GENERAL

Status: Parliamentary Democracy
Location: Archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and North Africa
Area: 316km2
Capital: Valetta
Population: 360,000
Business Languages: English, Maltese and English are the official languages, with Italian widely spoken.
Currency: Maltese lira (LM). LM1=100 cents
Time Zone: GMT +1
Business Hours: Mon to Fri 8.00am to 5.30pm
Climate: Mediterranean
Average Temperatures: Winter: 12ºC. Summer: 27ºC

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

British High Commission
PO BOS 506
7 St Anne Street
Floriana
Malta G.C.
Tel: + 356 233134

The Malta Camber of Commerce
Exchange Buildings
Republic Street
Valetta VLT 05
Malta
Tel: + 356 233873
Fax: + 356 245223
Email: admin@chamber-commerce.org.mt
Homepage: chamber-commerce.org.mt

Malta Financial Services Centre
Palazzo Spinola
PO Box 29
St Julians
Malta, STTJ 01
Tel: + 356 344230

EXPAT EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Work permits are normally issued to non-nationals when these are required for tasks for which suitable local candidates are not available.

COMMUNICATIONS

Full satellite direct dialling system, with over US$200m committed to investment. Frequent scheduled air services to all major European and North African destinations. Good internal links by road. There are no rail or tram services in Malta

POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY

Stable, democratic parliamentary system based on the British model. Member of the Common wealth; associate member of the EU since 1971 (applied for full EU membership in July 1990). The Government is committed to Malta’s development as an international offshore centre.

KEY ACTIVITIES

International banking, insurance and reinsurance, captive management, investment business, trading companies, holding companies, personal investment companies, ship management and registration, and trusts. Malta has been development a very active Freeport zone since 1988 with warehousing, light assembly, oil storage/blending, container repair and luxurious office space available

ADVANTAGES OF MALTA

  • Tax and fiscal privileges, including no withholding or capital gains taxes
  • Exemption from exchange control
  • Swift procedures
  • A strategic location
  • Measurable lower operating costs
  • Availability of qualified, English speaking professionals

The content of this factfile is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances from a local lawyer or accountant.