Set up a fully compliant EU company in Malta with a structure designed for international corporate and private clients seeking to set up a business or relocate to Malta.
From day one, you operate with clarity, banking compatibility, and a tax model that can reach ~5% effective corporate tax.
One provider. One point of contact. Full support.
Why International Clients Choose Malta (and Stay)
Malta is not about “cheap setups.” It is about working structures that hold up under real business conditions:
- EU-based, fully compliant
- Recognised by banks, EMIs, and partners
- English-speaking legal and business environment
- Suitable for trading, e-commerce, IT and holding activities
- Remote onboarding – fast and structured
- Malta Limited Company will allow you to benefit from Malta’s extensive tax treaty network with over 70 countries.
What You Actually Get
We don’t just “open companies.” We build structures that work.
Your setup includes:
- Malta company incorporated in 3–5 days
- Registered office in Malta
- Company secretary (upon request)
- Optional local director (strongly recommended for banking & substance)
- VAT / EORI setup (if required)
- Accounting (incl. preparation of annual financial statements, tax and VAT declarations)
- Banking / EMI onboarding support
- Dedicated advisor managing the process end-to-end
Taxation – Clear, Structured, Tailored to Your Operating Model
Malta’s system is often misunderstood. The 35% headline rate is not the final cost.
You have three practical routes:
Option 1: ~5% Effective Tax (Refund Model)
Company pays 35% – 30% of tax refunded to shareholder – Final tax outcome ≈ 5%
Most widely used. Strong for international structures. Fully compliant EU mechanism. Approx. Waiting time for a tax refund: 3-4 months.
Option 2: ~5% Paid Upfront (Fiscal Unit)
Group structure applies: Parent Holding Company and Operating Company as a subsidiary. Tax paid directly at ~5% for a whole group. No refund cycle.
Cleaner cash flow. No waiting time for a tax refund.
Option 3: ~15% Flat Outcome (Simplified Mode)
No refund. No group structuring. Straightforward tax planning: 15% paid straight. Faster to operate. Less optimisation, more simplicity.
Which Model Is Right for You?
- Want maximum efficiency → 5% refund or Fiscal Unit
- Want 2-tier structure, no waiting → Fiscal Unit
- Want maximum simplicity and no waiting → 15% route
We design the structure around your business model – not the other way around.
Dividend Taxation – What You Actually Receive
One of Malta’s key advantages is how dividends are treated when profits are distributed.
No Double Taxation
Malta operates a full imputation system, which means:
- Tax paid at company level is fully credited to the shareholder
- Dividends are not taxed again in Malta in most cases
No Withholding Tax
No Maltese withholding tax applies on dividends paid to non-resident shareholders. This is a critical advantage compared to many EU jurisdictions.
Banking Strategy (What Actually Works Today)
In 2026, banking is not an afterthought.
We guide you through a proven approach:
- Start with EMI (fast, multi-currency, practical)
- Add traditional banking only if needed
This dramatically improves onboarding success and speed.
We are able to open bank accounts in over 20 countries (EU, EEA or Swiss corporate accounts), and can provide in-depth advice about the best jurisdiction for your requirements.
Malta Company Registration Timeline
- Company setup: 3-5 working days
- VAT (for trading): 1 week
- Banking: 1 – 4 weeks (depends on complexity)
Everything handled remotely.
Why 1st Step?
We focus on long-term structures, not quick wins.
- 25 years of experience
- MFSA-authorised CSP
- Compliance-first approach
- One provider. One point of contact. Full support
- Transparent communication, no surprises, no hidden costs
1st Step Solution LTD, an authorised Class C corporate service provider offering a full suite of corporate services, including company formation, provision of a registered office, and related ongoing support such as local directorship and company secretarial services, as well as accounting.
Start with a Clear Plan
Tell us about your business, and we will outline:
- the right structure
- expected tax outcome
- banking route
- transparent cost overview covering setup and ongoing Malta company administration
Request your tailored setup plan. We’ll get back to you within 1 hour.