Opening a PIF in Malta
Find here how to register a PIF in Malta. For details about all types of collective investment schemes, please contact our company formation agents in Malta.
Are you interested in registering a PIF (Professional Investor Fund) in Malta? In the following lines, you can discover information about what the registration of a PIF in Malta involves, specifying that professional assistance can be offered by our Maltese agents once you access our online services.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| PIF stands for | Professional Investor Fund |
Short definition of PIF | A flexible collective investment scheme |
Authority that regulates PIFs in Malta | Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) |
| Minimum investment required | EUR 100,000 |
| Manager required for a PIF in Malta (YES/NO) | YES |
| Application fee | Around EUR 2,000 |
| Money Laundering reporting officer needed for registering a PIF in Malta | Required |
| Appointing an auditor (YES/NO) | YES |
| Management structure of PIFs in Malta | PIFs in Malta can appoint a third-party manager or be self-managed. |
| Conditions for self-managed PIFs in Malta | The total assets cannot exceed EUR 500 million if debt-free. No repurchase rights within 5 years of the initial investment is another condition. |
| Compliance officer appointed for PIFs in Malta | He or she is responsible for the compliance function of PIFs in Malta and reports to MFSA. A compliance report is required every 6 months. |
| Governing body of PIFs in Malta | The governing body must be formed of at least 3 members or directors. At least one of them must have residency in Malta. |
| MFSA approvals for governing body of PIFs in Malta (YES/NO) | YES |
| Investment advisor required | Recommended for PIFs in Malta |
| Choosing our Maltese agents | We assist foreigners in registering PIFs in Malta and also in company formation matters. Contact us and ask for our dedicated services at affordable prices. |
What is a PIF and who can establish one in Malta?
The Professional Investor Fund (PIF) is a Collective Investment Scheme that can be established by any foreign entrepreneur.
Who regulates PIFs in Malta?
Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
What is the minimum investment needed for opening a PIF in Malta?
EUR 100,000.
Is a manager needed for establishing a PIF in Malta?
Yes.
Please explore the following infographic with information about PIFs in Malta:
What is the application fee for opening a PIF in Malta?
Around EUR 1,500.
NOTE: A supervisory fee of EUR 1,500 is also imposed.
What are the conditions of establishing a PIF in Malta?
- appointing a manager, an administration, and also an auditor,
- applying for a PIF license in Malta, with the MFSA,
- preparing the constitutional & offering Memorandum documents,
- appointing an Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Officer,
- completing the Personal Questionnaires for due diligence verifications by managers, ultimate beneficial owners, key officers, etc.
IMPORTANT:
- the pre-authorization stage refers to the submission of documents required to obtain the PIF license in Malta,
- MFSA performs background verifications and then sends an “In-Principle Approval” Letter.
You can explore this video presentation about PIFs in Malta:
What happens after the PIF pre-approval letter is issued?
- with the pre-approval letter, the PIF can be officially registered with the Malta Business Registry (MBR),
- the required capital can be deposited,
- the “Collective Investment Scheme” license can be issued.
Is a custodian needed when holding a PIF in Malta?
Yes.
Do I need an investor advisor for a PIF in Malta?
Yes, it is mandatory. He or she should be appointed from the start of the registration formalities.
REMARK: An investment committee for a PIF in Malta is only required for virtual currency funds.
What is the taxation of PIFs in Malta?
- no taxation if at least 15% of the PIF’s asset value is held outside Malta,
- 15% WHT if 85% of the asset value of the PIF in question is held in Malta.
Are you interested in more details about PIFs in Malta? Make sure you send your inquiries to our specialists in company formation in Malta. We will gladly help with the incorporation stages, procedures, post-registration, and formalities, as soon as you contact our local team.
Simon Ciantar, CPA · 1 October 2026Simon Ciantar is CEO of Ciantar Associates and a qualified accountant and registered auditor.