International businessmen can open investment funds in Malta in 2026, helped by our experienced agents. Explore this article and find out information about the available types of funds in Malta, and then get in touch with our experts for assistance.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who can set up investment funds in Malta? | Experienced and qualified investors, whether local or from abroad |
Who regulates Maltese investment funds? | Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) |
Legislation applicable | – Investment Services Act, – EU legislation |
| Types of investment funds in Malta | – Professional Investor Funds (PIFs), – Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), – Undertakings for Collective Investment Schemes (UCITs) |
| Formalities to set up AIFs in Malta | – appointing a custodian and a manager, – obtain authorization and license from MFSA, – submit investment funds of minimum EUR 100,000 |
| Required documents for investment fund registration | – prospectus, – portfolio manager, – detailed CV of the members of the investment group, – copy of IDs or passports |
| Requirement for appointing a fund manager in Malta | He/ she can be local or foreign. |
| Minimum capital for PIFs in Malta | Minimum investment of EUR 100,000 |
| Minimum capital for AIFs in Malta | Minimum investment of EUR 100,000 |
| Minimum capital for UCITs in Malta | Minimum investment of EUR 125,000 |
| Access to European markets (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Tax exemptions for funds in Malta | Licensed funds are not subject to income tax and capital gains tax. |
| Listing on the Maltese Stock Exchange (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Advantages of investment funds in Malta | – great taxation system, – available investment strategies, – fast registration |
| Why choose our local agents for establishing an investment fund in Malta | – We have experience in investment fund industry and can help foreign entrepreneurs establish such fund. – We have an extended client porfolio. – Complete services at affordable prices |
| SICAVs in Malta | SICAVs (Société d’investissement à Capital Variable) can be incorporated as an umbrella or multi-fund structure. Each sub-fund can be a different class of shares in the company and designated with a different currency. |
Setting up a fund as a limited partnership in Malta | Permitted for one or more general and limited partners who can establish an investment fund. |
Fund promoters in Malta | Must apply to MFSA to get a license. |
| Types of PIFs in Malta | Private or public |
| PIFs also qualify as | Alternative investment funds |
| Investment strategies for PIFs in Malta | – real estate, – commodities, – foreign exchange market, – private equity, and more |
| Having a Maltese administrator for investment funds | Not imposed, but recommended for his/her experience and quality services provided. You can benefit from the services of our local team. |
| Capital gains and stamp duty are exempt for | Companies listing securities on the Malta Stock Exchange |
| We offer support with the license application process with the MFSA (YES/NO) | YES |
| Listing application process with the Malta Stock Exchange | With the help of our Maltese agents |
| Administration services for investment funds in Malta | Provided for our local and foreign customers |
| Cyber security and related protection measures | These can be implemented when an investment fund is established in Malta. |
| Executive recruitment services | For appointing directors/managers of an investment fund |
| Fit and proper requirements | Imposed by MFSA for directors and members of an investment fund. |
| Costs for managing/administrating funds in Malta | Our local agents can offer information in this sense, depending on the type of investment. |
Table of Contents
What types of investment funds are available in Malta?
- Professional Investor Funds (PIFs),
- Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs),
- Undertakings for Collective Investment Schemes (UCITs)
Who can open investment funds in Malta?
Professional/qualified investors, natural individuals, regardless of their nationality.
Who issues approvals for investment funds in Malta?
Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
What is the applicable legislation for investment funds in Malta?
- EU legislation & directives,
- Investment Services Act in Malta.
You can also read the following infographic on this subject:
What are the conditions to open an investment fund in Malta in 2026?
- open a company in Malta,
- must appoint a fund manager/administrator, an auditor, and a custodian.
- must submit the minimum investment required,
- draft the fund’s prospectus,
- get the license from MFSA.
- implement the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financial Terrorism (AML/CFT) policies.
What extra documents are needed for an investment fund in Malta?
- CVs of investment fund owners,
- IDs/passports (copies),
- manager portfolio,
- a key investor information document (KIID),
- the registration documents,
- the agreement was signed with the service provider.
Are there any restrictions regarding the nationality of the investment fund’s manager?
No. He or she can be from Malta or any country in the world.
What is the proper business entity for an investment fund in Malta?
- investment companies with fixed or variable capital;
- incorporated cell companies;
- limited liability partnerships.
What is the minimum investment required for opening a fund in Malta?
Starting from EUR 100,000.
You can watch the video presentation below with information on this topic:
Is the “Fit & Proper” test required when opening an investment fund in Malta?
Yes, this test is imposed by MFSA when opening an investment fund in Malta in 2026.
What are the requirements for key personnel of a Maltese investment fund?
A Private Questionnaire (PQ) is imposed, alongside presenting optimal qualifications to deal/manage with an investment fund in Malta.
Can an investment fund in Malta be listed on the stock exchange?
Absolutely.
How do I open an investment fund through a limited partnership in Malta?
- one or more general partners are accepted, as well as one or more limited partners for such Maltese funds,
- limited partners should agree on the capital of the investment fund in Malta,
- all partners must comply with MFSA legislation and demonstrate that they are qualified to open Maltese funds,
What are the characteristics of PIFs in Malta?
Professional Investment Funds are investment funds dedicated to qualified and experienced investors coming to Malta, as their name states. These types of funds are also categorized into:
- PIFs for qualifying investors who must invest at least EUR 100,000 in the fund;
- PIFs for extraordinary investors are required to invest a minimum of EUR 750,000 in the fund.
What are AIFs in Malta?
These types of funds are non-UCITS funds that can acquire capital from many investors through a well-defined strategy. Maltese hedge funds and real estate funds can be set up as AIFs in Malta.
How are UCITS characterized?
UCITS funds are usually known as retail funds in Malta. The minimum capital requirement to set up a UCITS fund is around EUR 300,000. Read HERE for more details on UCITS.
What are start-up hedge funds in Malta?
Early-stage investors can opt for start-up hedge funds in Malta. A Maltese hedge fund that falls into the category of PIFs is advantageous in terms of costs, development climate, and flexible regulation.
What are NAIFs in Malta?
NAIFs (Notified Alternative Investment Funds) are the types of funds that provide rapid access to funding managers seeking to promote their fund throughout the countries of the EU.
Do Maltese funds need resident directors?
Certain Maltese funds require at least one resident director. However, it is not an obligation to have a local manager/administrator of the fund. Many prefer to appoint the Maltese administrator of a fund in order to offer quality services.
For assistance in opening an investment fund, please feel free to contact our Maltese company formation representatives.