Malta – Self-Employment

How does self-employment work for expats in Malta?

Maltese law classifies anyone who carries out work under their own name — rather than as an employee of another person or organisation — as self-employed. This umbrella covers a wide range of activities, from freelance consultants and independent contractors to sole traders operating across multiple industries. The arrangement is broadly comparable to the sole trader model familiar in the UK, Ireland, or France’s auto-entrepreneur scheme: you conduct business as an individual, without creating a distinct legal entity, and your personal finances remain merged with those of your business from a liability standpoint.

For EU and EEA citizens, the path to self-employed status in Malta is relatively uncomplicated, and registration can usually proceed without first obtaining immigration clearance. The situation differs considerably for third-country nationals, who must obtain a work permit — referred to in Malta as an employment licence — before they can begin trading. This distinction is fundamental: EU and EEA passport holders can move directly to the registration steps, while nationals from outside these blocs must resolve their immigration position first.

Third-country nationals wishing to work on a self-employed basis in Malta are required to hold an ETC Employment Licence, a Residence Permit, and — where their nationality requires a visa — travel documentation valid for a minimum of six months. The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC), operating under the brand name Jobsplus, is the national employment authority responsible for overseeing self-employment declarations and issuing the necessary licences.

Responsibility for work permits issued to third-country nationals lies with the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs, now functioning under the Identità umbrella. Both the work permit and the e-Residence card are applied for simultaneously through a Single Permit application — a consolidated, one-stop process. EU nationals, who do not require this combined application, instead register for an e-Residence document via the Expatriates Unit Portal on the Identità website once their self-employment is established.

All individuals working in Malta — whether employed or self-employed — are obliged to pay social security contributions and declare their income for tax purposes. Certain trades and professions may also demand sector-specific authorisations beyond the standard self-employment registration. Financial services, healthcare, and gaming are among the sectors where additional licences or regulatory approvals are typically required, and it is always prudent to check with the relevant authority before commencing activity.

What are the different self-employment and business structures available in Malta?

Malta provides several legal frameworks through which independent workers and entrepreneurs can operate, and the choice between them carries meaningful consequences for personal liability, tax treatment, and ongoing administrative obligations. The principal options are: trading as a sole trader (self-employed individual), incorporating a private limited liability company (Ltd), and establishing one of the recognised forms of partnership.

Operating as a sole trader — commonly described in Malta simply as being self-employed — means conducting business in your own name without incorporating a separate entity. The individual owner is personally responsible for all business debts and liabilities, and there is no legal separation between personal and business assets. This model mirrors the sole trader structure in Ireland and the UK, or the auto-entrepreneur regime in France. Its main attractions are simplicity of setup and minimal ongoing compliance obligations, though it provides no shield against personal financial exposure.

The Private Limited Company (Ltd) is by far the most widely used commercial vehicle in Malta. Shareholders enjoy limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected and their exposure is confined to any unpaid amount on their shares. A private limited company can be formed by a single shareholder or by multiple co-owners, and requires a minimum authorised share capital of €1,165, at least 20% of which must be paid up at the time of incorporation. Expats who want liability protection, intend to grow their operations, plan to bring in external investors, or operate in regulated fields typically favour this structure.

Partnership arrangements are also available under Maltese law, in the form of an en nom collectif or an en commandite. These suit small teams or family-run ventures, and differ primarily in how liability is distributed. An en nom collectif partnership holds all partners jointly and unlimitedly liable, while an en commandite structure combines at least one general partner bearing unlimited liability with one or more limited partners whose exposure does not exceed their financial contribution.

A Public Limited Company (plc) exists for larger enterprises or those contemplating a public capital-raising exercise. It demands a minimum of two directors and two shareholders, along with a higher minimum share capital than a private company requires. The designation “p.l.c.” must appear in the company name to distinguish it from private entities.

For the majority of self-employed expats and early-stage founders, the practical decision comes down to sole trader versus private Ltd. The sole trader route involves lower cost and less administrative upkeep, but the private Ltd structure offers a liability buffer and — critically — access to Malta’s corporate tax refund system, a financially significant mechanism explained in detail in the taxation section below.

How do you register as self-employed in Malta?

Establishing lawful self-employed status in Malta requires registrations with several separate government bodies covering social security, employment declarations, and tax. At first glance the process can appear fragmented, but once the sequence is clear it becomes manageable. The steps below apply to individuals who already hold the appropriate right to live and work in Malta.

1. Obtain a Social Security Number (C Number). The C Number is the starting point for everything that follows. Anyone who has previously been employed in Malta will likely already hold one; those entering the Maltese workforce for the first time — particularly newly arrived EU and EEA nationals — will need to apply through the Social Security Department. The C Number is a prerequisite for self-employment registration, payment of social security contributions, and access to certain state entitlements.
2. Obtain an Income Tax Number. Self-employed individuals must register for a tax identification number with the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue, formally known as the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA), unless they already hold one from prior work or residence in Malta. Foreign nationals residing in Malta are issued a nine-digit tax number upon registration. The application can be submitted electronically through the MTCA website or completed on a paper form.
3. Declare self-employment with Jobsplus. Once the C Number is in hand, you must formally notify Jobsplus — Malta’s national employment agency — of your self-employed status. This is a statutory requirement, not merely an administrative formality. The declaration is made online via the Jobsplus portal by navigating to the Self-Employment section and entering the required details. Current forms and guidance are available at jobsplus.gov.mt.
4. Register for VAT. Self-employed individuals may be registered under one of three VAT articles, depending on their circumstances. Article 10 registration is open to any individual regardless of annual turnover; it obliges the registrant to charge VAT on supplies and submit mandatory quarterly returns, through which input VAT can be reclaimed. Article 11 registration is available to those whose annual revenues fall below €30,000 for services or €35,000 for goods; under this article the individual does not charge VAT to clients. Current thresholds should always be confirmed directly with the MTCA VAT department, as they are subject to change.
5. Obtain any required trading licence. Depending on the nature of your business activity, a trading or professional licence may be necessary before you can lawfully operate. The Malta Business Registry and the Commerce Department can provide guidance on whether your particular sector attracts this requirement.
6. Open a dedicated bank account. Although a sole trader is not always legally compelled to maintain a separate business bank account, doing so is strongly advisable. A dedicated account makes invoicing cleaner, simplifies tax accounting, and creates a clear boundary between personal and business finances.

There are no government registration fees specific to sole trader or self-employed status in Malta, though you should budget for professional fees if you engage an accountant or business adviser to guide the process. Processing times at the tax and social security agencies are typically measured in days to a few weeks, though these can vary — it is worth confirming current turnaround times directly with each relevant body.

How do you set up a company in Malta as an expat?

Incorporating a company in Malta can be a swift and straightforward process when approached correctly. All companies must be registered with the Malta Business Registry (MBR), the statutory authority for company registration. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership under Maltese company law: nationality and residency of shareholders are irrelevant, and both nominee shareholding arrangements and holding shares under trust are permitted.

1. Choose your business structure. Selecting the right corporate vehicle is an essential first decision. For most foreign founders, the Private Limited Company (Ltd) is the natural choice — it suits small to medium-sized enterprises, limits shareholder liability, and is compatible with Malta’s corporate tax refund system. Consult a local adviser to confirm the most appropriate structure for your specific objectives before proceeding.
2. Reserve a company name. Your chosen company name must be unique and not already registered or reserved by another entity. The Malta Business Registry provides an online tool for checking availability. A private company may adopt any name, but it must conclude with the word “limited” or the abbreviation “Ltd”.
3. Engage a licensed Company Service Provider (CSP). You will need to work with a Company Service Provider licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) to initiate the incorporation process. While this is a practical rather than an absolute legal requirement for every type of incorporation, engaging a CSP makes the process considerably smoother, especially for non-residents who are unfamiliar with local procedures.
4. Complete due diligence and prepare documents. All directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) must provide due diligence documentation. This typically includes certified identification, proof of residential address, beneficial ownership forms, details of the ownership structure, bank references, and information on company assets. Non-EEA shareholders or directors may be required to furnish additional documentation.
5. Prepare and sign the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Memorandum of Association is a foundational incorporation document setting out the company name, its objects, the authorised share capital, the names of subscribers, the appointed directors, and company secretary details. The Articles of Association govern the company’s internal management and operations.
6. Deposit the share capital. The minimum authorised capital for a private company in Malta is €1,164.69 (as of 2025). At least 20% of the issued share capital must be paid up at the time the Memorandum of Association is signed. Evidence of this deposit — typically a bank deposit slip or payment certificate — must be produced as part of the incorporation documentation.
7. Submit documents to the Malta Business Registry. The following documents must be filed with the MBR: the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the bank deposit slip confirming share capital, identification documents for all shareholders, directors, and the company secretary, and a beneficial ownership declaration. Upon approval, the MBR issues a Certificate of Incorporation, which formally brings the company into existence.
8. Register for tax and VAT. Following incorporation, companies are automatically enrolled for income tax and assigned a Tax Identification Number (TIN). VAT registration is subject to the nature of the company’s activities: registration becomes mandatory once turnover of goods or services exceeds €7,000 in a calendar year. The standard VAT rate is 18%, and returns are filed quarterly (as of July 2024). Confirm the current VAT registration threshold with the MTCA.
9. Open a corporate bank account. A corporate bank account is indispensable for business operations in Malta. Banks will request the Certificate of Incorporation, company formation documents, proof of identity and address for all shareholders and directors, and a business plan or description of anticipated activities. Foreign owners may encounter a more rigorous due diligence process but can still open accounts successfully with the right preparation and support.

Technical registration in the MBR can be completed — as evidenced by the Certificate of Incorporation — within 24 hours of all required documents being submitted electronically. In practice, however, when bank account opening, share capital depositing, and tax registration are factored in, the entire process from start to finish typically spans approximately one month.

The registration fee payable to the MBR is calculated by reference to the authorised share capital. The minimum fee is €100, rising to a maximum of €1,900 where the authorised share capital exceeds €2,500,000. An annual maintenance fee is also payable to the MBR, again based on authorised share capital, with a minimum of €85 and a maximum of €1,200 per year (as of 2025). Always verify the current fee schedule directly with the Malta Business Registry.

Once incorporated, a Maltese company must comply with ongoing obligations including maintaining registers of members and directors, submitting an annual return to the Registrar, and filing audited financial statements. Late or non-compliant filings may attract financial penalties.

Can you work as a digital nomad in Malta?

Malta launched its dedicated digital nomad pathway — the Nomad Residence Permit (NRP) — in 2021, creating a formal legal route for remote workers and third-country nationals to live in Malta while continuing to work for employers or clients abroad. This placed Malta among the earlier EU member states to introduce such a scheme, alongside Estonia, Portugal, and Croatia, though each country’s programme differs in its income requirements, permitted duration, and renewal conditions.

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is open to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals. It is designed for individuals who work remotely for a foreign employer, self-employed professionals who can substantiate their independent working arrangements with supporting documentation, and digital nomads active in fields such as technology, marketing, creative design, and content creation — essentially anyone whose work can be performed entirely online from any location with a reliable internet connection.

Applicants must be non-EU nationals and must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of €42,000. This threshold was increased with effect from April 2024. Those who submitted their NRP application before 1 April 2024 remain subject to the previous annual gross income requirement of €32,400. The current threshold should always be verified with the Residency Malta Agency, as it may be revised periodically.

The permit confers a Malta residence permit for up to one year and is renewable up to three times, allowing a total continuous stay of up to four years. Renewal eligibility requires permit holders to produce a bank statement demonstrating transaction activity in Malta as evidence of physical presence — specifically, that they have resided in Malta for a cumulative minimum of five months across the preceding twelve months.

Eligibility also requires valid health insurance coverage, a clean criminal record, valid travel documents, and confirmed accommodation arrangements in Malta. Eligible applicants must fall into one of the permitted categories: conducting business activities for a company incorporated outside Malta, being employed by a foreign employer, or supplying freelance services exclusively to overseas clients. Individuals whose work arrangements involve a Maltese subsidiary are not eligible for the NRP.

The fees associated with the NRP are: €300 — a non-refundable application fee charged per applicant; and €27.50 — for issuance of the residence card per person (as of 2025). Applications are expected to be processed within 30 working days from the date on which payment is confirmed, during which period Residency Malta carries out background checks. This timeframe does not include any additional processing time that may be required for an entry visa.

A notable practical benefit of the NRP is that holders may travel visa-free within the full EU Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period — a meaningful advantage for location-independent professionals whose clients, events, or networks are spread across Europe. EU and EEA nationals, who already benefit from freedom of movement and the right to reside and work in Malta, have no need for the NRP and should instead follow the standard EU nationals’ self-employment registration pathway described above.

From a tax perspective, digital nomads are taxed at a flat rate of 10% on income derived from “authorised work”, with potential relief available under double tax treaties where the nomad is already being taxed at least at that rate in their country of origin. The current tax treatment should be confirmed with the Malta Tax and Customs Administration.

What taxes and social contributions apply to self-employed expats and business owners in Malta?

Malta’s approach to personal taxation is founded on the concepts of residence and domicile. An individual who is resident in Malta but not domiciled there is liable to Maltese tax on income that arises within Malta and on foreign-sourced income that is remitted to Malta. This remittance basis is broadly analogous to the treatment of non-domiciled individuals under Irish or UK tax law — it can offer a meaningful advantage to those with substantial offshore income that they do not need to transfer into Malta.

Income tax for self-employed individuals

The taxable figure for a self-employed person is their net profit from trading activity, which is then subjected to Malta’s progressive individual income tax rates. These run from 0% on income up to €9,100 to a maximum of 35% on income exceeding €60,001 (as of 2024 — verify current bands with the MTCA). Unlike employees, who have tax withheld at source under the PAYE system, self-employed individuals are responsible for calculating and remitting their own tax. An annual tax return must be filed and any tax due on profits paid, with the deadline falling six months after the close of the calendar year.

Corporate tax and the refund system

Companies incorporated in Malta are subject to corporate income tax at a flat rate of 35% applied to gross profits as reported in audited financial statements. However, Malta’s shareholder tax refund mechanism significantly reduces the effective tax burden. For trading companies, shareholders are entitled to a refund of 6/7 of the tax paid at company level, bringing the effective Maltese tax rate down to approximately 5%. Passive income or certain foreign-sourced dividends may qualify for a 5/7 refund, yielding an effective rate of roughly 10%. Holding companies with qualifying participating holdings may be entitled to a full refund of 100%, effectively eliminating Maltese tax on dividends and capital gains. In 2025, Malta also introduced an optional 15% Final Tax (FITWI) regime, which offers a simpler, definitive tax treatment without access to refunds. The appropriate regime for your circumstances should be confirmed with a qualified Maltese tax adviser.

VAT

Malta’s standard VAT rate is 18%, with reduced rates applying in certain sectors (as of 2025). Self-employed individuals and companies must register for VAT once turnover reaches the applicable threshold — the precise threshold varies depending on whether registration is under Article 10, 11, or 12. Quarterly VAT returns are the standard filing frequency.

Social security contributions

Self-employed individuals must arrange their own social security contribution payments, as there is no employer to deduct and remit these automatically — a situation comparable to that of self-employed workers in Germany or the Netherlands who manage their own social insurance obligations. If you earn more than €910 from an economic activity and are not simultaneously employed, you are required to pay Class II social security contributions (as of 2025 — confirm the current threshold with the Department of Social Security). Contributions are made in three instalments annually, due by the end of April, August, and December respectively.

Where an individual is self-employed on a part-time basis alongside a primary employment, social security contributions are paid solely in respect of the primary employment income, with no separate contribution required on the part-time self-employment earnings.

Malta maintains an extensive network of double taxation agreements with countries across the world. Where you continue to be taxed in your country of origin on certain income, these treaties serve to prevent the same earnings being taxed twice. The current list of treaties is available on the Malta Tax and Customs Administration website.

Are there any incentives, grants, or programmes to encourage expat entrepreneurs in Malta?

Malta has put in place a number of programmes and financial incentives to attract foreign investment and support entrepreneurial activity. Malta Enterprise, the government’s economic development agency, is the central point of contact for businesses seeking information on investment opportunities, available incentives, and the regulatory environment. The current portfolio of schemes can be explored at maltaenterprise.com.

Malta Startup Visa

The Malta Startup Visa is targeted at entrepreneurs who wish to establish an innovative venture in Malta. It provides benefits including accelerated processing of visa applications and access to funding and mentorship networks. In concept, it is comparable to startup visa initiatives in countries such as the Netherlands or Canada, which similarly prioritise applicants who can demonstrate innovation and a credible economic contribution. Current eligibility criteria and application procedures should be confirmed with Malta Enterprise directly, as the programme details are subject to revision.

Micro Invest Scheme

The Micro Invest Scheme enables eligible Maltese micro and small businesses to claim tax credits of up to €70,000 on qualifying capital investments (as of the 2026 edition — confirm current availability and applicable thresholds with Malta Enterprise). For self-employed expats and small company founders in the early years of trading, this scheme can make a meaningful difference to the overall tax liability and is one of the most practically accessible incentives on offer.

Tax incentives for specific sectors

Beyond the headline schemes, Malta offers further incentives targeting particular industries, including tax relief for businesses in manufacturing and research and development, and grants and loans available to startups in qualifying sectors. Malta has developed especially mature regulatory and incentive frameworks in the iGaming, fintech, and maritime industries. If your business operates in a regulated sector, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and Malta Enterprise are the principal contacts for guidance.

Corporate tax refund system as an investor benefit

As discussed in the taxation section, Malta’s corporate tax refund structure is itself one of the most compelling structural incentives for foreign company founders. The capacity to reduce the effective corporate tax rate from 35% to approximately 5% through the shareholder refund mechanism is a built-in advantage that has drawn substantial international business activity, particularly in the holding company, trading, and intellectual property sectors. Non-resident shareholders can take advantage of the 6/7 refund, bringing the effective tax rate down to around 5%.

What are the practical challenges of being self-employed or running a business in Malta?

Although Malta presents considerable opportunities for entrepreneurs, operating a business there comes with genuine practical difficulties. The island’s small population naturally limits the size of the domestic market, which can constrain growth ambitions for businesses whose products or services are aimed locally. Combined with the relatively high cost of living and operating costs, this means that the majority of expat business owners in Malta direct their efforts primarily at international clients rather than relying on domestic demand.

Bureaucracy and multi-agency registration

The regulatory landscape can be intricate, and the process of establishing a company or obtaining the relevant licences and permits requires patience and attention to detail. The need to complete separate registrations with the Social Security Department, Jobsplus, the MTCA, and the MBR — each operating its own portal and following its own procedures — is a recurring source of frustration, particularly when the timelines and submission deadlines of different agencies fail to synchronise neatly.

The role of local professional advisers

The Malta Business Registry advises prospective company founders to engage a locally licensed company service provider for assistance with incorporation and related matters. While instructing a local accountant or corporate services firm is not a legal obligation for sole trader registration, it is strongly recommended — especially for non-EU nationals who are simultaneously managing immigration requirements and tax registrations. Professional fees for assistance with the Nomad Residence Permit application alone typically range from around €1,500 to €2,500 for a single applicant. Fees for corporate incorporation support vary considerably; always request a detailed, itemised quote before engaging any provider.

Banking challenges

Foreign owners of Maltese companies frequently encounter a heightened level of scrutiny when applying to open a corporate bank account. Malta’s banking sector has substantially tightened its compliance and anti-money laundering procedures in recent years, partly in response to EU regulatory requirements. Applicants should expect to provide a comprehensive business plan, evidence of the origin of share capital, and extensive identity and address documentation for all beneficial owners and directors. Some foreign entrepreneurs find it practical to use a payment institution or fintech account — such as Wise Business or Revolut Business — as a supplementary solution while awaiting approval from a traditional bank.

Invoicing foreign clients

Self-employed individuals and company owners whose clients are based abroad must navigate specific VAT rules governing cross-border services. For business-to-business transactions within the EU, the reverse charge mechanism typically applies, meaning the invoice is issued without VAT and the client accounts for it in their own jurisdiction. Maltese invoicing requirements broadly align with those of other EU member states: invoices must include your VAT number (where applicable), the client’s VAT number, a sequential invoice reference, a description of the services supplied, and the applicable VAT treatment. Obtaining advice from a local accountant before issuing the first international invoice is strongly recommended to avoid compliance errors.

Language

Malta is officially bilingual, with both Maltese and English holding the status of official languages. The vast majority of government websites, official forms, and administrative communications are available in English, making Malta substantially more accessible for administrative and bureaucratic purposes than many other EU jurisdictions where official processes are conducted exclusively in the national language. That said, some older paper-based forms or face-to-face interactions at local offices may involve Maltese, and having a local adviser on hand can prove invaluable in these situations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be employed by a company and self-employed at the same time in Malta?

There is no legal bar to holding both employed and self-employed status simultaneously in Malta. Where an individual is self-employed on a part-time basis while also holding a full-time job, social security contributions are due only on the primary employment income, and no further contributions are required on the part-time self-employment earnings. Regardless of whether self-employment is your primary activity, you are still required to register with Jobsplus and the MTCA. You should also verify that your employment contract does not contain any clause restricting you from taking on outside work.

How do I handle invoicing clients who are based outside Malta?

Where services are supplied to business clients in other EU member states, the reverse charge mechanism typically applies: you issue the invoice without charging VAT and the client accounts for VAT in their own jurisdiction. Services supplied to clients outside the EU are generally outside the scope of Maltese VAT altogether. Different rules may apply when the client is a private consumer rather than a business. The precise treatment depends on the nature of the services, the client’s location, and your own VAT registration status — always seek specific guidance from a Maltese VAT adviser before issuing your first international invoice.

What happens to my self-employment or company if my residency permit changes or expires?

Your right to work on a self-employed basis in Malta is contingent on your legal right to reside and work there. If you cease operating as a sole trader, you must notify the relevant authorities, discontinue your self-employment declaration, cancel any VAT registrations where applicable, stop making social security contributions, and submit a final tax return. Where a company director loses their right of residence, the company itself remains a legally recognised entity, but it may be necessary to appoint a replacement director to ensure continuity of management and ongoing regulatory compliance. If your immigration status changes for any reason, taking prompt legal advice is strongly recommended.

Do I need a local director or shareholder to set up a company in Malta?

No. A private limited company in Malta requires a minimum of one director and one shareholder, and these roles can be filled by individuals or corporate entities of any nationality who need not reside in Malta. There is consequently no legal requirement to appoint a Maltese resident director or to include a Maltese co-shareholder — the company can be wholly owned and directed by non-Maltese individuals. That said, companies incorporated in Malta are treated as domiciled and resident there regardless of where management and control is actually exercised. Tax advisers commonly recommend a meaningful degree of genuine local management activity to strengthen the company’s substance in Malta.

Is the Malta Nomad Residence Permit a route to permanent residency?

No. The Malta Nomad Residence Permit does not confer any entitlement to apply for permanent residency. Those whose long-term objective is permanent settlement in Malta would need to accumulate five years of residence under a different category of permit — such as a standard work permit — or pursue permanent residency through one of Malta’s investment-based pathways. The NRP is explicitly designed as a temporary, renewable permit for remote workers and does not constitute a pathway to long-term settlement.

What are the VAT obligations for a newly registered self-employed person in Malta?

Malta does not offer a blanket exemption from VAT registration for those earning below a given threshold, and failing to register within the required timeframe exposes the individual to significant administrative penalties. From the outset of your trading activity, you must determine which VAT article is applicable to your situation. Article 10 registration covers most standard taxable supplies and carries the obligation to charge VAT and file quarterly returns. Article 11 provides a small supplier exemption from charging VAT for those whose annual turnover falls below the prescribed thresholds. Confirm the current thresholds with the MTCA VAT Department before registering.

How long does it realistically take to become fully operational as a self-employed expat in Malta?

An EU or EEA national who already holds a social security number and tax identification number can typically complete the Jobsplus self-employment declaration and VAT registration within two to four weeks. For non-EU nationals who first need to obtain an Employment Licence and Single Permit, the overall timeline is considerably longer — a minimum of two to three months is a realistic expectation, and the process can extend further depending on caseloads at the relevant agencies. Engaging a local accountant or corporate services provider from the outset substantially reduces the risk of errors and delays.

Are there any sectors where foreign nationals are restricted from being self-employed or owning a company in Malta?

Malta does not apply blanket sector-based restrictions on foreign ownership of businesses or self-employed activity. However, certain regulated industries — including financial services, legal practice, healthcare, and gaming — require specific licences from the relevant regulatory authority, which may be the MFSA, the Health Competency Verification Board, or the Malta Gaming Authority depending on the activity. Each licensing regime carries its own eligibility criteria, which may include professional qualifications, fit-and-proper assessments, minimum capital requirements, and other financial conditions. The licensing requirements for your specific sector should be thoroughly investigated before committing to a business structure or making any investment.