^{G & C}

Malta Law Firm
Griscti & Chetcuti, Advocates - Malta    
(Established 1981)

MALTA INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMPANIES

From the 1st of January 2007 it no longer remained possible to incorporate this type of company in Malta.  All International Trading Companies registered until 31st of December 2006 will however retain their status and tax regime until the 31st December 2010.  It is also possible for such International Trading Companies registered before 31st December 2010, to convert to the newer and more advantageous tax regime for Malta Companies.   For information about the new Malta Companies and their very attractive tax regime, please go to our new Malta Company pages.

Although it is no longer possible to register International Trading Companies as explained above, there might be particular circumstances where it might be advantageous to acquire an International Trading Company registered prior to 31st December 2006, rather than incorporating a new Malta Company.  We have a number of clients who are owners of International Trading Companies who would be willing to consider transferring their beneficial ownership in these companies and therefore please contact us if you wish to explore this possibility.

 

Introduction	At a glance	Taxation and VAT
Back  office  administration		Double Taxation Treaties

 

General Information
Shelf companies possible?	No
Bearer shares allowed?	No
Migration of domicile possible?	Yes
Company Minimum Requirements
Issued share capital	Euro 1250 (or equivalent in any currency)
Number of shareholders	One
Nominee shareholders allowed?	Yes
Number of directors	One
Corporate directors permitted?	Yes
Nominee directors allowed?	Yes
Local directors required?	No but strongly advised
Local meeting required?	No
Local company address required?	Yes
Resident company secretary required?	Yes
Taxation
Corporate tax rate	4.17% (after tax refunds to non-resident shareholders)
Ordinary tax base	Global  income
Withholding tax on dividends	None
Withholding tax on interest	None
Withholding tax on licence fees and royalties	None
Double taxation treaties	Treaties with 42 countries
Value Added Tax rate for International Trading Companies	Yes (18%) under the EU VAT regulations.  VAT numbers can only be obtained if the management and control of the company is in Malta
Disclosure and Reporting Requirements
Disclosure of beneficial owner to Company Registrar	No, if using nominees
Public register of directors and shareholders	Yes
Annual return	Yes
Submission of accounts	Yes
Audit required?	Yes

 

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