What Our Company Formation Service Includes
Setting up a company in Malta involves navigating regulatory requirements, preparing legal documentation and registering with multiple government authorities. At Said Accounting, Steve Said provides a comprehensive company formation service that takes you from initial concept to a fully operational, compliant Maltese company. We handle the complexity so you can focus on building your business from day one.
Our company formation service begins with a detailed consultation to understand your business objectives, ownership structure, intended activities and commercial requirements. Based on this, Steve advises on the most appropriate legal structure for your needs, whether that is a private limited liability company, a public company, a partnership or a sole trader registration. For most businesses, a private limited liability company offers the best combination of limited liability protection, tax efficiency and commercial credibility.
We prepare all the documentation required for registration with the Malta Business Registry (MBR). This includes the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which set out the company's constitution, objects, share capital structure, and the rights and obligations of shareholders and directors. Steve drafts these documents to reflect your specific requirements, ensuring they provide the flexibility you need while meeting all statutory requirements under the Companies Act (Cap. 386).
Beyond MBR registration, we handle all ancillary registrations and setups. This includes registration with the Commissioner for Revenue for income tax purposes, VAT registration with the VAT Department, employer registration if you plan to hire employees, and registration for any industry-specific licences or permits that your business may require. We also set up your statutory registers, including the register of members, register of directors and secretary, and register of charges, ensuring full compliance from the outset.
Our service extends to opening a corporate bank account. Steve assists with the bank application process, preparing the required documentation and coordinating with the bank to ensure a smooth account opening. We understand the due diligence requirements of Maltese banks and help you present your application in the most favourable light, reducing the risk of delays or additional requests.
Who This Service Is For
Our company formation service is designed for entrepreneurs, business owners and investors who want to establish a commercial presence in Malta. This includes Maltese residents starting a new business venture, foreign entrepreneurs looking to set up operations in Malta, existing businesses expanding their operations through a new subsidiary, professionals transitioning from self-employment to a limited company structure, and investors seeking to establish a holding company in Malta.
Malta is an attractive jurisdiction for company formation due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, its membership of the European Union, its English-speaking business environment, its competitive tax system and its well-developed legal and regulatory framework. Whether you are targeting the Maltese domestic market or using Malta as a base for international operations, Steve can guide you through the formation process and help you take advantage of the opportunities Malta offers.
We frequently assist clients in specific sectors including iGaming, financial services, technology, e-commerce, professional services and property. Each sector has its own regulatory considerations, and Steve's broad experience across industries means he can flag relevant requirements and connect you with specialist advisors where needed, such as lawyers, licensing consultants or immigration specialists.
Why Choose Said Accounting for Company Formation
Forming a company is more than just filing paperwork with the MBR. The decisions you make at the formation stage, regarding share capital, ownership structure, objects clause, directors' powers and accounting policies, can have lasting implications for your business. Steve Said's ACCA qualification and CPA warrant give him the technical knowledge to advise you on these decisions, ensuring your company is structured optimally for both operational and tax purposes.
Many formation agents simply process the paperwork without providing meaningful advice. At Said Accounting, Steve takes the time to understand your business plan, discuss the implications of different structural choices and recommend the approach that best serves your long-term interests. This advisory approach prevents common mistakes that can be costly and time-consuming to rectify later, such as an inappropriate share capital structure, overly restrictive objects clause or failure to register for VAT when required.
Continuity is another key advantage. When you form your company through Said Accounting, Steve is already familiar with your business from day one. This means a seamless transition into ongoing accounting, tax and compliance services. You avoid the disruption and cost of briefing a new accountant and can be confident that your company's records are properly maintained from the start. Many of our long-standing client relationships began at the company formation stage.
We also offer competitive, transparent pricing for company formation. Our fees are agreed upfront and cover the full scope of services described above. There are no hidden charges or unexpected extras. Government registration fees and bank charges are quoted separately so you have complete visibility of the total cost before you proceed.
How the Process Works
Step 1 - Initial Consultation: Steve discusses your business plans, advises on the appropriate company structure and explains the formation process, timeline and costs. This consultation is free of charge and carries no obligation.
Step 2 - Name Reservation: We check the availability of your proposed company name with the Malta Business Registry and reserve it on your behalf. If your preferred name is unavailable, we help you identify suitable alternatives.
Step 3 - Document Preparation: Steve prepares the Memorandum and Articles of Association, shareholder and director consent forms, registered office declaration and all other documents required for registration. These are shared with you for review and signature.
Step 4 - Capital Payment: Before registration, the minimum share capital must be paid up in accordance with legal requirements. For a private limited company in Malta, the minimum authorised share capital is EUR 1,164.69, of which at least 20 per cent must be paid up on formation. Steve advises on the practical arrangements for making this payment.
Step 5 - MBR Registration: We submit the formation documents to the Malta Business Registry along with the applicable registration fees. The MBR typically processes registrations within a few working days, after which the company is formally incorporated and assigned its registration number.
Step 6 - Tax and VAT Registration: Once the company is incorporated, we register it with the Commissioner for Revenue for income tax purposes and with the VAT Department for VAT, if applicable. We also handle employer registration if the company will have employees.
Step 7 - Bank Account Opening: Steve assists with the corporate bank account application, preparing the necessary documentation including the company's certificate of registration, Memorandum and Articles, directors' and shareholders' identification documents, and the company's business plan or description of activities.
Step 8 - Ongoing Compliance Setup: We set up your company's statutory registers, establish accounting records, configure your chart of accounts and ensure all ongoing compliance obligations are documented and scheduled. This ensures your company starts its operations on a solid administrative foundation.
Types of Companies in Malta
The most common business structures in Malta include private limited liability companies, public limited companies, partnerships (both general and limited), and sole trader registrations. The private limited company is by far the most popular choice for new businesses, offering limited liability for shareholders, a separate legal personality, the ability to hold property and enter contracts in the company's name, and access to Malta's corporate tax system including the dividend refund mechanism.
Steve advises each client on the structure that best suits their circumstances, taking into account factors such as the number of owners, the nature of the business, funding requirements, regulatory considerations and long-term exit strategy. Getting this decision right at the outset saves time, money and administrative complexity down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to form a company in Malta?
Once all documents are prepared and signed, the Malta Business Registry typically processes the registration within three to five working days. The overall timeline from initial consultation to fully operational company, including bank account opening, is usually two to four weeks, depending on the complexity of the structure and the speed of bank due diligence.
What is the minimum share capital for a Maltese company?
The minimum authorised share capital for a private limited company in Malta is EUR 1,164.69. At least 20 per cent of this amount (EUR 232.94) must be paid up upon formation. The share capital can be denominated in euro or any other currency, and Steve can advise on the most appropriate capital structure for your business.
Can a non-resident form a company in Malta?
Yes, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of Maltese companies. Non-residents can serve as shareholders and directors. However, certain regulated activities may require a Maltese resident director or specific licensing. Steve can advise on any requirements specific to your intended business activities and nationality.
Do I need to register for VAT?
Whether you need to register for VAT depends on the nature and scale of your business activities. Companies carrying on an economic activity in Malta are generally required to register under Article 10 of the VAT Act. There are also simplified registration options for companies that do not make taxable supplies in Malta. Steve assesses your specific situation and ensures you register under the correct article.
What ongoing obligations does a Maltese company have?
Maltese companies must file annual accounts with the Malta Business Registry, submit annual returns, file income tax returns and VAT returns, maintain statutory registers and hold annual general meetings. Said Accounting provides ongoing support for all these obligations, ensuring your company remains fully compliant throughout its life.
Can you provide a registered office address?
Yes, Said Accounting can serve as your company's registered office address in Mosta, Malta. This is particularly useful for companies whose directors or shareholders are not resident in Malta, or for businesses that do not yet have their own commercial premises. The registered office is the official address for receipt of legal and regulatory correspondence.