Malta-USA Relations
The Maltese government enjoys close relations with the United States and is a close partner on regional issues involving North Africa and Europe. The United States and Malta established full diplomatic relations upon Malta’s independence in 1964. Information on Malta-USA trade flows.
Malta for Americans
Malta offers significant advantages to American entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and investors seeking safe yet attractive business environment and a cost-effective yet high quality European / Mediterranean lifestyle and free movement within the European Union and the Schengen Area.
Americans taking up a job in Malta
American families can relocate to Malta on a work permit by demonstrating skills that are not available in Malta or other European countries. Senior positions may qualify for a fast-track work permit under the Key Employee Initiative. More senior company executives in some sectors benefit from personal tax incentives for highly skilled persons.
Americans taking up residence in Malta
More easily, American families can apply for a Permanent Residence permit that does not require annual renewal or any minimum presence every year. Only after receiving the in-principal approval, the investor must pay a one-time government fee of €70,000 if the investor buys a property (minimum €300,000) or €100,000 if the applicant rents a property (€10,000 per year). In both cases, the property must be kept for just 5 years with no further obligations after that. Applications can include up to 4 generations of the family, including the main applicant and the spouse, parents and grand-parents of both, and financially dependent children with no age limitations.
Americans Studying in Malta
Malta is a safe, English-speaking place for young and mature Americans to study English as a foreign language, or to attend Maltese or international universities on various international campuses present in Malta. English is an official language of Malta and is widely spoken, being the language of education, business and government communication.
Maltese citizenship for American investors
After holding a Maltese residence Malta for 3 years(which can be reduced to 1 year upon additional direct investment), American investors who pass a high standard of background checks may make an exceptional direct investment that qualifies for naturalisation as a Maltese citizen.
[A Guide to Maltese Citizenship for American Investors]
Americans setting up a business in Malta
The Maltese economy is one of the fastest growing economies of the European Union.Malta has experienced exponential growth and presented opportunities for startups, innovation businesses, sustainable businesses to flourish in Malta and within the EU. Limited liability companies pay 35% tax on company profits but shareholders often qualify from a refund of 30%, reducing the effective Malta tax rate on company profits.
Americans setting up a European rep office in Malta
For American-owned international business, Malta acts as the European platform for international activities, providing a business-friendly environment, legal certainty, high-level professional advisors, a skilled workforce and a lower overall cost of operating.
Americans setting up a Holding Company in Malta
A full member of the European Union, the Island Republic of Malta acts as a European gateway to opportunities presented by the US markets. The Maltese holding company is an established method for American companies acquiring participations in companies around the world, and holding real estate, investment portfolios and other high-value assets internationally. Maltese companies benefit from a tax exemption on dividends and capital gains on the transfer of shares in subsidiaries.
Our USA-Malta Lawyers and Tax Advisors
Our Americas team enjoys a wealth of experience in assisting transactions between the two friendly nations. Our multi-disciplinary team of lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and relocation specialists have assisted American clients take up alternative residence in Malta for business, study or tax purposes. We have advised American nationals on the tax benefits of taking up residence in Malta, Americans investing in property in Malta and Americans basing their international business activities in the Mediterranean Island of Malta within the European Union.
