Curaçao or Malta: where should you start a business?
Malta ranks higher in the index, 09 against 19. Which suits you depends on where the owners live, what the company is for and how it will be run.
Pillar by pillar
Doing business, side by side
Tax
Profit tax is 15% up to NAf 500,000 and 22% above, according to a local law firm and a gazette report. Turnover tax is charged at 6%.
The headline rate is 35%. Trading profits reach about 5% effective only through shareholder refunds on distribution. VAT is 18%.
Set-up
A limited company is incorporated by notarial deed before a Curaçao civil-law notary and registered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Registration can take 24 hours once the file is complete. Fees start at €100 and the annual return at €85, both rising with authorised capital.
On the ground
Managing directors of an NV can be of any nationality, although in some cases one must be resident. There is no company-law minimum capital.
A registered office in Malta and a company secretary are mandatory. Authorised capital must be at least €1,164.69, with 20% paid up.
Ownership
The UBO register in force since 8 June 2024 is closed. Unrestricted access is limited to authorities such as the Central Bank and the FIU.
General public access to the beneficial ownership register was suspended after a November 2022 EU court ruling; others must show a legitimate interest.
Residence
A business investment from XCG 500,000 gives a three-year permit, from XCG 750,000 a five-year permit, and from XCG 1,500,000 an indefinite one.
The Start-up Residence Programme requires at least €25,000 invested in a Malta company and a business plan approved by Malta Enterprise.
Living and working
Currency
Caribbean guilder.
Euro.
Time zone
UTC-4.
UTC+1, or UTC+2 in summer.
Personal tax
The top marginal rate in 2026 is 46.5% on income above Cg 162,894.
Top rate 35% on income above €60,000 (single, 2026). Capital gains tax applies, but there is no inheritance or wealth tax.
Flights
KLM, TUI and Corendon fly to Europe; American, JetBlue, United, Delta, Air Canada and WestJet to North America; Copa also serves it.
Malta International Airport served 109 destinations in 2024; Delta flies to New York three times a week from June to October 2026.
Language
English, Dutch and Papiamentu are the official languages.
Maltese and English are official languages. The courts use Maltese, although Parliament can provide for the use of English.
Curaçao vs Malta: common questions
Curaçao: Profit tax is 15% up to NAf 500,000 and 22% above, according to a local law firm and a gazette report. Turnover tax is charged at 6%. Malta: The headline rate is 35%. Trading profits reach about 5% effective only through shareholder refunds on distribution. VAT is 18%.
Curaçao: A limited company is incorporated by notarial deed before a Curaçao civil-law notary and registered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Malta: Registration can take 24 hours once the file is complete. Fees start at €100 and the annual return at €85, both rising with authorised capital.
Curaçao: Managing directors of an NV can be of any nationality, although in some cases one must be resident. There is no company-law minimum capital. Malta: A registered office in Malta and a company secretary are mandatory. Authorised capital must be at least €1,164.69, with 20% paid up.
Curaçao: The UBO register in force since 8 June 2024 is closed. Unrestricted access is limited to authorities such as the Central Bank and the FIU. Malta: General public access to the beneficial ownership register was suspended after a November 2022 EU court ruling; others must show a legitimate interest.
Curaçao: A business investment from XCG 500,000 gives a three-year permit, from XCG 750,000 a five-year permit, and from XCG 1,500,000 an indefinite one. Malta: The Start-up Residence Programme requires at least €25,000 invested in a Malta company and a business plan approved by Malta Enterprise.
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