The Island’s state-of-the art telecoms infrastructure, as well as over 250 i-gaming companies established in Malta requiring payment services and e-wallet solutions, Malta is attracting a wider range of e-commerce companies such as Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs). Substantial investments in IT and telecoms as well as the relative infrastructure have spurred the growth of Malta into one of the most ideal locations for e-commerce activities.
The country has already attracted a number of EMIs, which have either established operations in Malta or passported to Malta from other EU Member States. The country’s licence for e-Money institutions offers the opportunity to start operations with a lower capital requirement when compared to a full banking licence.
The Island’s state-of-the art telecoms infrastructure, as well as over 250 i-gaming companies established in Malta requiring payment services and e-wallet solutions, Malta is attracting a wider range of e-commerce companies such as Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs). Substantial investments in IT and telecoms as well as the relative infrastructure have spurred the growth of Malta into one of the most ideal locations for e-commerce activities.
The country has already attracted a number of EMIs, which have either established operations in Malta or passported to Malta from other EU Member States. The country’s licence for e-Money institutions offers the opportunity to start operations with a lower capital requirement when compared to a full banking licence.
Country Highlights
| GDP GROWTH: 7.5% in 2018 (EC) |
EU: Member of the EU & Eurozone |
| REGULATOR: Malta Financial Services Authority |
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE:3.7% in 2018 (EC) |
| WORKFORCE: Well qualified, English speaking |
ACCESS TO THE EU: Passporting of licence into the EU |
| SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY: 25% Annual growth |
FINANCIAL SERVICES FRAMEWORK: EU and OECD approved |
Legal Basis
EMIs in Malta are regulated under the Malta Financial Institutions Act (the “Act”) which transposes the Electronic Money Directive (the “Directive”), specifically under Schedule III of this Act. Like other financial institutions, EMIs are not allowed to receive deposits or other repayable funds from the public and must use funds exclusively to provide e-wallet functionalities. Licenced EMIs can also provide payment services under the same Act as per the Payment Services Directive.
Benefits
- Provide applicant with EU passport;
- Effective Corporate and Personal tax rates;
- Highly qualified persons benefits;
- Accessible and independent regulator;
- Has no restrictions on activities.
Eligibility
- Local presence of all applicants;
- Settling application fee;
- Have all reqiered application documents;
- Minimum capital for Small EMIs is €50K-€100K and for Regular EMIs is €350K.
Process & Timeline
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