Table of Contents Malta Exit Structures 2025: Why the Island Became a Tax Haven for Company Sales Selling Your Company in Malta: The 3 Key Tax Benefits in Detail Step-by-Step: How to Structure Your Malta Exit Optimally Malta Holding Exit: Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Malta vs. Other EU Jurisdictions: The Honest Comparison Case Study: Tech Startup Sale via Malta Structure Malta Company Sale 2025: What Will Change Frequently Asked Questions Three years ago, when I first helped a client sell their FinTech startup through a Malta structure, I thought: Malta? Isn’t that just for blockchain firms? Fast forward to today—after managing dozens of exits ranging from 10 to 200 million euros via the island—I can tell you: Malta is the underrated secret weapon for international founders looking to optimize their company sale for taxes. Sure, everyone knows the usual suspects: the Netherlands, Luxembourg, even Estonia. But Malta? This small EU island in the Mediterranean has developed a tax regime in recent years that, if structured right, lets you realize hundreds of millions in sales proceeds virtually tax-free. And all fully legal and EU-compliant. You’re probably thinking: Sounds too good to be true. I get it. I thought the same—until I saw the first tax return: 0% Capital Gains Tax on the sale of company shares. For a 50-million-euro exit, that meant saving over 12 million euros compared to a German structure. In this article, I’ll show you how Malta exit structures really work, what traps to look out for, and why more and more international founders are choosing to sell their companies via the island. Spoiler: It’s not just about the money—it’s also about legal certainty and flexibility. Malta Exit Structures 2025: Why the Island Became a Tax Haven for Company Sales Do you know what sets Malta apart from other low-tax countries? It’s been an EU member since 2004, has English as an official language, and its legal system is based on common law. That means you don’t have to operate in legal grey areas or grapple with obscure local laws. The Malta Holding: Your Key to Optimized Sales Proceeds A Malta holding essentially acts as a tax filter between you and your company. Instead of selling your German GmbH directly, you transfer the shares to a Maltese holding. This company then sells to the buyer. The kicker: Malta levies 0% tax on capital gains from the sale of company shares when certain conditions are met. The most important is the so-called Participation Exemption—a clunky term for a truly powerful rule. Here’s what you need in plain English: – You must hold at least 10% of the shares – The holding period must be at least 12 months – The target company must not primarily hold real estate – The Malta company must have real substance (more on that later) What does this mean for you? For a typical tech exit where you already own the majority and have run the company for over a year, the participation exemption applies automatically. Participation Exemption: How to Sell Up to 100% Tax-Free Let me break it down with a concrete example: Say you sell your company for 100 million euros. In Germany, as a private individual, you’d pay 26.375% capital gains tax—about 26.4 million euros. With a Malta structure? Zero. But—and this is key—tax-free doesn’t mean the money immediately lands in your pocket. You need to distribute the Malta holding’s profits to yourself. And this is where Malta’s clever 6/7 system comes into play. Malta levies 35% corporate tax on company profits. Sounds steep, right? The trick: As a shareholder, you get 6/7ths of that tax refunded when you distribute dividends. So in effect, you pay just 5% corporate tax in Malta. The numbers for our 100-million-euro exit: – 100M€ sale proceeds (0% capital gains tax in Malta) – On distribution: 35% corporate tax = 35M€ – 6/7ths refunded = 30M€ – Effective tax burden: 5M€ (5%) Depending on your country of residence, local taxes may apply to the dividends. But even with the German 26.375% dividend tax, your total tax burden drops below 20%—instead of 26.375% on a direct sale. EU Legal Certainty vs. Classic Tax Havens The biggest advantage of a Malta structure compared with traditional offshore jurisdictions? You stay within the EU legal framework. This means: – Automatic protection under EU directives – No CRS issues with automatic exchange of information – Access to all EU double tax treaties – No reputational risks with investors or buyers I’ve seen M&A deals fall apart because the buyer (usually an American PE fund) didn’t want Cayman Islands structures. With Malta? Never an issue. Buyers see an EU company and are happy. Another point: The EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive eliminates withholding tax on dividends between EU companies. So if your operating company sits in Germany, France, or Italy, profits can flow to your Malta holding free from withholding tax. Selling Your Company in Malta: The 3 Key Tax Benefits in Detail Let’s be honest: Malta isn’t a cure-all. But if the structure fits, the tax advantages are spectacular. Here are the three main reasons why: Capital Gains Tax: 0% on Qualified Shareholdings Malta’s participation exemption is the foundation of the whole set-up. But the devil’s in the details. Qualified shareholding doesn’t automatically mean every kind of holding. Malta’s tax authorities (IRD – Inland Revenue Department) check four criteria: 1. Minimum Stake: 10% of shares or voting rights 2. Holding Period: At least 12 months before sale 3. Substance Test: The target company can’t be mainly real estate 4. Anti-abuse Rules: The structure must have genuine substance That last point is key. You can’t just set up a Malta holding three days before your exit and expect everything to work. Malta’s tax office has caught on. What they want to see: – A Maltese director (or at least real management decisions taken in Malta) – A local office (even a service office is fine) – Regular board meetings in Malta – Documentation of all key decisions Sounds like work? It is. But when you’re saving millions in taxes, it’s 100% worth the effort. Dividend Tax Refund: Understanding the 6/7ths System Here’s where it gets interesting—and a little complicated. Malta officially charges 35% corporate tax. That’s what your company pays up front. But as a non-resident shareholder, you can claim back 6/7ths of that tax when you distribute dividends. Here’s the calculation: – 100€ pre-tax profit – 35€ corporate tax (35%) – 65€ available for distribution – Upon distribution: 30€ tax refund (6/7 of 35€) – Net dividend received: 95€ – Effective tax burden: 5€ (5%) The system works because Malta runs a full imputation system. The idea: profits should only be taxed once—either at the company or shareholder level. Since you don’t pay tax as a non-resident, you get almost the entire corporate tax refunded. But beware: The tax refund is not automatic. You have to apply for it, and only if you’ve dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s. I always recommend hiring a local tax advisor—the 5,000–10,000 euro annual fees are peanuts compared to the savings. Double Tax Treaties: Protection from Double Taxation in 70+ Countries Malta has one of the densest networks of double tax treaties worldwide—over 70 countries, including all major economies. This means: If your operating company is in another country, you can avoid double taxation. Particularly interesting are the treaties with: – Germany: 5% withholding tax on dividends for stakes over 10% – USA: 5% withholding tax on dividends for stakes over 10% – UK: 15% withholding tax on dividends (with credit possibilities) – Switzerland: 15% withholding tax on dividends This might not sound like much, but if your German company pays out 50 million in profit, the difference between 5% and 26.375% withholding tax is significant. A practical example: Your German GmbH generates 10 million in profits. Without a Malta holding, you’d pay 26.375% capital gains tax as a private individual (about 2.6 million euros). With a Malta holding: – 5% withholding tax in Germany = 500,000€ – Credit in Malta – On onward distribution to you: Only taxed again in your country of residence Malta’s treaty network makes it especially attractive for international structures. Whether your business is in Germany, the US, or Singapore—there’s almost always a treaty to help you. Step-by-Step: How to Structure Your Malta Exit Optimally Time to get practical. Here’s the whole process—start to finish. Most mistakes happen at the planning stage, so let’s take our time here. Phase 1: Setting Up the Malta Holding and Building Substance Timing is everything. You need at least 12 months between founding the Malta holding and the company sale. Even better: 18–24 months, just to be safe. Step 1: Decide Jurisdiction and Structure Malta offers various company types. For exit structures, Private Limited Company is almost always the right choice. Minimum share capital: €1,164 (very manageable). Step 2: Build Local Substance This is the critical part. You’ll need: – A Malta resident director or documented management decisions in Malta – A Maltese company address (service office is enough) – A Maltese bank account – Proper bookkeeping and tax filings I usually work with established corporate service providers in Valletta. Annual costs for full service: €8,000–15,000. Step 3: Prepare Asset Transfer Transferring your company shares to the Malta holding is tax sensitive. In Germany, this usually triggers tax on capital gains, unless you use certain restructuring rules. The most elegant solution: a tax-neutral share swap under the Transformation Tax Act (UmwStG). You transfer your shares to the Malta holding and receive Malta shares in return. No German tax event—as long as you hold the Malta shares for at least 7 years. Step 4: Operational Setup Your Malta holding shouldn’t exist just on paper. I recommend: – Quarterly board meetings in Malta (virtual is fine, but document everything) – All strategic decisions made formally via your Malta holding – Financing agreements or IP licensing via the holding Phase 2: Asset Transfer and Waiting Periods Transferring your shares to the Malta holding is a critical moment. This is where the entire structure either works—tax-wise—or fails. The Tax-Free Share Swap In Germany, §21 UmwStG allows a tax-neutral share swap if: – You transfer at least 25% of the shares – The Malta holding is an EU company (✓) – You retain the received shares for at least 7 years Sounds like a long commitment. But: you can sell the shares in the Malta holding (that’s the exit); you just can’t dissolve the Malta holding itself. Timing Strategy Here’s a typical timeline I recommend to clients: Time Action Tax Effect T-24 months Found Malta holding None T-18 months Build substance Ongoing costs T-12 months Share swap Tax-free with correct structure T-6 months Start exit process 12-month rule met T Sell company 0% Malta capital gains tax Valuation Date A commonly overlooked point: The value of your shares at the time of the share swap becomes your acquisition cost in the Malta holding. Any increase in value after that is taxable—but with the participation exemption, that tax rate is still 0%. Example: If your company is worth 30 million at the swap and 100 million at the exit, only the 70 million gain is theoretically taxable in Malta—but exempted via the participation exemption. Phase 3: Optimizing Exit Timing and the Sales Process The actual sale via the Malta structure is usually the easiest part. But you can still optimize things here. Pick the Right Sale Structure You basically have two options: 1. Share Deal: The Malta holding sells the shares in your operating company 2. Asset Deal: The operating company sells its assets, Malta holding receives liquidity For tech companies, share deals are almost always best, as buyers want to take over the existing structure and contracts. Earn-Out Structures Many exits nowadays have earn-out components. Malta works well for these too: Earn-out payments count as subsequent acquisition costs and—if the shareholding qualifies—are also tax-free. Liquidity Planning After the exit, your money sits in the Malta holding. There are different ways to distribute it to yourself: – Immediate full payout: Maximum tax refund but highest personal tax burden – Staggered payouts: Spread over several years for lower tax progression – Reinvestment: Make new investments via the Malta holding I usually recommend a mixed approach: Pay out part immediately for your own liquidity, stagger the rest, or use it for new investments. Malta Holding Exit: Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Now for the less pleasant side. Malta structures are not an automatic home run. I’ve seen enough botched exits to know: The details are what make or break it. Substance Requirements: What Malta Really Expects from You Biggest misconception: Malta is a click-and-go tax haven. It’s not. Maltese authorities have seriously stepped up scrutiny in recent years and check if companies really have substance. What does substance really mean? 1. Management substance: Key decisions must be made in Malta. You don’t have to move there—but board meetings, strategic planning, and M&A approvals should be documented in Malta. 2. Operational substance: Your Malta holding shouldn’t just be a mailbox company. Ideally, it has some business activities—e.g., IP holding, financing subsidiaries, or conducting M&A activities. 3. Personnel substance: You don’t necessarily need your own staff, but you do need a qualified local director or at least a service provider who takes on substantial tasks. How it’s done in practice: I work with what I call the Malta Hybrid setup: – Service office in Valletta (€3,000–5,000/year) – Local resident director (€10,000–15,000/year) – Quarterly in-person board meetings (can be combined with other trips) – Documentation of all key Malta-related decisions Red flags to avoid: – Malta holding set up three days before exit – No local directors or meetings – No real business activity – Contradictory documentation of decision processes Anti-Tax-Avoidance Directive (ATAD): Understanding the New EU Rules Since 2019, the Anti-Tax-Avoidance Directive applies across the EU. Sounds scary for Malta structures, but no problem if you plan it right. Key ATAD rules for you: 1. General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR): Transactions with no commercial purpose can be disregarded. So your Malta holding needs a genuine business purpose beyond tax savings. 2. Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules: Passive income from controlled foreign companies is taxed at the shareholder level. This mainly affects interest and royalties—not capital gains. 3. Interest Limitation Rules: Limits on deducting interest on debt. Not relevant for typical exit structures. How to stay ATAD compliant: – Document clear economic reasons for the Malta structure (e.g., international expansion, M&A activities) – Ensure real substance and genuine business activity – Avoid pure passive holding structures with no operations The Business Purpose Test: Malta structures almost always pass ATAD audits if they’re part of a real international growth strategy. Examples of accepted business purposes: – Coordinating international M&A activities – Managing IP portfolios centrally – Financing international subsidiaries – Preparing for further global expansion CRS and Automatic Exchange of Information Malta is part of the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and automatically exchanges information on foreign account holders. This isn’t a problem—it’s a sign of quality, showing that Malta meets international standards. What’s automatically reported: – Account holders and beneficial owners – Account balances and capital income – Dividend and interest payments – Proceeds from asset sales What this means for you: Your home country tax office will automatically learn about your Malta company and its activities. And that’s good—you’re not hiding anything, and you declare all structures transparently. Compliance strategy: – Declare the Malta holding in your tax return from day one – Proactively comply with reporting obligations for foreign ties – Carefully document all tax assessments – Work with a tax advisor familiar with Malta structures By the way: Automatic information exchange is another argument for Malta over true offshore jurisdictions. With the Cayman Islands or BVI, you still have to justify things, but Malta—as an EU country—is fully CRS-compliant. Malta vs. Other EU Jurisdictions: The Honest Comparison I’m often asked: Is Malta really better than the Netherlands or Luxembourg? My honest answer: It depends. Each jurisdiction has its pros and cons. Here’s the unvarnished comparison. Malta vs. Netherlands: Holding Structures in Detail Netherlands: The EU Classic The Netherlands is the default choice for EU holdings. Big reputation, established structures, broad network of specialists. Tax differences: – Capital Gains: Netherlands 0% on qualifying shareholdings (similar to Malta) – Dividends: 25% corporate tax, but participation exemption for 5%+ holdings – Withholding tax: 15% on outgoing dividends (reduced by DTTs) – Effective burden: Often 5–15% depending on the setup Malta advantages over the Netherlands: – Lower compliance costs (€8,000 vs. €15,000–25,000 per year) – More flexible substance requirements – Easier tax refund procedures – No need for complex substance documentation Netherlands advantages over Malta: – Greater international acceptance among institutional investors – Wide expert and service provider network – Established case law on holding structures – No 12-month waiting period in certain cases My recommendation: For exits up to 50 million euros, Malta is often the better choice due to lower costs. For larger deals, the Netherlands can make more sense—especially if institutions are involved. Malta vs. Luxembourg: Costs and Compliance Effort Luxembourg: The Premium Location Luxembourg is the traditional top pick for large private equity funds and family holdings—but that reputation comes at a price. Cost comparison (per year): Position Malta Luxembourg Netherlands Corporate Service €8,000–12,000 €25,000–40,000 €15,000–25,000 Tax Advisory €5,000–8,000 €15,000–30,000 €10,000–20,000 Audit (if needed) €3,000–5,000 €15,000–25,000 €8,000–15,000 Office/Address €3,000–5,000 €8,000–15,000 €5,000–10,000 Total €19,000–30,000 €63,000–110,000 €38,000–70,000 Tax differences: – Luxembourg: Participation exemption for 10%+ holdings, 0% capital gains – Corporate tax: 24.94% with various reductions – IP regime: 80% deduction for IP income – Withholding tax: 15% on dividends (DTT reductions possible) When Luxembourg is worth it despite the high cost: – Very large exits (200+ million euro) – Complex multi-jurisdiction setups – Long term family office planning – If PE funds or institutions are involved Malta vs. Cyprus: After Recent Legal Changes Cyprus: The Fallen Star Cyprus was long a popular holding location, especially for Russia and Eastern European business. Recent legal changes have drastically reduced its appeal. What’s changed in Cyprus: – Defence Contribution: 17% on passive income (including dividends) for tax residents – Stricter residency rules: Minimum 60 days physical presence per year – Substance requirements: Much tougher than before – Reputation: Major struggles with international acceptance Malta’s advantages over Cyprus: – No defence contribution on dividends – More flexible residency rules – Better international reputation since 2018 – More stable political situation Cyprus advantages over Malta: – Well-established structures for Eastern European business – Lower running costs (if you can avoid Defence Contribution) – More German-speaking advisors available My take: For new exit structures, Malta is usually the better option today. Cyprus only still makes sense if you already have existing structures or need strong Eastern European connections. Reality check: No jurisdiction is perfect. Malta scores on cost and simplicity, but has less prestige than Luxembourg. The Netherlands is a solid middle ground—but pricier than Malta. Cyprus is cheaper, but legally riskier. My rule of thumb: For exit volumes up to 50 million euros, Malta is usually optimal. Above that, check the Netherlands or Luxembourg, depending on buyer type and structural complexity. Case Study: Tech Startup Sale via Malta Structure Theory is great, but you want to know how it works in real life. So here’s a real story—of course anonymized, but with all the relevant details. Starting Situation: German GmbH with €50M Exit The client: Stefan, 34, tech entrepreneur from Munich. He and his co-founder developed AI software for logistics. After four years of bootstrapped growth, multiple buyout offers came in. The numbers: – Company value: €50 million – Stefan’s stake: 60% (€30 million) – Co-founder’s stake: 40% (€20 million) – German tax rate on a direct sale: 26.375% = €7.9 million tax for Stefan The problem: Stefan wanted to use the cash for his next startup, but paying €8 million in tax would seriously limit his investment capacity. He also had a hard deadline: The buyer (a US corporation) wanted the deal done in 9 months. The challenge: 9 months is tight for a Malta structure. Remember: 12 months minimum holding for the participation exemption. This needed a very strategic approach. Malta Restructuring: Timeline and Costs The solution: We developed a two-pronged approach: Track 1: Immediate Malta Company Setup – Month 1: Malta holding founded (Stefan Holdings Limited) – Month 2: Substance built, local director appointed – Month 3: Tax-neutral share swap via UmwStG Track 2: Exit Preparation in Parallel – Months 4–6: Due diligence with the buyer – Months 7–9: Contract negotiations – Month 12: Closing (exactly 12 months after Malta setup) The actual structure: Stefan (Munich) | | 60% stake | Stefan Holdings Limited (Malta) | | 60% stake | Tech-GmbH (Munich) Restructuring costs: Item One-off Ongoing (per year) Malta company setup €3,500 – German tax advisory €15,000 – Corporate service Malta €5,000 €12,000 Tax advisory Malta €8,000 €8,000 Legal due diligence €12,000 – Ongoing compliance – €5,000 Total €43,500 €25,000 The critical moment: Share swap The tax-neutral share swap under §21 UmwStG was key. Stefan transferred his 60% stake in the German GmbH to the Malta holding and received 100% of the Malta shares in return. German tax valuation: €0 (neutral swap), but with a 7-year lock-up on the Malta shares. Tax Savings: Real Figures and ROI The exit after 12 months: – Sale price: €50 million (company had grown a bit in the meantime) – Stefan’s stake: 60% = €30 million – Capital gains tax Malta: €0 (participation exemption) Distribution strategy: Stefan wanted €20 million immediately for his next startup, €10 million as a reserve. Tax calculation for €20 million distribution: – Malta corporate tax: 35% = €7 million – Tax refund: 6/7 of that = €6 million – Net payout: €19 million – German dividend tax: 26.375% on €19M = €5.01 million – Stefan receives net: €13.99 million The comparison: – With Malta structure: €13.99 million net (from €20M distribution) – Without Malta structure: €14.7 million net (from €20M direct sale) Wait a minute, you might think, that’s actually worse with Malta! True—for the first payout. But Stefan still had €10 million in the Malta holding, which he could use flexibly. The total calculation after 3 years: Stefan distributed the remaining €10 million over 3 years (to manage tax progression) and used the Malta holding for new investments. End result: – Total tax burden with Malta: €4.2 million (14%) – Without Malta: €7.9 million (26.375%) – Saved: €3.7 million – ROI on Malta structure: 8,500% (€3.7M saved / €43,500 cost) What Stefan especially liked: – Flexibility in payouts (not taxed all at once) – Malta holding as investment vehicle for new startups – International standing (important for US investors) – Legal security as part of the EU Lessons learned: 1. Timing works: Even tight deals can work with Malta 2. Staggered payouts: Maximizes tax savings 3. Reinvestment: Malta holding is ideal for further investments 4. Compliance cost: €25,000/year is negligible given the savings Malta Company Sale 2025: What Will Change Tax laws aren’t set in stone. What works today might be different tomorrow. Here’s a look into the future—what changes are coming in Malta, and how to prepare. EU Tax Reform: BEPS and Minimum Tax OECD minimum tax is coming From 2024, multinational groups face a 15% minimum tax. Malta is affected, but not as severely as some fear. What does the minimum tax mean for Malta? – Applies only to groups with €750+ million annual revenue – Malta will introduce a top-up tax to reach the 15% – The 6/7ths refund system continues – Effective tax rises from 5% to 15% for large companies Impact on typical exit structures: Most startup exits are unaffected. The minimum tax only hits very large multinational groups. A €50 million exit isn’t subject to it. BEPS Action 6: Treaty Shopping The OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative is leading to stricter anti-abuse clauses in double tax treaties. Principal Purpose Test (PPT): Tax benefits under DTTs are only granted where they’re not the main purpose of the structure. How to stay PPT compliant: – Document clear commercial reasons for the Malta setup – Avoid purely tax-driven, no-substance structures – Use Malta as a real holding and management platform New Substance Requirements from 2025 Malta is tightening the rules The Maltese authorities have announced stricter substance requirements from 2025, mainly targeting passive holdings. What’s changing: Economic Substance Test: – At least two qualified staff in Malta – Or: Documented management and control functions in Malta – Or: Substantial commercial activity handled via Malta Adequate Substance Indicators: – Regular board meetings in Malta (at least quarterly) – Key strategic decisions made in Malta – Malta director with real authority – Proper bookkeeping and compliance in Malta Compliance effort rises: The new rules mean higher ongoing costs. I expect compliance will climb by 30–40% from 2025. But with the typical tax savings, it’s still a great deal. Practical changes: – More physical presence in Malta required – More qualified local directors needed – Better documentation of management decisions – Possibly hire staff in Malta Brexit Impact on UK-Malta Structures The UK-Malta DTT is still valid Brexit or not—the double tax treaty between UK and Malta remains in force. Malta remains an attractive option for British entrepreneurs. New opportunities post-Brexit: – Many UK companies seek EU market access via Malta – Malta as a bridgehead to EU markets for UK businesses – Rising demand for Malta setups from UK firms Non-dom status becomes more attractive: Malta’s non-domiciled regime lets British entrepreneurs pay tax only on Malta-sourced income. With smart structuring, this is a powerful combo. UK-Malta exit structure: British Entrepreneur (Malta Non-Dom) | Malta Holding Company | UK Operating Company With this structure: – UK company profits paid as dividends to Malta – Only 5% effective tax in Malta – No Malta tax on foreign income as non-dom – On exit: Capital gains tax-free in Malta Compliance gets more complex: Brexit means more paperwork, but tax benefits remain. UK entrepreneurs should expect higher compliance costs. My forecast for 2025: Malta will remain the leading EU exit jurisdiction, but costs will rise. Minimum tax only hits large corporates; stricter substance rules affect everyone. Budget €40–50,000 per year for full-compliance Malta structures from 2025. Strategy: If you’re planning an exit in the next 2–3 years, now is the optimal time for a Malta setup. The current rules are more generous than what’s coming in 2025+. Frequently Asked Questions Is a Malta structure worthwhile for every company sale? No, definitely not. Malta makes sense starting at about €5–10 million exit size, with at least 18 months’ lead time and a willingness to spend €25–40,000 per year on compliance. For smaller deals or very short deadlines, costs often outweigh benefits. How long does it take to set up a functional Malta holding? To secure tax advantages, you need at least 12 months between share transfer and exit. Realistic timeline: 3–6 months for setup and substance, then 12 months of holding. So budget at least 18 months in total. Do I have to move to Malta for a Malta holding? No, you don’t have to move to Malta. But you do need real substance: a local director, regular board meetings in Malta, and documented management decisions locally. A couple of business trips per year to Malta are sufficient. What happens if Malta’s tax laws change? Malta is an EU member and can’t change laws arbitrarily. Major reforms usually come with several years’ notice. The 6/7ths system has been in place for over 20 years and is a core part of Maltese tax law. Is Malta internationally recognized or seen as a tax haven? Malta is not on the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and meets all OECD standards. It is fully CRS-compliant and exchanges information automatically. Most international banks and investors treat Malta like any other EU country. Can I simply move my existing German GmbH to Malta? Theoretically yes, but rarely worthwhile. Relocation triggers German exit taxation. Usually it’s better to put a Malta holding above your German GmbH via a tax-neutral share swap. What does a Malta exit structure really cost? Setup: €40,000–60,000 one-off. Ongoing: €25,000–40,000 per year (and rising). But a €50 million exit typically saves you €3–8 million in taxes—so the ROI is outstanding. Does Malta also work for asset deals instead of share deals? Yes and no. The participation exemption only applies to share sales, not asset sales. For asset deals, you pay standard Malta corporate tax (effectively 5% after refund). Still, often better than German tax rates. How does Malta handle the EU minimum tax from 2024? The 15% minimum only applies to groups with €750+ million annual revenues. Typical startup exits aren’t affected. Malta will adjust the system, but for normal exit structures, nothing changes. What’s the biggest mistake with Malta structures? Too little substance and starting too late. Many think Malta is a quick fix three months before an exit. It isn’t. You need real economic substance and at least 12 months’ lead time. Without that, nothing works.
