Our website uses  cookies for statistical purposes.

  • 152, Naxxar Road, San Gwann, Malta
  • clients(at)lawyersmalta.eu
  • +356 21 376 686
Our Articles

Establish a Subsidiary in Malta

Establish a Subsidiary in Malta

You can set up your subsidiary in Malta in 2026 with our online services. Complete company formation services are provided by our Maltese agents when opening this business structure. Please review the following lines and contact us for support.

 Quick Facts  
  Applicable legislation (home country/foreign country)

Maltese Company Law

Best used for

– banking,

– insurance,

– trading,

– manufacturing,

– ICT

Minimum share capital

Yes
Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) 

Between 9 and 11 weeks

Management (local/foreign)

Local 

Legal representative required 

No

Local bank account

Yes

Independence from the parent company Yes
Liability of the parent company The subsidiary is liable for its debts and resposibilities. Owned stock can be controlled.
Corporate tax rate 35%
Possibility of hiring local staff Yes

Who can start subsidiaries in Malta? Are there any restrictions?

Any international entrepreneur can establish a subsidiary in Malta, considering the local regulations. There are no nationality restrictions imposed in the business field in Malta.

What is the purpose of a subsidiary? Is it different from a branch?

  • subsidiaries in Malta are a great choice for business expansion,
  • this entity acts as an extension of a foreign company,
  • such an entity has its own legal personality, unlike a branch, which is subject to specific regulations.

Can subsidiaries in Malta be 100% foreign owned?

Yes.

Here is an infographic with extra details:

how-to-open-a-subsidiary-in-malta1.png

Where do I register a subsidiary in Malta?

At the Malta Business Registry (MBR).

What is the optimal structure to open a subsidiary in Malta?

The private limited liability company.

What is the minimum share capital to start a subsidiary in Malta in 2026?

EUR 1,165. At least 20% of the sum must be deposited in a local bank account in Malta.

What documents & requirements are needed to open a subsidiary in Malta?

  • first, you will have to choose the business name and reserve it if it is available,
  • ensuring a registered business address in Malta is mandatory for setting up a subsidiary,
  • the Articles of Association and the Memorandum of Association are the main company documents. We can draft them,
  • alongside the company documents, the IDs/passports of shareholders will be required, plus the beneficial ownership information (UBO),
  • a bank account in Malta is required for opening a subsidiary,
  • once the minimum share capital required has been deposited, the documents can be submitted to the Malta Business Registry.

IMPORTANT: Foreign documents must be translated and notarized before submission.

We have also prepared a video presentation with information about subsidiaries in Malta

YouTube video player

Do I need a representative agent to register a subsidiary in Malta?

Yes, this is an important condition. MFSA must authorize such an agent.

NOTE! Entrepreneurs cannot start the incorporation procedures of a subsidiary in Malta on their own.

What is the best use for a subsidiary in Malta?

Can be incorporated in sectors like:

  • Banking,
  • Manufacturing,
  • Insurance,
  • Oil & gas, etc.

What is the timeline for opening a subsidiary in Malta in 2026?

About 4-6 weeks.

Are there any precautions/recommendations when opening a subsidiary in Malta?

  • subsidiary incorporation also requires the foreign company’s documents in a notarized and apostilled form,
  • due diligence company implies Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering policies,
  • it is recommended to have a physical address instead of a virtual one for a subsidiary in Malta,
  • at least one director must be local,
  • one should first use an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) account to deposit the initial capital, as opening a traditional bank account can take time.

Subsidiaries in Malta can be established rapidly in 2026 if all requirements and conditions are met and compliance with applicable laws is ensured. For more information on setting up a company in Malta or on this structure, you may contact our local agents for company incorporation.