Set Up a Public Limited Liability Company in Malta

The limited liability company is the most employed type of business form by foreign investors opening a company in Malta in 2026. Foreign investors can choose between two types of limited liability companies: private and public limited liability. Our experts in company formation in Malta can offer full information on the two types of companies and can assist foreign investors in choosing the right type of form in accordance with their needs.

How to register a public limited liability company in Malta in 2026

The first step in opening a public limited liability company in Malta is to set up a bank account where the share capital will be deposited. Then, the documents must be filed with the Malta Business Registry. The company must also register for taxation, VAT, and employment purposes. If required, it must also apply for special licenses or permits in accordance with the activities it will undertake.

The public limited liability company is regulated by the Maltese Companies Act, which provides for the following requirements to register this type of company:

• it must have at least two shareholders who can be individuals or other companies;
• it must have a minimum share capital of EUR 46,587;
• at least 25% of the share capital must be deposited at the registration;
• its memorandum and articles of association must stipulate that it is a public company;
• it must have at least two directors and a secretary;
• its name must contain the abbreviation PLC;
• it must have a registered address in Malta.

Compared to the private company, the public limited liability company in Malta may also trade its shares of the capital markets and is a good choice for foreign professional investors interested in creating investment funds in this country.

Malta’s economy in a few lines

Malta is currently one of the strongest economies in Europe, with real GDP growth of 5.3% in 2024 (Eurostat). Given current trends and the government’s desire to attract even more investments, especially in sectors of interest such as IT, tourism, and manufacturing, Malta remains among the preferred business destinations for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to develop in a solid climate. Here are some interesting facts about the country’s economy:

• The tourism and services sector was the main pillar for Malta’s GDP growth of around 5.3% in 2024.
• According to profile indicators, economic growth in Malta was about 4.7% in 2025 (Eurostat) and is forecast at around 3.7% in 2026 (European Commission).
• Inflation was 2.4% in 2025 and is forecast at 2.7% in 2026 (European Commission).

Business updates in Malta in 2026

Are you interested in opening a limited liability company in Malta in 2026? Here is some news in the business field that you should consider when setting up such a structure:

• The Maltese authorities have implemented a new portal, with the help of which mandatory electronic filing for company registration and dissolutions can be carried out. Also, starting in 2026, new regulations will require the disclosure of all nationalities for company shareholders using updated documents.
• Opening a bank account in Malta is a much-simplified process for foreign entrepreneurs and citizens moving to this country in 2026.
• The “exempt company” status for qualifying private companies is still provided for in the Companies Act (art. 211). Meanwhile, the linked tax and filing benefits are kept for authorized private companies.

For assistance in opening a public limited liability company in 2026, do not hesitate to contact experts in company incorporation in Malta. We assist investors from abroad insetting up a company in Malta by managing the entire procedure.