Malta-licensed Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) benefit from full access to the EU single market through passporting rights, enabling the provision of services across all EU/EEA Member States without the need for separate authorisations.
Malta has established itself as a leading jurisdiction for regulated financial services, supported by a robust legal framework aligned with EU legislation, a proactive regulator, and a highly developed digital infrastructure. The jurisdiction continues to attract fintech operators, including EMIs, payment institutions, and e-money platforms, particularly those servicing sectors such as iGaming, e-commerce, and digital marketplaces.
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.
- Compliance Standards – EU, FATF and OECD aligned regulatory framework
- Fintech Ecosystem – Strong presence of payments, iGaming and digital service providers
- Infrastructure – Advanced ICT and financial services ecosystem
- Workforce – Highly skilled, multilingual, English-speaking professionals
- Market Access – Passporting rights across the EU/EEA
- Legal Framework – Fully aligned with EU directives (EMD2 & PSD2)
- Regulator – Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)
- EU & Eurozone Member – Full access to the EU single market
- EU Passporting Rights
- Accessible and experience regulator
- Lower Capital Requirements compared to full Banking License
- Flexible Business Model
- Effective Corporate and Personal tax rates
- Established Regulatory Environment
Benefits
Electronic Money Institutions in Malta are regulated under the Financial Institutions Act (Chapter 376 of the Laws of Malta), which transposes:
- Directive 2009/110/EC (Electronic Money Directive – EMD2)
- Directive (EU) 2015/2366 (Payment Services Directive – PSD2)
Under this framework:
- EMIs are authorised to issue electronic money and provide payment services
- EMIs may not accept deposits or other repayable funds from the public
- Funds received in exchange for e-money must be safeguarded in accordance with regulatory requirements
- Institutions are subject to ongoing prudential, AML/CFT, and operational compliance obligations
EMIs may passport their services across the EU, either on a freedom to provide services basis or through the establishment of branches.
- Establishment of a Maltese legal entity
- Demonstration of substance in Malta, including effective management and governance
- Appointment of approved key function holders (directors, compliance, MLRO, risk)
- Satisfy capital requirements
- Submission of a comprehensive application pack
- Payment of applicable application and supervisory fees
- Demonstration of fit and proper status of shareholders and management
- Implementation of robust IT systems and security infrastructure
Who is this for
Why Malta
Key Contacts
Dr. Priscilla Mifsud-Parker
Dr. Danielle Mercieca
Requirements
Process/Timeline
Chetcuti Cauchi offers practical, solution-driven advice to businesses looking to establish a Maltese EMI. Our multidisciplinary team brings together legal, regulatory, technology and tax expertise to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence.
