The Maltese archipelago is located in the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km to the north of Africa. The Archipelago, a Member of the European Union since 2004 is composed of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of around 405,000 inhabitants. The language of business in Malta is English, whereas the national language is Maltese, both are official languages of the Maltese Islands.
The Maltese Government has been developing the developed the offshore business sector since 1988, and in lieu of its present extensive network of double tax treaties with almost all the important OECD countries, Malta has risen in popularity as a base for firms needing to set up an offshore holding, investment, or trading company. During this period, Malta had also become one of the world’s leading shipping flags and a centre for the management of shipping companies.
Malta has set itself apart in recent decades as a destination for high-level expatriates. Malta’s climate, hospitality and fiscal environment have also attracted generations of retirees from various countries. More recently, the boom in sectors such as financial services, pharmaceuticals and i-gaming have stimulated the relocation of many talented individuals and their families to our islands.
Malta offers a number of products and solution for the globally mobile high net worth individual and international families. First and foremost the island offers the ultimate in personal tax efficiency in onshore Europe. Beyond the tax sphere, Malta offers other opportunities such as the global residence scheme and the citizenship by investment.
Main reasons to do business in Malta:
- Its proximity to most European and Middle Eastern capitals with many direct flights available
- Convenient time zone (GMT+1)
- English is the language of business
- A sophisticated, European business environment
- Highly educated and productive local workforce
- Reasonable set-up and operational costs
- Malta Residence schemes
- A solid banking system
- A stable political situation
- State-of-the art communications infrastructure
- An EU-approved tax system – with considerable tax efficiency achievable with proper planning
- Extensive network of double tax treaties (including all EU Member States)
- Good weather and high standard of living
- Well-equipped ports and Freeport
- Excellent international schools