Right above eastern Tunisia and under southern Italy rises a land that was a much-sought jewel by almost every empire and major civilization that’s ever existed: from the Greeks to the Normans, from the Romans to the Byzantines, from the Phoenicians to Napoleon’s France.

We are talking about Malta, a Mediterranean archipelago with one of the richest histories of its region. Its privileged location, its heavenly beaches, and its cultural mix makes it one of the top tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.

Going along Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, known as the “three cities,” which have been inhabited since the Phoenician times and saw the birth of the Order of the Knights of Malta; a tour to the captivating Hypogeum, with all of its archeological wonders, or submerging in the beaches of Golden Bay, are just one of the few drivers of tourists, and culture-savvy expats to the island.

It’s not a coincidence that Malta is known as an open-air museum where you can travel through its ancient history, follow the footsteps of St. Paul, and of the Crusaders that shaped the island, all while moving around a tech-savvy country with a vibrant expat community.

What if we told you that all this also comes with a thriving, hungry for investment economy that offers plenty of tax optimizations possibilities? Add to that the fact that Malta has the most prestigious CBI program on the planet, world-renowned financial services, and a diversified, tech-savvy, service-oriented economy.

And that’s just the beginning. What if we also told you in Mundo, we work with the finest experts for CBI and RBI programs in Malta?

Malta gained its independency at a point where it relied way too much on the British military presence.

When the UK started withdrawing its armed forces, many predicted a disaster.

However, as you may know: those who really want to thrive know how to take advantage of crises.

That’s what happened in Malta. The island diversified its economy in the 80s through government grants, tax credits, and loans to increase the FDI flow.

As usual, the impact of these state-led measures was limited. That led the island to a second transformation: during the 90s, a series of economic reforms turned the country into a market economy, to the point the government sought progressive privatization of public assets, and finally, all capital controls were eliminated when the country joined the European Union in 2004.

And since then, this small yet rocking archipelago has never looked back.

Malta’s economy is highly diversified and developed. Small economies are usually uber-reliant of foreign investment, which makes them excessively vulnerable to external shock.

That’s not the case with Malta. Don’t be fooled by its size.

Just to name one example: when all Europe was in chaos because of the economic crisis in 2010, Malta was the only EU country along with Germany to sustain economic growth.

What has been the key? Two factors: diversification and pro-business policies.

Nothing new.

Along with Germany, Malta was the only EU country that didn't enter in recession during the 2010 crisis

Especially after entering the EU, the country has promoted FDI to diversify its economy, leading to the growth of sectors such as information and communication technologies, pharma, aircraft maintenance, financial services, and even crypto services.

Aren’t you already convinced of investing in Malta?

Mundo´s country rating is essentially a freedom index whereby our team of specialists rate a combination of freedoms which include freedom from violence and personal attacks, financial freedom from high taxes, business freedom from government interference, and especially from socialism and communism.

There’s much to love about Malta. Don’t let its 300 sq km fool you. This island must be on the map of every high net worth individual and investor.

Its CBI program was a before and after on the second passport world. The country boasts a favorable tax regime for investors, diversified and cutting-edge financial services, and licenses. We don’t exaggerate when we say Malta is one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean with a succulent history and culture.

Don’t say we didn’t tell you. If you’re looking for a new place to invest or to relocate, Malta has to be at the top of your list.

Let’s tell you why.

Malta is a fantastic place to relocate. Freelancers, retirees, crypto managers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs choose Malta as their spot for its beauty, its beneficial tax system, and the opportunities it offers.

Its calm ambiance is perfect for expats looking to run away from the non-stop life of big cities, but still want to enjoy first-level services in a modern country. Malta is a country open for foreigners, with a welcoming local population, a vibrant cultural mix, an astonishing past, and its eyes well-set into the future.

Why did the Knights Hospitaller chose Malta as its base and hometown? We are sure it was because it was the closest they could feel to heaven on earth. Add that the tax optimization possibilities, amazing investment vehicles to protect your assets, and a privileged location that will get you to most European, North African, and Middle Eastern capitals in a couple of hours by plane.

If you want to relocate to start a new business or wish to enjoy your retirement savings freely, Malta should be at the top of your list.

Traditionally, CBIs were present in some Pacific and Caribbean islands that couldn’t provide much aside from a second trustworthy passport.

“That sounds pretty good to me,”, you may think, and that’s right. However, in 2014, Malta became the first EU member to provide an extensive CBI program. Thus, it was the first country to offer extra benefits in a dynamic investment environment for those who benefit from the program.

Malta’s CBI was an overhaul. Similar programs followed it in Cyprus, another EU member, and Montenegro, which will be an EU member in 2025.

Still, Malta remains the most prestigious program.

Malta is an EU country and received the support of the organization for its program because of its strong due diligence. The program is more expensive than most Caribbean programs, but it offers you secure investments that will actually give you a strong return.

Also, the current program just changed dramatically. Since September 2020, most conditions of the program have hardened. Still, that is the main reason why it's still unbeaten.

In today’s world, having a second reliable passport is an unmissable opportunity for high net worth individuals and Malta should be at the top of your list. After all, you don’t get the chance to have a EU passport every day.

Even as it is the smallest member of the EU, Malta has a significant business presence with a state-of-the-art technologic presence and a modern financial service business. Thus, it is always necessary to explain the main particularities of the types of corporate structures in Malta and the steps to establish them.

In fact, the extent of your tax optimization possibilities relies mostly on selecting the best corporate structure for your business.

Choosing the right business structure can lead you to obtain a full corporate tax refund on your Maltese income.

No, we are not kidding. No, you don’t need new glasses. We’ll say it again: a full corporate tax income on your Maltese income.

Thus, you must know the particularities of each business structure in Malta to choose the one that suits you better and may lead you to take your tax planning to the next level.

Malta’s tax system is one of the most sophisticated in Europe. It offers plenty of advantages for high net worth individuals and companies and has different tax regimes for different kinds of companies, foreigners, residents, and citizens.

Such a system is good in the sense the government uses plenty of tax incentives for certain economic activities. However, on the negative side, it means it can be an incredibly complicated and frustrating system.

Still, via deductions, you can lower your corporate tax rate to 0 % (you read that correctly) and that the residence and retirement programs offer a 15 % income tax rate. That means that even if it’s a somewhat complex system, it’s among the best of the best in Europe. Also, even as the VAT is 18 %, which is pretty average, but has compelling lowered rates of 7 % and 5 % on certain products and services (more on that ahead).

What advantages may be relocating your business to Malta have?

• Low taxation with plenty of incentives that can even exempt you for corporate tax
• Onshore EU-status with access to EU directives
• Tax exemptions on dividends, securities profits, withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalty’s repatriation
• Robust double tax treaty network

It’s the perfect union between a transparent tax system with plenty of benefits and incentives for investors and full international harmonization. This balance is perfect for high net worth individuals who wish to optimize their taxes, but are not in the disposition of going for a jurisdiction that may have a shady reputation.

And you can do it with almost unmatched onshore tax optimization. You can enjoy a flat 15 % income tax rate and corporate tax refund system that can lower your tax payments to 5 % and even zero under certain conditions.

The archipelago keeps a top-notch reputation in banking and financial services, as it has a strong, pro-business regulatory framework. That usually leads Malta to be among the Top-20 banking industries in the world, according to the WEF Competitiveness Index. One of the main reasons for this reputation is that it remained robust during the 2008 financial crisis.

Why is Malta a good place for banking? We think of mainly three reasons: 1) It is a midpoint between Western Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. 2) It has a robust economy, sound macroeconomic policies, and a massive influx of FDI. 3) Its British heritage left the island a business-friendly legal system that protects privacy and property, which are two of the bases of business freedom

Thanks to this, Malta has established itself as a banking center and bridge between investors from the Middle East and Western Europe. The country holds more than €30b in deposits, and the amount continues growing. In a bit more than a decade, the country transformed its financial system. It passed from having four small banks serving locals in their daily businesses, to becoming the top financial center in the Mediterranean.

Malta’s banking system is one of the pillars of its economy. Not only for its size, as financial services comprise more than 15 % of the GDP, but also because Maltese banks usually have solvency rations that double the EU average.

How has this happened? Well, the sector went from a firmly controlled industry with a heavy public presence, to a market-driven industry, with full private participation. The government saw the opportunity and reformed the sector. This has also led to a growth in infrastructure and industry projects, as the health of the banking sector is vital for businesspeople seeking to diversify their investments. Several financial institutions use Malta as an expansion hub. It’s a safe jurisdiction to enter the EU market, and it’s also a perfect point from which to launch operations in the Middle East or North Africa.

The country boasts some of the most competent investment services in Europe, with high investment returns, and some of the best wealth management service providers in Europe. The financial services sector continues to thrive in Malta, and considering the macroeconomic stability the country possesses, which serves as the base for the industry, banking, and the financial sector in general, Malta seems like an excellent choice.

Why is Malta an attractive destiny for foreign investors seeking for wealth management services?

• First, the country has one regulator for all financial services: the MFSA. Family offices in Malta say they can easily navigate through the intricate regulatory frame as they are conducted with the same authority, which is generally regarded as transparent.
• Likewise, the country’s strength lies in its flourishing financial services sector, which offers a wide array of investment possibilities such as AIFs, PIFs, trusts, and more.
• Malta has seen a recent increase in investment banking and wealth management services, with reputable and seasoned service providers entering the game
• Single-family offices are not designed as profit-making entities in themselves, so their operational costs must be under control. That’s why many family offices are restructuring their operations and expenses, and they are looking at Malta because it offers incredibly competitive fees for all the wonderful benefits that may arise from it.

 First of all, why open a fund in Malta? 

There are plenty of benefits of Malta as a fund jurisdiction:

• Low licensing and registration costs compared to other popular fund jurisdictions within the EU.
• Low capitalization rules.
• In particular, Professional Investor Funds can be self-managed without a third party, which has share capital benefits, and they do not have to appoint a manager, custodian, or administrator.
• Amazing tax regime.
• The fund can invest in both underlying assets or through special purpose vehicles, both local and foreign.
• A quick licensing process that may deliver you an in principle approval in seven working days.

So, basically, the Maltese system offers you some of the best fund opportunities in Europe, which can be used for wealth management purposes on expert hands with ideal infrastructure and a friendly regulatory regime.

We must say: Malta is among the top fund jurisdictions on the planet. There’s a good reason why there are nearly 700 funds established in the country under its top classifications and schemes, which benefit from the friendly tax regime and top financial infrastructure of Malta.

If you’re looking at your next investment in Malta, funds should be one of your top options.

Since Malta joined the EU in 2004, the country became a top jurisdiction for corporate holding structures with different ends such as multinational groups and asset holding for high net worth individuals. In the last few years, the authorities have been active in renewing the laws and regulations regarding trusts and foundations.

Choosing the best trust jurisdiction is tough. It depends on many factors, such as the regulatory legal framework, the competence of service providers, operational costs, and the judicial system. The reforms conducted since 2014 has turned Malta into a trust-worthy jurisdiction for those wanting to protect their legacy.

These three services have particular licenses. Forex companies follow the same licenses that investment services, and crypto and remote gaming have a four-class licensing system.

Malta is a service-oriented economy. While so many countries are seeing services such as forex, e-gaming, and cryptocurrencies with dismay, Malta is offering them an opportunity to thrive with a beneficial tax system, a strong regulatory frame, and allowing them to settle in a secure jurisdiction.

Malta was the first EU member to regulate the e-gaming industry and the first in the world to regulate the cryptocurrency investment industry. It’s been a frontrunner in innovative financial services and licenses to attract new investors to the country, and it has worked.

Today, the country is home to dozens of investors in those industries and has become a hub and a safe haven for the crypto world, e-gaming, and legit forex investors.

Some EU countries look at this type of businesses as second-class businesses and try to suppress them with the excuse that they promote money laundering. This is a complete lie.

E-Gaming, FOREX, and crypto are legit businesses that are attracting reputable investors and can offer significant gains for those willing to take the chance. Malta knows this and that’s why it has become a harbor for the investors in these areas, offering them a safe jurisdiction with impressive services and possibilities for them.

Why should Malta be at the top of your list?

Reason 1: The regulators, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Malta Financial Services Authority embrace new business models and have a good reputation.

Reason 2: Malta is one of the most advanced and respected Forex, gaming, and crypto jurisdiction.

Reason 3: Skilled and English-speaking workforce

Reason 4: Low taxes in an onshore, whitelisted jurisdiction

Reason 5: Presence of B2B and B2C companies, which gives you immediate access to top IT, tax, accounting, headhunting, AML, auditing providers.

A plethora of investors are closely supervising Malta. It has a strong expat community, the economy is booming, and the CBI and RBI programs require investing in real estate.

All this means Malta has a dynamic real estate with strong investment returns for those willing to invest in the market.

Find a home that fits your needs and of your family is a must in Malta. For its size, the country has a deeply diversified market, with luxurious seaside properties, comfortable villas, and downtown apartments close to the business centers in Valletta.

You can buy a luxurious villa at a walking distance from some of the more gorgeous heavenly beaches of the Mediterranean, at a fraction of their cost in Southern France or Greece.

What if you already have a home in Malta or do not want to relocate there? Well, the real estate market is booming and offers impressive options for investors willing to invest in the real estate business for wealth management purposes.

However, investing in real estate in Malta has its particularities. Buying and selling property has some specific taxes, and your nationality may be a factor to consider regarding the procedure for buying property in Malta.

But it is worth the bet. The real estate prices can go up as much as 15 % per year, which is terrific for investors. Malta real estate is widely considered as one of the best investments you can make across the EU. The market isn’t growing because the government eased conditions for buying properties or for getting credit. The rise is due to the overall economic growth of Malta, fueled by its sound macroeconomic policies, job creation, and an influx of expats.

Plus, we work with the single-best real estate agency in Malta with over 35 years of experience in the island and has over 30,000 properties in its database from which you can choose.