Malta: your new EU domicile post-Brexit

In the wake of uncertainty created by Brexit and the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, UK-based companies must safeguard their preferred access to the European Union market by shaping their Brexit plan. Despite its small size, Malta is a highly attractive jurisdiction to set up an EU presence as it fosters an environment ripe for business growth while providing stability and peace of mind.

What are the benefits of relocating your UK company to Malta?
Language and skills

Often called Malta’s most valuable asset, the Maltese workforce is English speaking and highly skilled with salaries on average 20 to 30% lesser than in the UK.

As one of the two official languages, English is widely spoken by the local population and official documents are prepared in English which makes the transition from UK smooth and straight forward.

Cost-effective

Establishment and operating costs are relatively low when setting up or relocating to Malta.

Despite a rather high 35% corporate tax, Malta’s tax regime provides for many reductions (2/3, 5/7 and 6/7), a participation exemption regime for qualifying holdings, and it is also the only EU jurisdiction to apply a full tax imputation system. Malta has also entered into over 70 double tax treaties and set up various regimes which provide for relief from double taxation.

UK Citizens special status

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat wants Malta to be the most UK friendly country once Brexit happens by ensuring a smooth transition for UK nationals living and working in Malta.

For instance, Malta will be implementing a 10-year residency permit for British citizens in the case of a no-deal Brexit as well as keeping in place the health agreement signed between Malta and the UK in 1975.

As a result of such measures, workers would be able to continue work in Malta, students will be able to study here and residents will be able to continue living here. The complete government plan in case of a no-deal Brexit can be found here

Thriving economy
Financial sector

The Malta Financial Services Authority is one of the driving force behind Malta’s success as a financial services hub. Whilst ensuring a robust regulatory framework that ensures stability in the local fund market, the regulatory regime remains flexible with its open-door policy which allows asset managers to have informal talks with the regulator which offers sound advice about setting up in Malta.

Malta offers a diversity of innovative funds structures such as:
Professional Investor Funds (PIFs)
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs);
– Notified AIFs, which may be incorporated and market to investors within just 10 days;
UCITS (retail funds);
– Private Funds;
– Recognised Incorporated Cell Companies.

Blockchain

Malta’s progressive attitude towards DLTs (including blockchain) and cryptocurrencies has materialised into a regulated framework for innovative technology that is built upon three pillars: consumer protection, market integrity and financial stability.

This comprehensive legal framework is a world first and attracted some of the world’s largest crypto-exchanges who have either relocated to or commenced additional operations in Malta.

iGaming

Without doubt, the gaming industry in Malta is a success story: in a decade, Malta has become the iGaming capital of Europe only seconded by UK and Gibraltar as the jurisdiction of primary establishment for most operators within the industry.

Quality of life

A haven at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Malta is easily accessible to the rest of the world, while still offering a Mediterranean lifestyle with a fun-loving approach to life.

Malta is known for its high standard of living and cosmopolitan attractions, including luxury real estate and rental accommodation, top restaurants and bars, and world-class leisure – be it spas, golf or yachting.

Malta also boasts an array of exceptional business locations throughout the island including many highly sought after developments offering first-class office spaces such as Tigne Point, Portomaso, Pendergardens and Trident Park to name just a few.

Send us an email to discuss how Malta could be the ideal relocation jurisdiction for your business. Learn more about our corporate services here

The best citizenship by investment program in the world

As the first EU-approved Citizenship by Investment Programme, the Individual Investor Programme (IIP) of the Republic of Malta grants citizenship to applicants who invested and contributed to the economic and social development of Malta.

Here are the reasons why we believe Malta’s IIP is the best citizenship by investment program in the world:

Gateway to European Citizenship

One of the most desirable benefits of a Maltese passport is that it also grants you EU citizenship as well as unrestricted access to the Schengen Area.

EU citizenship comes with several benefits, such as being able to live, work, study in any of the 28 EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland & Liechtenstein.

Additionally, like most other EU passport, a Maltese passport is a high-quality travel document that offers visa-free travel to over 182 countries, including EU, USA, Canada.

Stability and opportunity

When becoming a Maltese Citizen through investment, your family can become Maltese citizens for life and your citizenship is passed down through generations by descent.

Malta is a safe and stable country booming with business opportunities which became the fastest growing economy in the EU in 2019 and 2020 according to the European Commission.

Malta’s economy is broadly diversified, from microchip production to financial services, from highly specialised currency printing to digital gaming, from tourism to blockchain-related enterprises, with Malta being the first country in the world to regulate this sector.

Unemployment levels are among the three lowest in Europe and have broken its all-time low record for three years in a row. Malta had registered a fiscal surplus for two years in a row, and the debt to GDP ratio has fallen from above 70% to around 50% in five years.

High standard in education and Healthcare

Malta provides universal free healthcare, universal free childcare, one of the few countries in the world to provide it, and universal free education for all its citizens. 

Malta mostly follows the British curriculum and boasts a very highly rated education system with English and Maltese spoken in the classroom and on the playground.

Healthcare in Malta has a long and rich history starting in Valletta in 1575. From this history, its excellence and advancements persisted. Today, Malta ranks among the best in the world by the World Health Organization.

Malta has both private and public healthcare systems. Maltese and EU nationals obtain healthcare, free of charge, at a government-funded polyclinic/Health Center or hospital. EU Nationals can also attend private clinics and pay out of pocket or through private insurance.

Tax-friendly

With no wealth taxes and a low cost of living, Malta enjoys an attractive tax regime. 

Furthermore, the basis for taxation under the Maltese tax system is based on domicile and residency, not citizenship.  The grant of Maltese citizenship to a non-domiciliary of Malta does not of itself, cause the beneficiary to acquire a new domicile of choice in Malta.

Therefore Malta’s residency tax regime for those holding Maltese citizenship implements source and remittance-based taxation only. Wealth tax or inheritance tax for citizenship by investment holders does not apply, and there is no asset reporting.

A non-resident citizen of Malta is only taxable in Malta on Maltese source income.

Alas, Maltese citizens are free to reside in any jurisdiction to optimise their tax burden.

Fast track to mobility

The Malta IIP grants European citizenship within 12 months. In a matter of 2-3 weeks of submitting a Malta Citizenship application, applicants receive e-Residence Cards granting Maltese residency with full Schengen rights.

The efficient application process ensures a fast-track were citizenship is approved after 4 months of processing time. Passports are issued up to 12 months from the date of initial residency.

Once citizenship is granted, the new Maltese citizens enjoy full rights, as well as access to 182 countries visa-free including UK, USA and Canada.

citizenship

Programme Requirements

The Malta Citizenship by Investment Scheme is aimed at ultra-high net worth persons. Individual investors are required to contribute at least €650,000 to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund. The Fund finances major projects of national importance. It also funds social and capital projects of public interest, linked to community and economic welfare of the State such as education, research, health care, justice, public services, enterprise and business, innovation and job creation.

 

Programme Requirements

Want to be part of Mata’s success story and gain EU mobility? Contact us by email or learn more about our corporate services here

Quick Contact

Error: Contact form not found.

Find Us

BEAT
8, Pietru Caxaro Street,
Naxxar NXR2240 - Malta

Get Directions

 

 

T: (+356) 7989 6337

T: (+356) 9982 2244

[email protected]