Banking License in Malta

Malta is a small island state in the Mediterranean Sea. It is also one of the world’s largest financial and gambling business centers. The banking sector is one of the primary funding sources in the state budget, so the country optimized its legislation and made it attractive for such organizations.
To legally provide financial services, you must obtain a banking license. This can be a complex process, as it’s essential to understand the specific regulations in different countries. Lawtter Solutions offers services to clients interested in obtaining banking licenses in Malta. We aim to provide you with a turnkey solution, minimizing the time and financial costs involved.

Order a service

Services

Opening an account

Lawtter Solutions offers legal solutions in business registration, bank account opening

Permanent residency

Lawtter Solutions offers legal solutions in business registration, bank account opening

Trademark

Lawtter Solutions offers legal solutions in business registration, bank account opening

See All

Advantages

Advantages of Obtaining a License in Malta

Obtaining a banking license in Malta is a sought-after service. This solution allows you to get several key advantages:

Thus, Malta can be called one of the most attractive places for business development in the financial sphere.

Malta is a member of the European Union

Companies can conduct activities on their territory without obtaining additional permits.

Malta is open to innovation and quickly adapts legislation to any technology

It became one of the first countries to regulate cryptocurrency. Malta's legislation is loyal to startups in the fields of blockchain and fintech.

The possibility of returning corporate tax

Malta's corporate tax rate is 35%, but most is refundable. Due to the possibility of applying a deduction, the real rate can be reduced to 5%.

Show All

Legislative Basis

Legislative Basis for Licensing Banks in Malta

Management Financial Services Authority (MFSA) regulates banking activities in Malta. This financial authority supervises banks’ activities, can issue licenses, deprive a bank of its permission to engage in financial activities, etc. The legislative framework in Malta includes three main documents:

The Law on Banks establishes the principles and rules of the banking sector, the requirements for issuing a license, and the control mechanisms of financial organizations.
Banking rules. This document details the procedure for obtaining a license, the requirements for getting a permit, and the process of submitting documents.
The Law on Financial Institutions sets licensing standards for financial institutions that offer specific services that do not require a standard license. This law is relevant to electronic payment systems, cryptocurrency exchanges, electronic wallets, etc.

How to Get a License in Malta?

Any financial business must undergo several stages to obtain a banking license in Malta. Let’s consider each stage in more detail.

01

Select the Ownership Form

The Banking Act provides that banking activities in Malta may be carried out by companies registered in the following forms of ownership:

Private company. Such companies can distribute shares only among the founders. They are suitable for financial organizations with a closed form of ownership that do not intend to attract capital with the public placement of shares.
Public joint-stock company. It has no restrictions on the issue of securities, which allows it to attract capital from external investors.

The founders can choose the optimal form of ownership based on the bank's planned structure and strategic goals.

02

Authorized Capital

Statutory capital for finance companies in Malta must be registered and declared. In general, the requirements are quite loyal. Financial organizations can start operations with a registered capital of EUR 350,000 or more. However, the financial regulator Malta reserves the opportunity to change the size of the minimum authorized capital, depending on the scale and complexity of the planned operations.

03

Physical Presence

Financial institutions wishing to obtain a license in Malta must ensure a physical presence. The company should open an office on the island. This requirement applies to everyone, regardless of whether a new bank is registered or a branch of an already operating financial organization is being opened. The office must be equipped according to Maltese law.

04

Package of Documents

Preparing and submitting a package of documents is necessary to obtain a license to conduct banking activities in Malta. The package includes:

license application;
business plan;
personal data of founders, shareholders, and top management;
data on organizational structure, internal control, and audit.

The MFSA may also require additional documents. After submitting the documents, the verification stage begins. It takes 4 to 6 months. During this procedure, the MFSA checks the compliance of the information provided and may request data clarification. After the specified period expires, a decision is made to issue or refuse a license.

Lawtter Solutions – Qualified Assistance With Obtaining a License

Lawtter Solutions offers professional services to help you obtain a banking license in Malta. Our specialists have extensive experience in this area and guarantee full legal support throughout the process. We provide comprehensive consultations, help with company registration, and prepare all necessary documentation. Additionally, we oversee the verification process conducted by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). For more information, please contact our managers using your preferred method.