Προφίλ συναλλασσόμενης χώρας Μάλτα

Setting up a company | FDI in figures | Why you should choose to invest | Procedures relative to foreign investment | Finding assistance for further information

Setting up a company

Types of companies and capital (max/min)	Number of partners/shareholders and liability
Private Limited Liability Company (LTD) 1,165 Euros at minimum.	Minimum 1 shareholder, maximum 50 shareholders. The liability of the partner is limited to the amount of the capital contributed.
Sole Trader No minimum capital required	1 partner The liability of the partner is unlimited.
General Partnership No minimum capital required.	Minimum 2 partners, maximum 20 partners. Each partner is personally and indefinitely responsible for the debts and other commitments on behalf of the company.
Limited Partnership No minimum capital required.	Minimum 2 partners, maximum 20 partners. At least one of the partners is responsible personally and indefinitely for the debts and other commitments on behalf of the company.

Business setup procedures

Setting up a company	Μάλτα
Procedures (number)	-	-
Time (days)	-	-

πηγή: .

For further information: Trade Register
The competent organization: Companies should be registered at the Registry of Companies, which is under the guidance of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

FDI in figures

Foreign Direct Investment	2008	2009	2010
FDI of inward flow (millions USD)	940.3435016662	759.8212388	1041.499513
FDI inward stock (millions USD)	8225.7781686907	9503.6411176178	9865.6704850807
Performance Index*, ranking on 141 economies	20/141	10/141	-
Potential Index**, ranking on 141 economies	56/141	-	-
Number of Greenfield investments***	9	15	-
FDI inwards (in % of GFCF****)	68.6408355600607	49.2808866274774	-
FDI stock (in % of GDP)	98.898137300337	118.484604441906	-

πηγή:

Note: * The UNCTAD Inward FDI Performance index is based on a ratio of the country's share in global FDI inflows and its share in global GDP. ** The UNCTAD Inward FDI Potential index is based on 12 economic and structural variables such as GDP, foreign trade, FDI, infrastructures, energy use, R&D, education, country risk.*** Green field investments are a form of foreign direct investment where a parent company starts a new venture in a foreign country by constructing new operational facilities from the ground up. **** Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) measures the value of additions to fixed assets purchased by business, government and households less disposals of fixed assets sold off or scrapped.

Why you should choose to invest Malta

Strong points

Malta is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone since January 1^st, 2008 and has interesting strong points for foreign investors, like for example its geographical location (making it a natural "hub" for companies seeking to do business with the southern part of Europe and Northern Africa), a stable political environment, competitive labor costs (compared to other European Union countries), fiscal and investment incentives, a modern infrastructure (Malta freeport services 115 ports worldwide, the international airport has direct flights to 37 major cities in the world) and telecommunications system (wireless internet connections, VOIP, Wimax). In a recent report, the United Nations listed Malta as a "frontrunner" in the high foreign direct investment potential category. Over the past 5 years, foreign direct investment in-flow has generally followed an upward trend, reaching 10% of the GDP.

Weak points

Malta main weak points are:
- A small domestic market;
- The population's relatively limited purchasing power;
- An economy with no natural resources and dependent on certain sectors like tourism or e-trade.

Government measures to motivate or restrict FDI

Malta provides incentives in many sectors, to attract foreign direct investment mainly in manufacturing, transshipment and servicing industries, in particular the manufacturing of generic pharmaceuticals, information technology and financial services. The government offers generous tax incentives for investments in industrial projects:
- Preferential taxation rates (5% instead of 35%);
- Tax credit on investments (up to 50% of the amount invested or 50% of the first two years' salary of new jobs created);
- Reduced tax on reinvested profits;
- Incentives for job creation;
- Soft loans for promoters of industrial projects; and
- Indefinite work permits for shareholders with more than 40% share.
Additionally, Malta has a customs-free zone, Malta Freeport, which offers companies operating within it, reduced taxation and investment tax credits.

The country also benefits from structural EU funds for the period of 2007-2013, which will allow it to sustain its economic development, improve its competitiveness and thus attract new foreign investors.

Procedures relative to foreign investment

Freedom of establishment: Freedom of establishment is guaranteed.
Acquisition of holdings: The acquisition of holding is possible in Maltese law.
Obligation to declare: Licenses should be obtain when dealing with investment services. For more information please visit http://www.qubeservices.com/04investment.asp
Competent organization for the declaration: Malta Financial Services Authority
Requests for specific authorizations: All fields of the economy are virtually open to investment. Certain sectors dominated by the State, are currently being liberalized because of EU requirements and therefore energy distribution still remains at the hand of a parastatal company.

Finding assistance for further information

Investment aid agency: Invest in Malta
Other useful resources: World Bank Group services website