As a general rule - business bodies may incorporate in Malta in one of the following manners:
A limited company - * A limited liability company is the most popular form
with foreign investors.
* A public company has the suffix P.L.C.
* The minimum number of shareholders is 2.
Nevertheless, a company may be set up with one shareholder.
A general partnership.
A limited partnership.
A branch (of foreign companies).
Joint ventures.
Comment: From the point of view of taxation, the forms of incorporation for companies and partnerships (general/limited) constitute a legal entity separate from the shareholders / partners.
REGISTRATION OF A COMPANY IN MALTA
When submitting the application to incorporate, the following steps must be taken:
A bank deposit - the sum of the paid-up capital must be deposited with a bank before registration.
Submission of the Memorandum and Articles of Association - these should be delivered to the Companies Registrar.
Foreign shareholders are obliged to obtain an authorization from the Exchange Control Unit.
Payment of stamp duty (10 cents for every LM 25 of the company's capital).
Payment of a corporation registration levy (a minimum payment of LM 100 and a maximum payment of LM 573).
