The R. FamilyMulti-Family Office
Family Office
Family Offices in Malta: Wealth Management in a Mediterranean Tax Environment
Malta offers wealthy families a discreet, EU-regulated location for professional asset management. With no inheritance tax, MFSA-regulated structures, and a legal system based on established Common Law, it provides the ideal foundation for cross-generational wealth preservation.
Since 2013 · CSP Class C · MFSA regulated
At a Glance
Malta offers family offices an EU-regulated framework: no inheritance tax, MFSA licensing where necessary, Participation Exemption for tax-free dividends, and Non-Dom status. A Single Family Office (SFO) typically requires no MFSA license – incorporation as a Malta Limited company is sufficient for managing a single family's assets.
Why Choose Malta for a Family Office?
Malta combines the stability of an EU jurisdiction with a highly attractive fiscal framework for asset management. No inheritance tax, no gift tax, and a tax system that does not tax foreign capital gains for non-domiciled individuals – these are the cornerstones that make Malta so compelling for family offices.
The regulatory framework is sophisticated: The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) offers licensing options for professional asset managers, while Maltese corporate law allows for flexible holding structures. For Single Family Offices that do not manage third-party funds, no MFSA license is typically required – establishing a private limited company is sufficient.
Malta also offers EU passporting rights: Regulated structures can offer their services across the EU without needing a separate license in each country. This is a decisive advantage for international wealth distributed across multiple EU jurisdictions.
Finally, the quality of life speaks for itself: safety, a pleasant climate, international schools, and a compact island environment where discretion is respected.
Location Comparison
Malta vs. Luxembourg vs. Switzerland for Family Offices
Malta, Luxembourg and Switzerland for family offices, compared on inheritance tax, licensing requirements for Single Family Offices, Participation Exemption and quality of life.
| Jurisdiction | Inheritance Tax | SFO License Required | Participation Exemption | Quality of Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | 0% | No | Yes (100%) | Mediterranean, safe |
| Luxembourg | 0–48% | No | Yes | High, expensive |
| Switzerland | 0–54.6% (cantonal) | No | Partial | High, expensive |
- No inheritance tax in Malta
- Malta levies neither inheritance tax nor gift tax; stamp duty still applies to Maltese property and company shares. Luxembourg: 0% to 48%; Switzerland: 0% to 54.6%, depending on the canton.
- Single Family Office without a licence
- A Single Family Office managing one family's assets typically needs no licence in any of the three countries. In Malta, a private limited company is sufficient; Multi Family Offices are subject to MFSA regulation.
- Full Participation Exemption in Malta
- In Malta, dividends from qualifying participations can be fully tax-exempt under the Participation Exemption. Luxembourg offers a comparable exemption; in Switzerland it is only partial.
Family Office Structures in Malta
The structure of a family office in Malta depends on the size of the estate and the family's objectives. A Single Family Office (SFO) manages the assets of one family exclusively and generally does not require an MFSA license. It is established as a Malta Limited company and coordinates investments, accounting, tax planning, and succession.
For larger estates, a holding structure may be appropriate: The family office company holds shares in operating companies, property companies, and investment vehicles. Dividend income from qualifying participations can be completely tax-exempt under the Participation Exemption rules.
Multi Family Offices (MFO), which manage the assets of multiple families, are subject to MFSA regulation. DW&P supports you with licensing and ongoing compliance. Alternatively, specialized service providers with existing licenses can be integrated into the structure.
- Inheritance Tax Malta
- 0%
- Maltese Tax Law
- Gift Tax Malta
- 0%
- Maltese Tax Law
- SFO without MFSA License
- Yes
- MFSA Regulation
- EU Passporting for Regulated Structures
- Yes
- EU Financial Services Law
“A Single Family Office in Malta combines tax efficiency with a solid EU legal framework – without the complexity and cost of a fully regulated vehicle. For families with assets under management exceeding EUR 5 million, this is a highly compelling model.”
Dr. Jörg Werner
Founder, DW&P Dr. Werner & Partners
Succession Planning and Generational Transfer
Malta levies no inheritance tax and no gift tax – a central advantage for cross-generational wealth planning. The transfer of company shares can be structured in a tax-efficient manner as part of a comprehensive succession plan. Stamp duty does apply, including on death: 2% on shares in Maltese companies (5% for property companies) and 5% on Maltese property; exemptions are available for companies whose business is mainly outside Malta.
Maltese inheritance law is based on the Civil Code and includes a system of reserved portions (legitime). Drafting wills and regulating succession requires consideration of both Maltese and international law – particularly the EU Succession Regulation (EU 650/2012), which allows the testator to choose the law of their nationality to govern their estate.
We work closely with specialized lawyers on succession planning and coordinate the tax and legal structuring across international borders.
DW&P Services for Family Offices
DW&P offers family offices comprehensive support from a single source: formation and structuring of companies, ongoing accounting and reporting, tax advisory and compliance, legal support, and liaison with authorities. You do not need separate service providers for different functions.
Our clients value the direct cooperation with the firm's partners, short communication channels, and the discretion we have guaranteed for high-net-worth individuals in Malta since 2013.
Client Voices
What trust looks like in practice.
Our Process
- 01
Confidential Initial Consultation
Analysis of family assets, objectives, and existing structures. Initial assessment regarding the optimal setup in Malta.
- 02
Structuring & Concept
Development of the family office structure: corporate forms, holding architecture, governance, and tax framework.
- 03
Formation & Licensing
Incorporation of companies in Malta. For regulated activities: guidance through the MFSA licensing process.
- 04
Relocation & Non-Dom Status
Assistance with relocation for family members: residence permits, tax registration, and schooling.
- 05
Ongoing Support & Reporting
Continuous accounting, compliance, tax returns, and coordinated reporting to the family.
Your situation deserves an individual analysis.
In a free initial consultation, we assess whether and how Malta works for you.
Relevant Advisory Services
Your Contact
Horst Wickinghoff
Senior New Business Manager
- HNWI
- Wealth Protection
Nathaniel Borg
Partner
- HNWI
- Auditing
Frequently Asked Questions
Transparency matters to us. Here you will find answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Does a family office in Malta need an MFSA license?
Not necessarily. A Single Family Office that exclusively manages the assets of one family generally does not require a license. As soon as third parties are involved (Multi Family Office), MFSA regulation is required. We clarify the licensing requirements during the initial consultation.
What is the ongoing tax burden for a family office in Malta?
The tax burden depends on the structure and income sources. Dividends from qualifying participations can be tax-exempt under the Participation Exemption. Trading profits are subject to the tax refund system (resulting in an effective rate of approx. 5%). Foreign capital gains are not taxed in Malta for non-domiciled individuals, even if remitted to Malta.
What about real estate in my home country?
Real estate in the UK or elsewhere is generally taxed in the country where it is located (rental income and capital gains). However, a Maltese holding structure can still offer advantages – for example, regarding succession planning or the reinvestment of proceeds.
How is discretion guaranteed?
The client relationship is subject to attorney-client privilege. Malta has strict GDPR-compliant data protection laws. While the Registry of Companies is public, the disclosed information is limited. We advise on discreet structuring options to protect family privacy.
Can multiple generations be included?
Yes. Succession planning is a core component of family office advisory. Articles of Association, wills, and governance rules are drafted to ensure a smooth transfer of wealth across generations.
How does DW&P differ from a private bank?
DW&P is a law and consultancy firm, not a financial service provider. We do not make investment decisions or sell financial products. Our focus is on legal and tax structuring – we work complementarily to your existing asset managers and banks.
Next step
Let us discuss your situation.
Book a confidential initial consultation – in person or via video call.
Roderick Galea
Managing Partner
Nathaniel Borg
Partner
and the team in Malta
