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practice groups  >  financial services > malta itc & ihc features

Features of
Maltese International Companies
 

     

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Banking Law

 

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Captive Insurance

 

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Company Formation

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Corporate Law

 

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Corporate Management

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Funds

 

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Investment Services Licences

 

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Tax Law

 

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Trusts Law

 
     

See also:

- Licensing Services

- Redomiciliation of Foreign Companies to Malta

- Malta Non-resident Bank Accounts

- Double taxation treaties

- Financial Services in Malta

a 60sec multi-media feature

 

1. Corporate Requirements

2. Taxation

3. Disclosure & Reporting Requirements

4. Confidentiality

5. Exemption from Exchange Control Regulations

6. Expatriate Employees

7. Bank Accounts

8. Documentation Required for Formation

The basis statutory requirements for the formation of an ITC / IHC and its principal characteristics are as follows:

Corporate Requirements ITC and IHC

Standard issued share capital

EUR1,250 (approx. USD1500)
(in any foreign currency)

Minimum paid up share capital on incorporation:

20% (EUR250 - approx. USD300)*

Minimum number of Shareholders required:

One shareholder (if the company director is a natural person) or

Two shareholders (if the director is corporate).

(At least one non-resident shareholder)

Nominee shareholders permitted:

Yes

Minimum number of directors:

One. In certain cases, director may also act as company secretary.

Local directors required:

No, but strongly recommended

Corporate directors permitted:

Yes

Local company secretary required:

Yes

Local meeting required:

No

Meetings:

At least one General Meeting each year, in addition to any other company meetings.

Local Registered office required:

Yes. We offer registered office services to IHC and ITC 's.

Exchange Control:

No exchange control regulations - may conduct business in any currency

Average timeframe to set up a new company

24-48 hours (depending on availability and adequacy of documentation/information provided)

* except where the IHC makes use of nominee directors.

Taxation

Corporate tax rate:

4.17% (after tax refunds to non-resident shareholders)

Malta Tax residence to benefit from Tax Treaty network:

Based on incorporation in Malta.

Ordinary tax base:

Worldwide income

Corporate tax rate:

4.17% (after tax refunds to non-resident shareholders)

Withholding tax on interest:

None

Withholding tax on dividends

None

Withholding tax on licence fees and royalties:

None

Double taxation treaties:

Treaties with 43 countries

Withholding tax on dividends

None

Value Added Tax rate (trading only):

18% - only for intra-EU trading

 

Disclosure and Reporting Requirements

Disclosure of beneficial owner to Company Registrar

No (when using nominees)

Government register of directors

Yes

Government register of shareholders

Yes

Annual return

Yes

Submission of accounts

Yes

Audit

Yes

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is governed by the Professional Secrecy Act which has established a high common standard of confidentiality for all professional practitioners. Those who violate professional secrecy may be prosecuted under Section 27 of the Criminal Code and on conviction may be liable to a maximum fine of LM20,000 and/or a 2 year prison sentence.

Shares may also be held on behalf of an undisclosed beneficiary by CredalTrust Management Ltd, our trust management and nominee company licensed by the Malta Financial Services Centre.

Exemption from Exchange Control Regulations

In view of Malta's EU membership, exchange control laws have been abolished.

Expatriate Employees

Company may operate an office in Malta and employ skilled expatriates in Malta. Foreign employees paid in Malta will be subject to National Insurance and local Income tax regulations. Tax rates vary between 0 - 35%, depending on the declared salary of the employee.

Bank Accounts

Company may hold Bank accounts in Malta or elsewhere. We enjoy very healthy banking relationships with the main banks in Malta, including major international banks.  Cheque books and credit / debit cards are availability in a wide choice of currencies.  Resident and non-resident bank accounts are available with comprehensive telephone, internet and mobile banking facilities are available.  International commercial and trading finance facilities are excellent.

Documentation Requirements for Company Formation

A full documentation package and details of fees and costs will be provided on request.

 

Malta Company Formation

International Holding Companies

International Trading Companies

Malta Online Gaming Licences

Double taxation treaties

 

Property & Residence

Doing Business in Malta

Estates, Probate & Wills

Permanent Residence

 

Tax & Corporate

Company Formation

Taxation

Trusts & Trustees

 

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Captive Insurance

Funds

Investment Services

 

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