Gibraltar or Malta: where should you start a business?
Malta ranks higher in the index, 09 against 14. 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
Corporate tax is 15% on a territorial basis, and 20% for utilities. There is no VAT, but a Transaction Tax on goods applies from 15 July 2026.
The headline rate is 35%. Trading profits reach about 5% effective only through shareholder refunds on distribution. VAT is 18%.
Set-up
A certificate usually takes three days, according to a 2018 note, and a same-day service exists. Incorporation costs £110, including capital duty.
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
Every company needs a registered office in Gibraltar and a company secretary. A sole director cannot also act as the company's secretary.
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 beneficial ownership register has been public since 2020. The Government said in February 2026 that it will shortly be free to any individual.
General public access to the beneficial ownership register was suspended after a November 2022 EU court ruling; others must show a legitimate interest.
Residence
Category 2 status requires net assets of £2 million and approved accommodation. A self-employed route also exists under the 2026 Regulations.
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
Gibraltar pound, at par with sterling.
Euro.
Time zone
UTC+1, or UTC+2 in summer.
UTC+1, or UTC+2 in summer.
Personal tax
Top rates are 28% or 39%, by system; Category 2 residents pay tax on £118,000 only. No capital gains, inheritance or wealth tax.
Top rate 35% on income above €60,000 (single, 2026). Capital gains tax applies, but there is no inheritance or wealth tax.
Flights
Only UK destinations are listed: Birmingham, Bristol, London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester, served by British Airways and easyJet.
Malta International Airport served 109 destinations in 2024; Delta flies to New York three times a week from June to October 2026.
Language
English is the language of instruction in schools.
Maltese and English are official languages. The courts use Maltese, although Parliament can provide for the use of English.
Gibraltar vs Malta: common questions
Gibraltar: Corporate tax is 15% on a territorial basis, and 20% for utilities. There is no VAT, but a Transaction Tax on goods applies from 15 July 2026. Malta: The headline rate is 35%. Trading profits reach about 5% effective only through shareholder refunds on distribution. VAT is 18%.
Gibraltar: A certificate usually takes three days, according to a 2018 note, and a same-day service exists. Incorporation costs £110, including capital duty. 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.
Gibraltar: Every company needs a registered office in Gibraltar and a company secretary. A sole director cannot also act as the company's secretary. 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.
Gibraltar: The beneficial ownership register has been public since 2020. The Government said in February 2026 that it will shortly be free to any individual. Malta: General public access to the beneficial ownership register was suspended after a November 2022 EU court ruling; others must show a legitimate interest.
Gibraltar: Category 2 status requires net assets of £2 million and approved accommodation. A self-employed route also exists under the 2026 Regulations. 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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