06/09/2026
How to Move to Malta and Start a Business – Your Ultimate Guide
By Mohamed Aboshanab, CEO of Global Expat
Malta is one of the best places in the world to live, work, and do business. With its low taxes, strategic location in Europe, and business-friendly environment, Malta has become a top destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads looking to establish a presence in the EU.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Malta, getting residency, setting up a business, and benefiting from Malta’s attractive tax system.
🇲🇹 Why Choose Malta?
✅ Low Taxes – Malta offers some of the lowest corporate taxes in Europe, with effective rates as low as 5% for businesses using the right structures.
✅ EU Member State – As part of the European Union, Malta provides access to the EU market and benefits from free trade agreements.
✅ Business-Friendly Regulations – Malta makes it easy for foreigners to set up and own 100% of their businesses.
✅ Residency & Citizenship Options – You can obtain residency through different investment programs, and Malta has one of the best citizenship-by-investment programs in the world.
✅ English-Speaking Country – English is an official language, making it easy for entrepreneurs to communicate and operate a business.
✅ Strategic Location – Situated between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Malta is a perfect base for global entrepreneurs.
🏡 How to Move to Malta: Residency Options
If you’re planning to live and work in Malta, you’ll need the right residency permit. Here are the best options:
1️⃣ Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) 🏠
Malta’s Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) is an investment-based residency scheme. To qualify, you must:
✔️ Invest in real estate (buy for €350,000+ or rent for €12,000/year)
✔️ Pay a government contribution of €58,000+
✔️ Show proof of financial stability (€500,000 in assets, of which €150,000 must be liquid)
💡 Benefits:
Get permanent residency in 4-6 months
Access to Schengen travel
No requirement to live in Malta full-time
2️⃣ Malta Citizenship by Naturalization (for Investors) 🏆
Malta offers one of the most attractive citizenship-by-investment programs in the EU.
✔️ Make a donation of €600,000 (1-year residency) or €750,000 (3-year residency) to the Maltese government
✔️ Buy real estate worth at least €700,000 or rent for €16,000/year
✔️ Donate €10,000 to charity
💡 Benefits:
Get an EU passport in 1-3 years
Visa-free travel to 190+ countries, including the USA, UK, and Canada
No language requirement
3️⃣ Malta Digital Nomad Visa 🌍
For remote workers and digital entrepreneurs, Malta offers a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing you to live in Malta while working for an international company.
✔️ Earn at least €2,700/month
✔️ Work remotely for a foreign company or be self-employed
✔️ Have valid health insurance
💡 Benefits:
Live in Malta for up to 1 year (renewable)
No need to pay Maltese income tax on foreign earnings
🏢 How to Set Up a Business in Malta
Starting a business in Malta is quick, simple, and tax-efficient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1️⃣ Choose the Right Business Structure
Malta offers several types of business entities:
✔️ Limited Liability Company (Ltd.) – The most common and tax-efficient business type for foreigners.
✔️ Sole Proprietorship – Best for freelancers and small businesses.
✔️ Holding Company – Useful for tax structuring and investment purposes.
💡 Most expats register a Private Limited Company (Ltd.), as it offers limited liability and low taxes.
2️⃣ Register Your Company
To register a company in Malta, follow these steps:
✔️ Choose a unique company name
✔️ Prepare and submit the Memorandum & Articles of Association
✔️ Appoint a director and company secretary
✔️ Deposit at least €1,165 as share capital
✔️ Get a Maltese business address
✔️ Register with the Malta Business Registry (MBR)
💰 Cost: Starting from €320-€500 for registration.
📅 Timeline: Around 1-2 weeks to get everything set up.
3️⃣ Open a Bank Account 🏦
You’ll need a business bank account to operate in Malta.
✔️ Choose a local bank (Bank of Valletta, HSBC, APS, etc.)
✔️ Provide company documents & proof of address
✔️ Show proof of business activity
Alternative: If opening a local account is difficult, you can use FinTech solutions like Wise, Revolut, or Payoneer.
💰 Tax Benefits for Businesses in Malta
Malta is famous for its attractive tax system, which allows businesses to legally reduce their tax burden.
✔️ Corporate Tax Rate: 35% (but foreigners can get an effective tax rate of 5% due to Malta’s tax refund system).
✔️ No Withholding Tax on dividends paid to foreign shareholders.
✔️ No Capital Gains Tax on the sale of shares by non-residents.
✔️ VAT Rate: 18% (but exemptions apply for small businesses and exports).
💡 The Malta Tax Refund System: If a company distributes dividends to foreign shareholders, they can reclaim up to 6/7ths of the corporate tax paid, reducing the tax rate to 5%.
🏡 Best Places to Live in Malta
Depending on your lifestyle, here are some of the best locations to live in Malta:
✔️ Valletta – The capital, perfect for business owners who want to be in the center of everything.
✔️ Sliema & St. Julian’s – The expat hub, full of luxury apartments, nightlife, and coworking spaces.
✔️ Gozo – A quieter, nature-focused island with a slower pace of life.
✔️ Mellieha – Ideal for families, with great beaches and a peaceful environment.
🚀 Is Moving to Malta Right for You?
Malta is an excellent choice if you are:
✅ An entrepreneur or investor looking for an EU base with low taxes.
✅ A digital nomad or freelancer who wants great weather and visa-free EU travel.
✅ A high-net-worth individual (HNWI) seeking asset protection and tax benefits.
✅ A business owner wanting to access EU markets while paying as little as 5% in corporate tax.
If you’re looking for expert guidance on moving to Malta, setting up a business, or optimizing your taxes, Global Expat can help!
