Table of Contents Business Structures in Malta: Limited Company vs. Sole Trader at a Glance Limited Company in Malta: Pros, Cons, and Costs for Freelancers Sole Trader in Malta: When the Simple Solution Is the Best Fit Tax Comparison: What Do I Pay as a Limited Company vs. Sole Trader? Liability and Risk: How Can I Protect My Personal Assets? Administrative Work: Bookkeeping, Reporting, and Ongoing Costs Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Business in Malta Common Mistakes When Choosing Your Business Form – and How to Avoid Them Frequently Asked Questions Dreaming of starting your journey as a digital nomad or freelancer in Malta? Then youre facing a decision that will shape the future of your business: Limited Company or Sole Trader? I get it, it might sound just as dry as Gozo’s August landscape. But trust me: this choice determines whether you’ll be sipping a Cisk by Spinola Bay at year-end or anxiously staring at your tax bill. After two years on the island and countless conversations with freelancers who have tried their luck here, I know all the pitfalls, the opportunities and—let’s be honest—the moments you wonder: “Why did nobody tell me that before?” That’s why you’re getting an unfiltered reality check here, with real numbers, genuine experiences and clear action steps. Business Structures in Malta: Limited Company vs. Sole Trader at a Glance As an international freelancer, Malta really gives you just two main routes to self-employment: the Sole Trader business and the Limited Company (Ltd.). Both have their place—but this is crucial—they suit entirely different lifestyles and business scenarios. What Is a Sole Trader in Malta? A Sole Trader (Sole Trader Business) is the simplest form of self-employment in Malta. You register with Malta Enterprise, get a business license, and off you go. That’s it. No complicated company structures, no minimum capital required, no shareholder meetings. You are the business and the business is you. Sounds tempting? It is—if you’re starting small and your risks are manageable. But heads up: you’re liable with all of your personal assets. Every euro in your account, your apartment, your car—it’s all on the line in a worst-case scenario. What Is a Limited Company in Malta? A Limited Company is a separate legal entity—distinct from you as a person. That means: the company has its own bank account, its own liabilities, and—here’s the kicker—its own liability. Your personal assets aren’t touched (except in rare cases of gross negligence). The price? More paperwork, higher setup costs, and annual compliance requirements. But if your business grows or you’re dealing with larger sums, it’s usually worth every euro. The Key Differences at a Glance Aspect Sole Trader Limited Company Liability Unlimited personal Limited to company capital Setup costs €150 – €300 €1,200 – €2,000 Minimum capital None €1,164.69 Tax rate 0% – 35% (progressive) 35% (with refunds) Bookkeeping Simple Double-entry Annual accounts Not required Mandatory So what does this mean for you? If you’re just getting started, facing low risks, and your yearly turnover is below €25,000, a sole trader setup could be the right entry point. But once larger sums are involved or you have clients where a dispute could get costly, it’s time to seriously consider a Limited Company. Limited Company in Malta: Pros, Cons, and Costs for Freelancers Let’s get specific. Here’s why 80% of successful international freelancers in Malta go for a Limited Company—and in which cases you might be the exception. The Benefits of a Limited Company for Freelancers Limited liability—your financial shield Picture a project going off the rails. Your code crashes a million-euro firms platform, or your marketing campaign breaks data protection rules. As a sole trader, you could lose your house. As a Limited Company, your risk is capped at the companys capital—usually the €1,164.69 minimum contribution plus whatever remains in the company bank account. Tax optimisation via Malta’s Full Imputation system This is where Malta gets really interesting: The Full Imputation System lets shareholders reclaim up to 6/7 of the corporate tax paid on distributed profits. Sounds complex? It is. So here’s an example: You make €50,000 profit. The company pays €17,500 corporate tax (35%). If you pay yourself €32,500 as a dividend, you get €15,000 of the paid tax refunded. Effective tax rate: 5% instead of 35%. Not bad, right? International credibility Clients feel better about paying “Müller Ltd.” than “Hans Müller, Freelancer.” A Limited Company looks more professional, established, and—let’s face it—better funded. Especially with bigger projects, it can tip the scales between landing a job and getting a rejection. The Disadvantages of a Limited Company Higher setup and ongoing costs A Limited Company means higher upfront costs (€1,200 – €2,000) and yearly expenses. Expect: Annual fee to the Malta Business Registry: €245 Accountant fees: €150 – €400/month Tax advisor: €800 – €2,000/year Audit (if revenue exceeds €175,000): €2,000 – €5,000 More complex admin Forget spreadsheets. You’ll need proper bookkeeping, annual accounts, and regular reports for the authorities. You either deep-dive yourself or pay a pro. In both cases, you’re spending time or money. Minimum capital and cashflow considerations The €1,164.69 required isn’t huge but it has to stay in the company account. Plus: You can’t just use the company money for private spending. Paying yourself a salary requires PAYE payroll; dividends must be properly resolved. Who Should Consider a Limited Company? From my experience, a Limited Company makes sense if at least one of these is true for you: Annual turnover above €25,000—this is where tax benefits kick in High-risk business—IT projects, consulting, marketing, anything where big damages are possible International clients—B2B business works better with a company Growth plans—if you’re looking to hire or bring in partners Looking for investors—no one invests in Hans Müller personally What does this mean for you? If you’re a developer, designer, or consultant mainly serving international clients and planning to grow, a Limited Company is almost always the right choice. Yes, it costs more and is more complex. But above a certain size, the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks. Sole Trader in Malta: When the Simple Solution Is the Best Fit Not everyone needs the big-company complexity. Sometimes, simple really is better—and here’s when a sole trader business in Malta makes the most sense. Benefits of Being a Sole Trader Minimal startup effort You can set up a sole trader business in a morning. Head to Malta Enterprise in Valletta (bring patience, waiting times are legendary), fill out the application, pay €125 for the business license, done. No notary appointments, no proof of capital, no tricky shareholder agreements. Low ongoing costs Other than your annual license renewal (€50 – €125 depending on activity) you have barely any fixed costs. No blocked minimum capital, no audit requirement, no shareholder meetings. You can use basic accounting software—or even Excel—as long as you keep all receipts. Complete financial flexibility All your income is directly yours. No distinction between company and personal money (legally, it’s the same). Want to pay yourself €2,000 today? Go ahead. €500 tomorrow? Sure. This flexibility is priceless when your income fluctuates. The Drawbacks and Risks Unlimited personal liability This is the dealbreaker. If something goes wrong, your entire personal wealth is at risk. Apartment, car, bank account—can all be seized. I met a web designer who almost lost their home over a single e-commerce project gone bad. Tax disadvantages at higher income Malta’s income tax is progressive, up to 35%. Without the optimization options of a Limited Company, you’ll pay much more above a certain point. The pain threshold is around €20,000 – €25,000 per year. Limited potential for expansion Hiring employees? Hard. Attracting investors? Impossible. Taking on partners? Complicated. By definition, a sole trader is a one-person show. Who Should Choose a Sole Trader Business? A sole trader business makes sense if you: Are just starting out and your annual revenues are under €20,000 Work in low-risk activities (writing, basic graphic design, online teaching) Need ultimate flexibility, with no plans to upscale Want minimal admin and don’t want to deal with compliance issues Want to test if Malta is right for you Typical Sole Trader Profiles in Malta The Lifestyle Freelancer Sarah writes blog posts for German companies, earns €18,000 annually, and loves the flexibility. She works mornings on her laptop, spends lunchtime at the beach, and evenings in a Sliema café. For her, a sole trader business is the perfect match—low costs, minimum hassle, maximum freedom. The Test Nomad Marco wants to see if Malta’s a good long-term fit. He gives online piano lessons and makes €15,000 a year. Sole trader status gives him full options—if Malta doesn’t fit, he can leave easily. If it works, he can later switch to a Limited Company. The Specialist Anna translates medical texts for five regular clients. Low risk, steady €22,000 income. She values the simple structure and can focus on translating instead of admin. What does this mean for you? A sole trader business is the ideal starting point if you’re playing it safe or want to stay small. But don’t underestimate the liability risks—and be ready to switch to a Limited Company as your business grows. Tax Comparison: What Do I Pay as a Limited Company vs. Sole Trader? Let’s get specific with the numbers. In the end, your tax burden will often decide whether Malta really is cheaper than your home country—or whether you’re wrestling with Maltese bureaucracy for nothing. Tax as a Sole Trader in Malta As a sole trader, you pay Malta’s progressive income tax as usual: Income Tax rate Tax Effective Rate €0 – €9,100 0% €0 0% €9,101 – €14,500 15% €810 5.6% €14,501 – €19,500 25% €2,060 10.6% €19,501 – €60,000 25% €12,185 20.3% Over €60,000 35% Variable Up to 35% On top, there’s Social Security—but it’s quite moderate in Malta. As self-employed, you pay: Minimum: €22/week (€1,144 per year) For higher earnings: 10%, capped at €4,852 yearly Example calculation for €30,000 annual income: Income tax: €4,685 Social Security: €3,000 Total: €7,685 (25.6%) Tax for a Limited Company This gets more interesting—and trickier. A Limited Company first pays 35% corporate tax on all profits. But: Malta’s Full Imputation System changes everything. The Secret of the 6/7 Refund Malta keeps several accounts (Tax Accounts) for different income types. The most relevant for freelancers: Maltese Source Account: Malta-sourced income → 6/7 refund (effective 5%) Foreign Source Account: EU-sourced income → 6/7 refund (effective 5%) Final Tax Account: Certain passive income → no refund (35% tax) Example for €50,000 company profit: Company pays €17,500 corporate tax (35%) Leaves €32,500 to distribute On dividend payout: €15,000 refund (6/7 of €17,500) You receive: €32,500 + €15,000 = €47,500 Effective tax: €2,500 (5%) But be careful: This model only works if you distribute all profits as dividends. Leave money in the company and the tax is locked in for now. The Tax Sweet Spot: When Does a Limited Company Make Sense? I’ve crunched the numbers at various income levels—including admin costs: Annual income Sole Trader Limited Company Difference €15,000 €1,519 (10.1%) €3,250* (21.7%) -€1,731 €25,000 €3,769 (15.1%) €3,750* (15.0%) -€19 €40,000 €7,519 (18.8%) €4,500* (11.3%) +€3,019 €60,000 €12,519 (20.9%) €5,500* (9.2%) +€7,019 *Including admin costs (€1,500 – €2,500/year) Important Special Rules and Pitfalls The 183-Day Rule To become a Maltese tax resident, you must spend at least 183 days per year in Malta. Fail that and you’re non-resident—you pay tax only on Malta-sourced income but lose many benefits. Withholding Tax Issues German clients often have to withhold 5% tax on payments if you invoice from a Maltese company. You’ll get the money back—but only after your tax return—annoying for cash flow. What does this mean for you? Above €25,000 annual income, a Limited Company gets tax-attractive. From €40,000 up, it’s almost always the better option. But remember: admin costs and paperwork must be worth it too. Liability and Risk: How Can I Protect My Personal Assets? This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff. Because no matter how good your tax optimisation is—if one lawsuit costs you your house, Malta wasn’t much help either. Here’s how to really protect yourself. Liability as a Sole Trader: Full Exposure As a sole trader, you’re liable with everything you own. And I mean everything: Your bank accounts (business and personal) Your properties (including those in Germany) Your car, jewelry, electronics Future income (wage garnishments) Even your spouse’s account can be affected Real-life example from my circle: A web developer builds an online shop. A payment error leads to data theft. Compensation: €150,000. As a sole trader, he would’ve had to sell his flat. Liability with a Limited Company: Protection—with Limits A Limited Company is a separate legal person. This means: the company is liable with its own assets, while you’re generally not. In most cases. When does limited liability apply? Normal business mistakes or errors Contractual disputes Product flaws or delivery delays Data protection breaches due to negligence When are you personally liable anyway? Intentional crimes: fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion Gross negligence: ignoring known, extreme risks Piercing the corporate veil: mixing personal and company funds Personal guarantees: if you’ve signed as a guarantor for company debts Additional Safeguards: Insurance for Freelancers Even with a Limited Company, you should not go in naked. These insurances make sense for international freelancers: Professional Indemnity Insurance Covers damages related to your professional work. In Malta: €300 – €800/year for €500,000 – €1,000,000 coverage. Especially key for: IT developers and consultants Marketing agencies Financial and tax advisers Architects and engineers Public Liability Insurance For physical damages—if your laptop topples a bottle and floods the server at a client office, for instance. €150 – €300/year. Cyber Liability Insurance Increasingly important. Covers data breaches, cyberattacks, and cyber-extortion. Costs: €400 – €1,200/year, depending on the volume of data processed. Practical Risk Minimisation Get your contracts right Whether sole trader or Limited Company—your contracts are the first line of defense: Limiting liability: “Liability is limited to the contract sum” Exclusion of warranty: “No guarantee for availability or error-free operation” Force majeure: “No liability for unforeseeable events” Jurisdiction Malta: “All disputes subject to Maltese courts” Proper bookkeeping and documentation Especially for Limited Companies: keep all business records in order and strictly separate private and company assets. Never mix personal and company funds—this can break your limited liability. Risk Assessment: What Liability Risk Do You Really Face? Not all activities carry the same risk. Here’s my assessment: Low risk: Content writing and translation Graphic design (without trademark risks) Online coaching and courses Social media management Medium risk: Web and app development SEO and online marketing Accounting and tax advice HR consulting High risk: Financial advice and asset management Legal consulting IT security and penetration testing Medical or pharmaceutical consulting What does this mean for you? For low risk, a well-insured sole trader setup might suffice. For medium to high risk, a Limited Company is usually a must—no matter what your tax bill says. Your private assets are much harder to replace than a bit of saved tax. Administrative Work: Bookkeeping, Reporting, and Ongoing Costs Let’s be honest: Nobody starts a business to spend their days sorting receipts. But the admin workload can make or break your business—depending on how well you manage it. Here’s what you’re really in for. Admin as a Sole Trader: Simple, but Not Trivial Bookkeeping and record-keeping As a sole trader, a simple income-expenditure statement will do. That means: Record all income (invoices, payments received) Collect all expenses (receipts, bills, invoices) Summarise monthly or quarterly Prep it annually for your tax return Time: 2–4 hours per month if done regularly; 20 hours of panic if left till year-end. Tax obligations Provisional tax: Advance payments by April 30 and October 31 Final settlement: Final return by June 30 the following year FSS (Final Settlement System): Calculated automatically by the tax office Typical annual costs: Business license renewal: €50 – €125 Bookkeeping software: €100 – €300 Tax advisor: €300 – €800 (optional, but recommended) Total: €450 – €1,225/year Admin as a Limited Company: Professional, but Demanding Double-entry bookkeeping—forget DIY Excel Limited Companies require proper double-entry accounting including: Profit and loss statement Balance sheet (assets and liabilities) Cash flow statement Directors report Notes to the financial statements You’re unlikely to do this yourself—unless you studied accounting. Expect to hire an accountant or accounting firm. Compliance and reporting A Limited Company has various filing obligations: Obligation Deadline Cost Annual Return By January 31 €245 Financial Statements 10 months after year-end €0 (Filing Fee) Tax Return By March 31 €0 Dividend tax On distribution Variable Audit required above a certain size If your Limited Company exceeds two of these criteria for two consecutive years, you’ll need an audit: Turnover > €175,000 Balance sheet total > €87,500 More than 3 employees An audit costs €2,000 – €5,000 and is a substantial effort. Real-World Cost Comparisons: What Will I Actually Pay? Sole Trader – Basic setup: Do your own bookkeeping (2h/month): €0 Software (Xero or QuickBooks): €200/year Tax advisor: €400/year Licenses and fees: €125/year Total: €725/year Sole Trader – Comfort setup: Accountant (4h/month × €30): €1,440/year Software: €200/year Tax advisor: €600/year Licenses: €125/year Total: €2,365/year Limited Company – Typical setup: Accountant (monthly): €2,400/year Year-end accounts: €1,200/year Tax advisor: €1,500/year Annual return and fees: €245/year Compliance and filing: €300/year Total: €5,645/year Hidden Time Traps and How to Avoid Them The VAT Issue Once you hit €35,000 in sales, VAT registration is mandatory (19% VAT). That means: Monthly VAT returns by the 15th of each month Separate tracking of input and output VAT EU OSS rules for B2C sales Overlook this and the tax office will be on your back—expect fines and unannounced audits. The PAYE trap for Limited Companies If you pay yourself a director’s salary (often sensible for tax reasons), you need PAYE payroll: Monthly payslips Registration with Malta Employer Services Remit payroll tax and Social Security This adds cost and is prone to mistakes. My Recommendations for Different Scenarios Starting with less than €20,000 in revenue: Sole trader, do your own bookkeeping, and hire a good accountant for the annual return. Software like Xero or QuickBooks—€15/month and saves hours. Earning €20,000 – €50,000: Limited Company becomes interesting. Invest in a good accountant from day one—it’s cheaper than cleaning up later. Expect €300–400/month for all-round accounting. Earning more than €50,000: Limited Company is almost compulsory. Find an established accounting firm with international clients. Yes, it’s €500–800/month, but it will save your nerves and legal troubles. So, what does this mean for you? Admin workload can be planned for and scales with your business. The key: invest more in professional help rather than cutting corners. One compliance error can set you back years. Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Business in Malta Enough theory—let’s get practical. I’ll walk you through the entire setup process, with every pitfall I discovered during my two years on the island. Preparation: What to Do Before You Move Prepare and legalise your documents Malta is bureaucratic. Seriously bureaucratic. Save yourself the headache and get these ready: Birth certificate (legalised/apostilled) Police clearance certificate (apostilled, no older than 3 months) Proof of business address (rental agreement or utility bill) Bank reference from your German bank CV/resumé in English Passport photos (6 pieces, Maltese format) You get the apostille in Germany from your local authority; takes 2–4 weeks and costs €5–25 per document. Secure your business address You need a Maltese address for your company. Three options: Your residential address: Cheap, but not professional Registered office service: €200–500 per year, professional business address Coworking space: €100–300/month. Plus workplace and networking Setting Up a Sole Trader Business: The Quick Route Step 1: Register your business name Go to Malta Enterprise (Level 2, Valletta Waterfront). Opening hours: 8:00–16:30, but go early—as by 2pm, they’re often finished. Bring: 3 alternative business names Passport €15 for name reservation The search takes 15 minutes if the computer’s working. Allow 2 hours if not. Step 2: Apply for your business license You can do this at the same appointment. Costs €125 and is usually issued on the spot. You get a nice certificate—frame it, Maltese people love that. Step 3: Register for VAT (if needed) If you plan to earn over €35,000, register for VAT now; otherwise, you can do it later. This is done online with the Revenue Department Portal. Step 4: Register for Social Security Within ten days of starting, register with Jobsplus. Bring all your apostilled documents—they’ll want to see everything. Total time required: 1–2 days Cost: €150–300 Setting Up a Limited Company: The Professional Route Step 1: Reserve company name Online via the Malta Business Registry or in person. Costs €25, valid 2 months. Name must include “Limited” or “Ltd.” and must not conflict with existing companies. Step 2: Prepare memorandum and articles of association These are your company statutes. Use standard templates or have them tailored. A lawyer costs €500–1,000; templates €100–200. Step 3: Pay in share capital At least €1,164.69 must go into a Maltese bank account—but here’s the catch: you need the company to open an account, but the account for the company! Solution: Temporary account at Bank of Valletta or HSBC Malta Or: let a service provider handle it for a €200–500 fee Step 4: Submit to the Malta Business Registry Submit all documents to the MBR: Memorandum & Articles Form A (Incorporation Form) Director details Proof of share capital Registered office address Processing time: 5–10 working days. Fee: €245 for incorporation. Step 5: Apply for tax number and VAT After incorporation, register with the Commissioner for Revenue. Online, but paperwork often takes weeks to arrive. Total time required: 2–4 weeks Cost: €1,200–2,000 The Bank Odyssey: Opening an Account in Malta This will be your toughest test. Maltese banks are wary of foreign clients. Here are my tips: Bank of Valletta Biggest bank, many branches Relatively business-friendly Minimum deposit: €500 Monthly fees: €5–15 HSBC Malta International, good online services Stricter due diligence Minimum deposit: €1,000 Monthly fees: €10–25 APS Bank Local bank, more personal service Less strict KYC Minimum deposit: €250 Monthly fees: €3–10 Documents needed for account opening: Passport + ID card Proof of address in Malta Business license or incorporation certificate Bank reference from Germany Source of funds proof Business plan (1–2 pages suffice) Expect 2–3 bank appointments—application, then compliance check, then activation. Typical Setup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Mistake 1: Wrong business classification Malta uses NACE codes for businesses. Choose carefully—some require special licenses or higher fees. “Computer programming activities” (62.01) is usually safer than “Information technology consultancy” (62.02). Mistake 2: Registered office via bargain providers €50/year sounds tempting, but if that address is “burned” with the authorities, you’ll have issues with banks and clients. Invest €200–300/year in a reputable address. Mistake 3: Ignoring tax residency Having a Maltese company doesn’t make you a tax resident. You must spend 183 days/year in Malta AND be properly registered—otherwise, you continue to pay German tax on worldwide income. Mistake 4: Neglecting compliance The annual return is not optional. Miss it, and your company will be automatically struck off—restoring it is costly and time-consuming. What does this mean for you? Setting up in Malta is doable, but not trivial. Allow four to six weeks until everything’s up and running. And spend a little more on professional help—the time you save is worth gold when you could be working instead. Common Mistakes When Choosing Your Business Form – and How to Avoid Them After two years in Malta and countless chats with founders, I’ve catalogued the classic errors. These are costly—but avoidable, if you know them. Mistake 1: I’m starting small so sole trader is enough The problem: Many underestimate how quickly a business can grow—or how high the risk of liability is from day one. Real example: Marcus, a German web developer, starts as a sole trader planning €15,000 annual turnover. In year two, he’s making €45,000 and resents the high tax bill. Transitioning to a Limited Company takes six weeks and costs extra—weeks he can’t take on new projects. Better: If you expect to grow or your activity is risky, start immediately as a Limited Company. The extra €3,000–4,000 in year one is an investment in flexibility. Mistake 2: Limited Company is always better for taxes The problem: Many see only the 5% effective tax rate and ignore admin and compliance costs. Worked example for €20,000 annual income: Sole trader: €2,700 taxes + €1,200 admin = €3,900 Limited Company: €1,000 taxes + €4,500 admin = €5,500 Difference: €1,600 more for Limited Company Better: Make a full cost calculation. Below €25,000 income, sole trader is often cheaper—unless liability risk says otherwise. Mistake 3: I’m an EU citizen so everything is easy The problem: Free movement doesn’t mean all local hurdles vanish. Malta has its own rules for tax residence and compliance. Typical obstacles: Tax residence: You must actively become a Maltese tax resident—it doesn’t happen automatically Social security: A1 certificate is needed if you stay insured in Germany Double taxation: Without proper deregistration in Germany, you may end up taxed twice Better: Get professional advice for your overall tax strategy—not just for Malta. Mistake 4: I’ll open a bank account later The problem: Nothing works without a Maltese bank account—but opening one often takes weeks. What goes wrong: Clients can’t pay you Paying taxes gets complicated Your credibility suffers Share capital can’t be paid in Better: Bank account is priority #1. Start the process in parallel with company formation, not after. Mistake 5: I’ll sort compliance later The problem: Maltese authorities do not forgive missed deadlines. Late fees and forced dissolution are real risks. Critical deadlines: Annual return: By January 31—late is €100–500 extra Tax returns: Various deadlines by business form—late means the tax office estimates your taxes VAT returns: By the 15th each month—late returns = instant late payment penalties Better: Set calendar reminders or hire an accountant from the start to keep track of deadlines. Mistake 6: I’ll save money by skipping the tax advisor The problem: Malta’s tax system is complex. Even small mistakes can cost dear. Example of a costly mistake: Sofia uses the wrong tax account for her EU clients. Instead of 5% effective tax, she pays 35%—and only realises it at her next return. Owed: €8,000 back taxes. Better: Invest €1,000–2,000/year in expert advice. It usually saves you much more in taxes and stress. Mistake 7: Malta is a tax haven—so I’ll pay nothing The problem: Malta is tax-optimised, not tax-free. And the EU keeps a close eye. Reality check: 5% effective tax—but only with the right structure Substance requirements are getting stricter ATAD rules limit aggressive tax planning German authorities scrutinise Maltese structures Better: Plan conservatively and with real substance. Malta works for genuine business—not just letterboxes. Mistake 8: I can switch at any time The problem: Switching from sole trader to Limited Company (or vice versa) is more complicated than you think. What actually happens: New bank account needed All contracts must be amended Tax treatment changes retroactively Clients need informing 6–8 weeks processing Better: Take your time making the decision. Better to plan for two weeks than spend two months fixing things later. The Ultimate Decision Tree Here’s my decision matrix from hundreds of advisory sessions: Choose sole trader if: Annual revenue under €20,000 AND low-risk work (writing, design, consulting with little liability) AND no intention to grow AND flexibility is key over optimisation Choose Limited Company if: Annual revenue over €25,000 OR high-risk business (IT, marketing, financial advice) OR international B2B clients OR growth/investment plans What does this mean for you? Most mistakes come from impatience or wrong information. Invest one more week at the planning stage—it saves you months of fixes later. Frequently Asked Questions Can I easily set up a business in Malta as a German citizen? Yes, as an EU citizen you have the right to establish yourself in Malta. You can open both a sole trader business and a Limited Company. The key is to fully comply with Maltese laws and tax rules. Do I need a Maltese address for my company? Yes, your business must have a registered address in Malta. This can be your home address, or you can use a Registered Office Service (€200–500/year). Many coworking spaces offer business addresses as well. How long does it take to set up a sole trader vs. a Limited Company? A sole trader can be set up in one day if your documents are complete. A Limited Company takes 2–4 weeks, mainly due to processing times at the Malta Business Registry and bank account opening. What are the real setup costs—no hidden extras? Sole trader: €150–300 for license and registration. Limited Company: €1,200–2,000 including all fees, minimum capital, and professional help. Ongoing yearly costs: €450–1,200 (sole trader), €4,000–6,000 (Limited Company). Is it true I only pay 5% tax in Malta? Only under certain conditions. With a Limited Company and the right structure, and paying out all profits as dividends, Malta’s full imputation system can get your effective tax down to 5%. As a sole trader, you pay normal progressive income tax (0–35%). Do I have to spend 183 days in Malta to get the tax advantages? To be a Maltese tax resident, yes. Only then do you benefit fully from local rules. Less than 183 days and you’ll likely stay tax resident in your home country—even with a Maltese company. What insurance do I need as a freelancer in Malta? Recommended: Professional Indemnity Insurance (€300–800/year) for professional liability, Public Liability Insurance (€150–300/year) for general damages. If youre in IT, Cyber Liability Insurance (€400–1,200/year) is increasingly important. Can I keep using my German bank account, or do I need a Maltese one? You’ll definitely need a Maltese bank account for your business. German accounts don’t work for Maltese tax payments or depositing share capital. You can keep your personal German accounts. What happens if I leave Malta—can I just close the company? Yes, but it takes time and money. Deregistering a sole trader business is relatively simple. A Limited Company needs to be properly liquidated—this takes 3–6 months and costs €1,000–3,000 depending on complexity. Are my German clients affected by my business form? Sometimes. As a Maltese Limited Company, German clients often have to withhold 5% at source (you’ll get it back, but it’s a cash flow pain). For B2B transactions with a German VAT number, this often doesn’t apply. Sole traders don’t have this issue.
