Maltese Company Law is in conformity with EU directives. The principal legislation covering companies and partnerships is the Companies Act of 1995. Shipping companies are regulated by the Merchant Shipping Act. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single regulator for financial services activities in Malta and houses the country’s Companies Registry. The company formation process can take as little as 48 hours to complete. As an EU Member State, Malta offers significant advantages as a company domicile, offering fully EU-compliant, low effective tax rates, an excellent professional services infrastructure and a respected, well regulated legal jurisdiction. Malta Limited Liability Company The most commonly used corporate form is the limited liability company. Such is formed by means of subscription to capital divided into shares. As the name implies, in such a company the liability of the shareholders is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares held. This type of company can take the form of a private company or a public company. Public or private companies are required to have at least two shareholders. However, a private limited liability company may be formed as a single-member company, subject to certain restrictions. Share Capital The minimum share capital required to set up a private company is circa 1,200 euro with 20 per cent thereof paid up. On the other hand, in the case of a public company the minimum share capital required is circa 47,000 euro with 25 per cent thereof paid up.
A company may have its share capital denominated in any currency. Maltese companies are not subject to any exchange control restrictions. This facilitates the use of Maltese corporate vehicles for international business. Exchange risk is further minimized by the fact that the company‘s income tax is paid in the same currency of the share capital. Any tax refunds are also given in the same currency. Malta Company Registration Company formation requires the submission of a valid Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) together with an identification document of the subscribers, and proof that initial share capital has been paid up. A certificate of registration is then issued by the Registrar of Companies. We may help assist our clients with the drafting of ad hoc M&A for their specific commercial requirement and also act as their representatives for the incorporation of their company here in Malta. | 
