Malta’s economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism, and was hurt by the global economic downturn, but fared better than most other EU member states. 

Malta’s economic growth exceeded the euro area average for several years and was led by robust domestic demand and export expansion. The global economic crisis did not spare Malta but it was one of the least affected countries in the EU.

Besides this rich cultural heritage, Malta offers a solid business and an industrial background that goes back 50 years. Testimony to this, the island is home to hundreds of foreign companies all operating within a well-developed economic and industrial structure.

successfully moving from labour-based to knowledge based industry and in so doing, attracting Foreign Direct Investment from countries like the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the United States.

Whenever an entrepreneur wants to set up a company in Malta, he must be aware of the company legislation that dates from 1995. The text of the law mentions all the types of companies that can be established by the foreign investors who want to come to Malta. However, limited liability companies are the most frequent choices in terms of new businesses.

The most common Maltese company organization type is the Limited Liability Company, being closely followed by the general and limited partnerships.

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Malta.

Malta has become a very attractive company registration destination because of the tax advantages and legislation on foreign investments it offers. 

Malta has one of the lowest Value Added Tax (VAT) rates in Europe at 18%, making it an ideal jurisdiction for setting up a company.

The Corporate Tax Rate in Malta stands at 35 percent.

Maltese companies are subject to tax on profits at 35%. Tax is ultimately borne by shareholder depending on his tax status, since Malta’s tax system adopts a full imputation system

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Malta stands at 35 percent.

Taxation in Malta for individuals with residence and domicile in Malta applies to worldwide income. 

The Sales Tax Rate in Malta stands at 18 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Malta averaged 17.25 percent from 2000 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 18 percent in 2004 and a record low of 15 percent in 2001. Sales Tax Rate in Malta is reported by the Government of Malta – Inland Revenue.

See Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements on this site

Malta tourist visa is not required for citizens of United States for a stay up to 90 days.

A guide to public transportation in Malta

A guide to bus and other transportation on Malta

This site provides a description of telephone, internet, radio and TV communications in Malta

Despite its small size, Malta’s telecom sector is among the most advanced in Europe. Mobile and broadband penetration are both relatively high, while ongoing investments in networks are providing customers with a range of bundled services.

This site provides a detailed summary from the World Bank of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Malta.

The Constitution upholds a number of workers’ rights, such as the maximum number of daily working hours, a weekly rest day, minimum working age, gender equality, professional and vocational training for workers, contributory social insurance and the provision of the means of subsistence for those unable to work.

For entitlement to unemployment benefit, the insured person must be registered as unemployed and be capable of and available for work. 

The conditions for receiving unemployment benefits depend on an individual’s circumstances.

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

Malta is less expensive compared to large cities in Europe, and particularly UK ones, which is one of the myriad reasons why Malta appeals to so many English expats. 

This site will introduce you to the essential attitudes and values shared among Maltese people and highlight their implications for business practice.

With business practices and etiquette that are similar to elsewhere in Europe and North America, doing business in Malta is not complicated.

Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean. The Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to more than 12 hours in summer. Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe. Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Summer Temperatures ranges between 24°C in May and 32°C and more in August, which is the warmest month.

The climate on the Island of Malta is very similar to the climate in the rest of the Mediterranean area of the world.

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Primary education lasts for six years. There are different types of secondary education schools: junior lyceums, area secondary schools, schools for very low achievers, church and independent (private) schools. Studies last for five years divided into a two-year orientation cycle and a three-year cycle of specialization in lyceum and three-year orientation and two-year specialization in area secondary schools. Admission to state junior lyceums and some church schools is through an entrance examination. At the end of this cycle, pupils sit for the Secondary Education Certificate. Higher secondary schools (sixth forms) prepare pupils for the Matriculation Certificate which gives access to university.

A listing of national and bank holidays and observances

There are 5 national holidays during the year: Independence Day, Republic Day, Freedom Day, Feast of Our Lady of Victories and Sette Giugno in addition to the religious holidays

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

Malta Demographics Profile

Due to Malta’s past as a British colony, Maltese state school sector naturally draws its main inspiration from the British educational system. In Malta, all children between 4-16 years old have the right to free education in all state schools, regardless of age, sex and belief. 

Import and export regulations from Malta customs

For most goods you will need to obtain an Import or Export Licence before you can proceed with your import or export activities. You should submit the application for an Import or Export Licence as early as possible, before you make any contractual commitment. 

This site provides key information on Malta’s participation in the WTO

Apartments, Villas, Farmhouses & Hotels in Malta and Gozo.

Its three main islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—offer history, water sports, spectacular coastal views, and culinary delights.

A listing of popular destinations in Malta