Malta

History of Malta

The Republic of Malta is a member of the European Union and is located south of Sicily at Europe’s Southern-most point. Malta comprises four islands (of which only two, Malta and Gozo, are occupied). Malta is the most densely populated country in the world, with around 1,250 inhabitants per square kilometre. Formerly under the rule of the United Kingdom, which valued its strategic position, Malta declared its independence in 1964.

Malta as an Onshore Centre

Malta enjoys a good reputation in terms of onshore investment and has the advantage of being in the European Union and in the Eurozone. The following activities are popular in Malta:

• The licensing of online gaming companies.
• Import/export companies (optimization of profit margins).
• Trading companies.

Companies in Malta benefit from simplified accounting, tax credits for investment and improved recruitment procedures.

Malta Summary

In Malta all companies pay 35% tax but one month later foreign shareholders receive a 30% rebate in respect of trading income and a 25% rebate in respect of passive income. The relevant rates are therefore 5% for trading income (the lowest in Europe) and 10% for passive income. It is generally preferable to establish a holding company to receive the tax rebate and this holding company may be registered in Malta or elsewhere. Malta has a good international reputation and is a popular destination for holding intellectual property.