share capital up to €1,500 (the fee rises with capital).
The private limited company (Ltd) in Malta, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | A private company under the Companies Act (Cap. 386) needs at least one director | legislation.mt |
| Minimum share capital | Authorised share capital of at least €1,164.69 for a private company | legislation.mt |
| Paid-up capital | At least 20% of the nominal value of each share taken up in a private company must be paid up | legislation.mt |
| Government registration fee | €100 for authorised share capital up to €1,500, registering electronically through BAROS; higher bands pay more | mbr.mt |
| Fee basis | Registration fees are calculated on authorised share capital (the page's wording says 'commercial partnership', the legal umbrella term) | mbr.mt |
| Time to register | The Registrar says companies can be incorporated within 24 hours if the online submission is complete and compliant | mbr.mt |
| Online registration | Since 1 March 2025 all company incorporations must be submitted through BAROS, the MBR's online system | mbr.mt |
| Registered address | The memorandum must state the company's registered office in Malta and its email address | legislation.mt |
| Corporate income tax | 35%: tax is charged at 35 cents on every euro of a company's chargeable income | legislation.mt |
| Annual compliance | File the annual return (and annual beneficial owner confirmation) within 42 days of the date it is made up to, each anniversary of registration | mbr.mt |
| Annual return fee | The annual return fee depends on authorised capital: €85 electronically (€100 on paper) for capital up to €1,500 | mbr.mt |
Questions founders ask about Malta
- What is the minimum capital for a company in Malta?
- €1,164.69 authorised share capital for a private company, with at least 20% of the nominal value of each share paid up.
- How much does it cost to register a company in Malta?
- €100 registration fee when filed electronically through BAROS for authorised share capital up to €1,500 (the fee rises with capital).
- How long does it take to register a company in Malta?
- Within 24 hours when the online submission is complete and compliant, per the Registrar (an aim stated in an MBR notice, not a statutory deadline).
- Do I need a local director in Malta?
- No Malta-resident director requirement appears in the sections read; a private company needs at least one director.
- Can I register a company in Malta from abroad?
- Company incorporations must be submitted through the MBR's online system BAROS since 1 March 2025; whether a founder abroad can file without a Maltese practitioner was not confirmed.
- What is the corporate tax rate in Malta?
- 35% on a company's chargeable income (Income Tax Act art. 56(6)); shareholder refunds were not reviewed.
Other countries
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To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- private limited liability company (Ltd)
- Foreign ownership
- Not stated on the official pages reached: the Companies Act sections read set no nationality condition on shareholders, but no official page says in terms that foreigners may own 100%
- Minimum capital
- €1,164.69 authorised share capital for a private company, with at least 20% of the nominal value of each share paid up
- Government fee
- €100 registration fee when filed electronically through BAROS for authorised share capital up to €1,500 (the fee rises with capital)
- Time to register
- Within 24 hours when the online submission is complete and compliant, per the Registrar (an aim stated in an MBR notice, not a statutory deadline)
- Local director
- No Malta-resident director requirement appears in the sections read; a private company needs at least one director
- Register from abroad
- Company incorporations must be submitted through the MBR's online system BAROS since 1 March 2025; whether a founder abroad can file without a Maltese practitioner was not confirmed
- Corporate tax
- 35% on a company's chargeable income (Income Tax Act art. 56(6)); shareholder refunds were not reviewed
- Official page
- mbr.mt
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check mbr.mt before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.