By
September 10, 2026
Can I Set Up a Malta Company Without Visiting Malta?
Yes. In many cases, a Malta company can be established remotely without the shareholders or directors travelling to Malta.
The incorporation documents can generally be submitted electronically. However, remote registration does not remove the need to verify identities, disclose beneficial owners, provide a Malta registered office and meet the applicable share-capital requirements.
Both Maltese and foreign individuals may be able to establish a company remotely.
A foreign founder does not generally need to:
Foreign legal entities may also hold shares, although additional corporate and ownership documents will normally be required.
The founders must provide the same information required for any company registration, including:
Completing the process remotely changes how the documents are delivered and verified, but not the legal requirements.
Commonly requested documents include:
Documents issued outside Malta may need to be certified, authenticated or translated.
Remote applicants must complete appropriate identity and due-diligence checks.
Verification may involve:
The method used depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the requirements of the filing or verification process.
A simple scanned passport may not always be sufficient.
Yes. Every company must maintain a registered office address in Malta, even when all shareholders and directors live abroad.
This address is used for:
The company must have permission to use the address. It does not necessarily have to be the company’s main trading location.
Certain forms and incorporation documents may be signed electronically where an acceptable signature method is used.
Some documents may still require:
Typing a name into a document does not automatically create a valid electronic signature. The required signing method should be confirmed before submission.
A director does not generally need to be resident in Malta solely for company-law purposes.
However, the location from which the company is actually managed can affect:
Foreign directors should consider both Maltese requirements and the rules of the countries from which they operate.
A company secretary must be appointed and must be capable of carrying out the role properly.
The suitability of a non-resident secretary depends on whether the person can maintain the required records, monitor deadlines and fulfil the responsibilities attached to the position.
A straightforward remote application may be processed within a few working days once all documents and checks are complete.
The process can take longer when:
Remote registration should not be treated as an immediate or guaranteed process.
Company registration and account opening are separate processes.
Some account applications may be completed remotely using digital identification and video verification. Others may require additional checks or an in-person meeting.
The company may be asked to provide:
Registering the company remotely does not guarantee remote account approval.
A personal visit may be required where:
These circumstances do not apply to every business.
Remote founders should avoid:
Confirming the requirements before preparing documents can prevent unnecessary delays and certification costs.
Yes. Foreign ownership is generally permitted, subject to identity, beneficial-ownership and regulatory requirements.
No. A Maltese shareholder is not generally required.
A private company may generally have one shareholder and one director, subject to the rules for single-member companies and the appointment of a company secretary.
You must have a registered office address in Malta. Separate commercial premises may not be necessary unless required by the company’s activities or licence.
Not necessarily. Some documents may require an accepted electronic signature, certification, authentication or an original signature.
It may be possible, but this depends on the separate application and due-diligence requirements. Remote account opening is not guaranteed.
Incorporation is an important factor, but tax residency and cross-border taxation can also depend on where the company is managed and operates.
A Malta company can often be established without the shareholders or directors visiting Malta. The documents may be prepared, verified, signed and submitted remotely where the applicable procedures allow it.
The company must still have a registered office in Malta, disclose its beneficial owners, meet the share-capital requirements and complete all necessary identity checks.
Remote founders should also plan separately for tax registration, licensing and account opening, as these processes may have different requirements.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice.
