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Company Formations

Basic overview

From where to start

company formations

Maltese Company law caters for the possibility of two types of Company, Limitied Liability (Ltd) or Private Limited companies (Plc) . The main difference is in the size of the share capital and the number of shareholders possible in each.

Our firm specialises in the incorporation of companies for non-resident shareholders . This process is a relatively simple one and can be concluded in a matter of a few days depending on the availability of the necessary documents.

The main documents needed are :

  • Copy of ID or passport;
  • Proof of residence by means of a utility bill;
  • Two character references;
  • An authorisation form, authorising your Maltese Bank of choice, to write to your current bank for reference purposes;
  • Business CV (if applicable);
  • A deposit of € 1,164 as share capital (this may be utilised in full by the company after incorporation).


Know Your Client (KYC) Checklist

Documentation required

Mostly for banking purposes, the documents in these checklists are usefull to have.

Personal Shareholders

  • Copy of ID Cards/Passports - Authentication by a lawyer, notary or accountant may be necessary;
  • Recent utility bill showing the individual's residential address - Not older than 3 months;
  • Reference letter from a professional;
  • Personal CV;
  • Bank reference letter;
  • Letter from shareholder expressing the wish to hold shares under nominee - In case of nominee company formation only;
  • Signed management and service agreement - In case of nominee comany formation only.

Corporate Shareholders

  • Certificate of incorporation;
  • Certificate of good standing - if the company has been registered for more than 3 months;
  • Memorandum and articles - or statute;
  • An official document of appointment of directors;
  • An official document of shareholders or beneficial owners - for instance, share certificates;
  • If the corporate shareholder is NOT incorporated within the EU, EEA, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Guernsey or Jersey, then a bank reference will be needed on the accounts of the company, where the letter must state the duration of the business relationship between the banks and client, and that the account has always been maintained in good standing / satisfactorily;
  • A bank reference from a reputable banking institution which is not older than 3 months and which is addressed directly to the company's bank. These bank references must confirm the residential address, term of account holding and status of account, for each signatory, director, shareholder or beneficial owner;
  • Copy of ID Cards / Passports of beneficial owner - Authentication by a lawyer, notary or accountant may be necessary;
  • Recent utility bill showing the individual's residential address - not older than 3 months;
  • Reference letter from a professional;
  • Personal CV.

Directors and Bank Signatories

  • Copy of ID Cards / Passports of beneficial owner - Authentication by a lawyer, notary or accountant may be necessary;
  • Recent utility bill showing the individual's residential address - not older than 3 months;
  • Reference letter from a professional;
  • Personal CV;
  • Bank reference letter;
  • Director service agreement - in the case where shareholders are using such services

Co-Secretary (this has to be an individual)

  • Copy of ID Cards / Passports of beneficial owner - Authentication by a lawyer, notary or accountant may be necessary;

See also Corporate tax for non-residents

The whole process may be done by correspondence, and original documents sent by mail.

| 08.09.2008 | |