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Malta has become one of the top destinations in Europe for starting a business. With its low tax rates, skilled workforce, EU membership and central Mediterranean location, Malta offers serious advantages to entrepreneurs and companies expanding internationally. Whether you’re looking to launch a start-up, open a branch office, or relocate your operations, Malta is worth considering.
But setting up a company in Malta involves more than just paperwork. You’ll need to find the right business premises, navigate local regulations, open a bank account and possibly relocate your staff. This is where Frank Salt Real Estate and its Commercial Division can guide you every step of the way.
For over 55 years, Frank Salt Real Estate has been a trusted name in the Maltese property market. Their commercial team offers expert support in commercial property in Malta, while their network of affiliate partners makes the business setup process smoother, faster and less stressful.
Why set up a company in Malta?
Malta combines the advantages of an EU jurisdiction with a pro-business environment. Here’s why so many companies are choosing Malta:
- Attractive corporate tax system: Malta’s effective corporate tax rate can be as low as 5% with refund mechanisms in place for shareholders.
- EU access: As a full EU member, Malta provides access to the European single market and passporting rights for financial services.
- Skilled, English-speaking workforce: Education is high-quality and most professionals are fluent in English and often a third language.
- Robust regulatory framework: Malta has a stable legal and financial system aligned with EU directives.
- Government incentives: Various grants and schemes support foreign direct investment, especially in IT, maritime, aviation, movie productions, i-Gaming and fintech.
These benefits make Malta a preferred choice for businesses looking for a cost-effective, compliant and strategic location in Europe.
Finding the right business premises in Malta
A key step in setting up your business is finding the right commercial property in Malta. This could be a retail outlet, office space, warehouse, industrial unit, or even a shared co-working hub depending on your needs.
Frank Salt Real Estate’s Commercial Division offers a wide selection of properties across Malta, including high-traffic areas like Sliema, St Julian’s, Valletta and the Central Business District.
Their expert team will:
- Identify the best locations based on your industry and growth goals
- Negotiate lease or purchase terms on your behalf
- Advise on zoning, access, parking and logistics
- Provide valuations and ROI assessments if you’re buying
With decades of market insight, Frank Salt Real Estate can match your business with a property that supports operations from day one.
How Frank Salt Real Estate helps with company setup in Malta
What sets Frank Salt Real Estate apart is their ability to support not just your property search, but your full business setup through their affiliate network of professionals.
These trusted partners include:
- Company formation agents for business registration with the Malta Business Registry
- Legal firms specialising in corporate law and licensing
- Accounting and audit professionals for VAT, tax and payroll setup
- Banking consultants to assist with opening corporate bank accounts
- Recruitment agencies to help source local talent and manage employee onboarding
- Relocation specialists who can manage permits, work visas and housing for staff
This one-stop solution is especially valuable for foreign companies and remote founders who want local expertise without the hassle of building their own network from scratch.
Should you rent or buy commercial property in Malta?
Whether you lease or purchase your business premises depends on your budget, business model and long-term plans.
Frank Salt Real Estate’s commercial consultants provide tailored advice to help you decide. For example:
- Start-ups often choose to rent, keeping upfront costs low while they scale.
- SMEs and established firms might prefer to buy, treating the property as a long-term investment.
- Businesses testing the Maltese market may use serviced offices or co-working spaces, which Frank Salt Real Estate can also arrange.
Whatever your strategy, they’ll provide options that align with your financial goals and operational needs.
Long-term support and property management
Frank Salt Real Estate isn’t just about closing the deal – they’re in it for the long run. Their after-sales service includes:
- Property management for leased or owned units
- Maintenance coordination
- Subletting or expansion support
- Tenant or landlord mediation
- Staff relocation services
This makes them more than a real estate agency – they’re an ongoing partner in your business journey in Malta.
Steps to set up a company in Malta
To give you a clear picture, here’s a simplified checklist of how to set up a company in Malta:
- Choose your business structure (e.g. Ltd, Sole Trader, Partnership)
- Register with the Malta Business Registry
- Open a corporate bank account in Malta
- Apply for a VAT number and tax identification
- Secure business licences and permits if required
- Lease or buy commercial premises
- Hire staff and register with Jobsplus
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, health and safety and employment law
Frank Salt Real Estate and their affiliates can assist at each of these stages, streamlining your setup and avoiding common delays.
Start your business journey with Frank Salt Real Estate
If you’re serious about setting up a company in Malta, don’t go it alone. Frank Salt Real Estate offers everything you need – from locating your perfect business premises to connecting you with legal, financial and operational experts.
Their decades of experience, wide property portfolio and personal approach make them the ideal partner for any entrepreneur, investor, or business owner entering the Maltese market.
Contact the Frank Salt Commercial Division today to get expert help with your business relocation or expansion to Malta.
Visit www.franksalt.com.mt to get started.
