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For High-Net-Worth Individuals

Private Wealth in Malta: Asset Structuring for HNWIs

Discretion, tax efficiency, and professional wealth management—on an EU island with a clear regulatory framework.

Post-exit entrepreneurs and families with multi-generational wealth —you share a common challenge. Structuring wealth requires a jurisdiction that combines discretion, regulatory clarity, and tax efficiency. Malta offers exactly that: no inheritance tax, non-dom status on a remittance basis, and an MFSA-regulated environment that meets international standards.

Inheritance and gift tax
0 %
Maltese Tax Law
Participation Exemption on qualifying dividends
100 %
Status for tax-free foreign capital gains
Non-Dom

Last updated: October 2026

Your Profile

Structuring tailored to your situation

Whether you are setting up a family office or planning post-exit—every estate has unique requirements. We understand both.

Family Office

Family Office

  • Single Family Offices can be established without an MFSA license
  • Participation Exemption for tax-free dividends
  • Succession planning with zero inheritance tax
  • EU Succession Regulation allows choice of home country law
Learn more
Post-Exit

Post-Exit

  • Holding structures for exit proceeds in Malta
  • Non-dom status: foreign capital gains remain tax-free
  • Professional company valuation reports to mitigate relocation tax implications
  • Planning must begin before the exit
Learn more
Maltese limestone facade, quiet elegance

Jurisdiction Comparison

Malta vs. Luxembourg vs. Switzerland for HNWIs

Where do high-net-worth individuals structure their wealth most efficiently? A comparison of key jurisdictions.

Malta vs. Luxembourg vs. Switzerland for HNWIs (Last updated: October 2026)
JurisdictionInheritance TaxCapital Gains TaxNon-Dom StatusEU Member
Malta0 %0 % (Non-Dom)YesYes
Luxembourg0–48 %Up to 42 %NoYes
Switzerland0–54.6 % (cantonal)0 % (private)NoNo

Last updated: October 2026

No Inheritance Tax
Malta levies neither inheritance nor gift tax. Stamp duty still applies when Maltese property (5%) or shares in Maltese companies (2%) change hands.
Non-Dom Status
Foreign income is only taxed if remitted to Malta. Foreign capital gains are completely tax-free.
MFSA-Regulated
The Malta Financial Services Authority ensures a transparent, EU-compliant regulatory framework.

Our Process

  1. 01

    Confidential Initial Consultation

    Analysis of your wealth structure, current tax situation, and goals. Initial assessment of whether and how Malta works for you.

  2. 02

    Structuring & Concept Design

    Developing the optimal structure: holding architecture, family office vehicles, non-dom application, and tax framework.

  3. 03

    Formation & Valuation

    Incorporation of Maltese companies. For post-exit scenarios: coordinating professional valuation reports to secure your tax position when relocating.

  4. 04

    Relocation & Non-Dom Status

    Guidance through your move to Malta: residence permits, tax registration, non-dom application, and coordinating with authorities.

  5. 05

    Ongoing Support & Reporting

    Continuous accounting, compliance, tax returns, and coordinated reporting—all from a single source.

Client Voices

What trust looks like in practice.

„Dr. Werner & Partners proved to be helpful, efficient, fast, and patient. An excellent partner, especially for German-speaking clients needing assistance in Malta.“

Cross-Border Expertise
Carl Albrecht WaldsteinTranslatedGoogle Review

„Top firm. First off, I am very suspicious of anything new. It was very difficult to get information about law firms in Malta from Germany. I searched the internet for law firms in Malta and found Dr. Werner. And just now, I had a personal appointment with Dr. Jörg Werner. However, after being there in person, here is my personal impression. At the reception, two young German receptionists, very friendly. Very large, modern concrete-chic offices, with lots of light and modern art on the walls. Dr. Werner himself makes a tough, very professional, and serious impression. In terms of expertise, he is definitely top-notch. It's a shame that there aren't more experiences reported about him. In my case, he recommended a model where his firm definitely earns less. You very rarely see that these days. All in all, I have a very positive impression and can warmly recommend the firm Dr. Werner to everyone.“

Dr. Mehdi E. ZadehTranslatedBuilding Trust

„He didn't push anything on me - quite the opposite. He looked at what genuinely made sense for my situation and answered all my questions in detail. Really grateful!“

Adrian MaasTranslatedHonesty

Frequently Asked Questions

Transparency matters to us. Here you will find answers to the most common questions on this topic.

At what wealth level does a Malta structure make sense?

There is no universal threshold. Generally, structuring becomes economically viable for assets of around EUR 2 to 5 million—factoring in formation costs, ongoing administration, and tax benefits. We will analyse your specific situation during our initial consultation.

Does a family office in Malta need an MFSA license?

A single family office that exclusively manages the wealth of one family typically does not require an MFSA license. As soon as third parties are involved (multi-family office), regulation becomes necessary. We will clarify any licensing requirements during our initial consultation.

When should I move to Malta—before or after the exit?

Ideally, before the exit. Any tax implications of relocating generally apply at the time you give up your previous tax residence. The earlier you move, and the lower the company valuation at that time, the lower the potential tax burden.

Is there an inheritance tax in Malta?

No. Malta levies neither inheritance nor gift tax. There is only a stamp duty on transfers of Maltese assets, including on death: 5% on Maltese property and 2% on shares in Maltese companies (5% for property companies). The family home the deceased lived in passes to a spouse or descendants free of stamp duty, and exemptions are available for companies whose business is mainly outside Malta. This makes Malta particularly attractive for succession planning.

How discreet is the process?

The client relationship is subject to strict attorney-client privilege. Malta has robust, GDPR-compliant data protection laws. While company registers are public, the scope of disclosed information is limited. We will advise you on discreet structuring options.

Do I have to live in Malta permanently?

To qualify for the tax-efficient non-dom status, your center of vital interests must be in Malta. A substantial physical presence is required—but you can still travel and spend time abroad, provided Malta remains your primary tax residence.

Let us discuss your wealth structure.

Schedule a confidential initial consultation with our specialists for post-exit planning and wealth structuring in Malta.

Schedule consultation
CSP Licensed Badge

Corporate Services at DW&P Dr. Werner & Partners are provided by DW&P Services Ltd. (C 103208) which is regulated by the MFSA and is licensed under Authorised Person ID: DSER-23577 to carry out the activities of a Class C CSP in terms of the Company Services Providers Act (Cap. 529 of the Laws of Malta).

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