Services

The corporate tax rate in Malta is 35%, but most of that tax is paid back to the shareholder in form of a dividend at the end of the year. That is why in order to have a tax efficient structure for an operating company, you will need a holding company either in Malta or somewhere else. Otherwise you would most probably have to pay personal tax on the dividend received in the country where you have your residency.

Malta's has a large and expanding network of double tax agreements comprising 62 treaties in force to date. Malta's double tax treaty network as well as other domestic methods for relieving double taxation on cross border transactions, and Malta's full imputation system and its refundable tax credit system provide an excellent base for establishing tax efficient structures.

The Republic of Malta is a small island consisting of an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea of which only the three largest islands Malta (Malta), Gozo (Ghawdex) and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited. The strategically located islands constituting the Maltese nation have been ruled by various powers and fought over for centuries, and they have a deeply rooted history dating back to neolithic times.

Malta 's strategic geographical location played a decisive role in its history and continues to play a very important part in its economical, political and cultural development and prosperity today. Having implemented a sound legislative framework over the past decade, Malta's accession as a member of the European Union has stimulated significant developments in the islands' economy, brought about principally by a boost of inward direct investment into the country. With its highly educated workforce and the comparatively lower cost of professional services when compared with other EU centres, Malta has become firmly established as a reputable business and financial centre offering attractive business solutions for individuals and international corporations alike.

The population of the Islands is approximately 410,000 (this figure includes foreign nationals residing in Malta). Maltese society is homogeneous having its own identity and language (English and Maltese are both national languages). The natural population growth has in recent years been supplemented by a net inflow of returning migrants who had previously emigrated to America, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Malta is a sovereign independent state enjoying traditional political, economic and social stability. It enjoys a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model. It joined the EU in May 2004 and forms an integral part of Western Europe both politically and culturally. Malta is a member of the United Nations, of the Council of Europe and of the Commonwealth. Malta maintains friendly relations with all countries through its policy of neutrality and non-alignment.

The President is the titular head of the state, while executive powers rest with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Parliament is composed of 65 representatives elected every five years. Based on the English juridical system, the judiciary has a tradition of independence that dates back hundreds of years. The supreme law of the country is its written constitution, which expressly incorporates the fundamental principles of Balance of Powers, the Rule of Law, the Independence of the Judiciary and the Human Rights.

Following an overhaul of Malta's financial legislation in the early 1990s, Malta has obtained international recognition as a stable financial services centre of repute. Today, Malta's regulatory framework for financial services is fully consolidated and aligned to internationally recognized standards. Its onshore regime provides a seamless framework that supports both domestic and international economic activity. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is Malta's single regulator for banking, investment services, insurance and other financial services activity. The regulator's accessibility and its pro-active approach to addressing market developments have proved to be a highly successful formula.

The Maltese financial services industry has witnessed a rapid growth over the last decade, with over 7,000 people currently employed in the financial services sector (excluding law firms and accountancy firms), contributing a significant 12% to the country's GDP. The Maltese Government continues to evaluate and update relevant legislation and regulations, keeping it abreast of developments in the industry with a view to maintaining Malta's competitiveness in this sector.

Malta joined the 2004 EU enlargement along with nine other countries. Several state-controlled corporations have been sold and markets were liberalised in anticipation of Malta's EU membership, whilst the Government's remaining participations in the private sector continue to be privatised.

Reserves for foreign currency per head are amongst the highest in the world. With more than 100 years experience behind them, Malta's banks are continually expanding and improving their services. Financial institutions have been streamlined to keep abreast of transformations that are taking place in what has become a global marketplace. Exchange controls have also been removed to facilitate the free movement of capital across Malta's national borders, in line with EU legislation.

The Maltese government entered the ERM framework II in May 2005, and adopted the Euro as the country's currency on 1st January 2008. Malta also adopted regulations implementing the provisions of the Schengen Treaty in December 2007

There are several daily flights to Malta from all major European cities.

The Republic's official languages are Maltese and English; all Maltese citizens speak the latter fluently. Business correspondence is mainly in English. Most of the population is also fluent in Italian.