Malta’s ultimate aim of attracting foreign direct investment has transformed it into an ideal jurisdiction for tax planning and corporate structures, with the absence, of any imposition of withholding taxes on dividend, royalties and interest. Its numerous double taxation treaties, and its sound banking system have contributed to the creation of general stability and credibility, thus, enhancing Maltese reputation in connection to the formation of corporations. KnightWorth is an important provider for company formations and management in Malta.

The Private Limited Company (Ltd) is the most common company type used in Malta. It has a legal identity distinct from its Shareholder(s) and Director(s) and is thus preferential for Owners, inter alia, due to the fact that it provides protection of personal assets and limits ones personal liabilities.

The incorporation process takes 2 to 3 days. The tax on offshore profits ranges from 0-10% and there are no exchange controls.

The jurisdiction’s Local Requirements are limited to the existence of a Registered Office/Registered Agent which/who is to be located in Malta with no obligation attached as to the presence of a local Company Secretary, Director or with the legal obligation that the meetings of the company take place in Malta, as the location of the Board Meetings, can be placed anywhere in the world as also the company’s administration. The minimum number of Directors is 1 and a minimum of 2 Shareholders is required.

Public filings are obligatory for the Director(s) of the company and the Shareholder(s) whereby the Ultimate Beneficial Owner(s) information is not disclosed if the shares are being held by an authorized fiduciary. Furthermore, in connection to the Annual Filing Requirements, there both exists the obligation for the submission of the company’s Annual Return and of the Company’s Audited Accounts.

Whereas the issuance of bearer shares and the acquiring of shelf companies is non-acceptable, company re-domiciliation is permitted, as also, the appointment of Corporate Directors.

Our group of experts may also assist with the consultation and registration of the below types of legal entities, within the Jersey jurisdiction, always in accordance to the client’s needs and business goals by adhering to the 1995 Companies Act and European Union Company Law requirements:

• Public Limited Company; The only difference with the Private Limited Company is the fact that the Public Limited Company may freely offer its shares to the public and enlist on the stock exchange market whenever it wishes
• General Partnership; All the partners are jointly and severally liable for the company’s debts and obligations. The Partnership functions on the basis of a Deed of Partnership where, inter alia, the object of the activity of the Partnership is defined.
• Limited Partnership;The main difference between the General Partnership and the Limited Partnership is the fact that in a Limited Partnership there exists a general partner and a limited partner. The general partner is entitled to proceed and conduct the managing activities, and simultaneously be fully liable to the partnerships’ debts ,whereas, the limited partner has no managing entitlements and may be held liable seldom in accordance to his/her contributions.