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.
0%
Inheritance Tax Malta
0%
Gift Tax Malta
Yes
SFO without MFSA License
Yes
EU Passporting for Regulated Structures
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.
Malta vs. Luxembourg vs. Switzerland for Family Offices
| 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 | 0–50% (cantonal) | No | Partial | High, expensive |
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.
“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.
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.
Note: The EU Succession Regulation allows you to choose the law of your country of nationality (e.g., UK law) to apply to your estate – even if you are resident in Malta.
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
Confidential Initial Consultation
Analysis of family assets, objectives, and existing structures. Initial assessment regarding the optimal setup in Malta.
Structuring & Concept
Development of the family office structure: corporate forms, holding architecture, governance, and tax framework.
Formation & Licensing
Incorporation of companies in Malta. For regulated activities: guidance through the MFSA licensing process.
Relocation & Non-Dom Status
Assistance with relocation for family members: residence permits, tax registration, and schooling.
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.
Schedule consultationRelevant Advisory Services
HNWI Services
Specialized advice for high-net-worth individuals: structuring, succession, and discretion.
Learn moreFormationCompany Formation Malta
Establishment of the family office company and subsidiary holding vehicles.
Learn moreFormationInternational Tax Advisory
Tax structuring of family assets across multiple jurisdictions.
Learn moreOngoing OperationsAccounting & Financial Statements
Ongoing accounting, consolidated reporting, and annual financial statements for all entities.
Learn moreOngoing OperationsCompliance & Regulation
MFSA compliance, AML requirements, and ongoing regulatory support.
Learn moreOngoing OperationsLegal Advisory
Corporate law, inheritance law, and contract drafting for the family office structure.
Learn moreYour Contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Transparency matters to us. Here you will find answers to the most common questions on this topic.
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.
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 tax-free for non-domiciled individuals if not remitted to Malta.
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.
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.
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.
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's discuss your situation.
Book a confidential initial consultation – in person or via video call.
Dr Jörg Werner
Founder & Lawyer
and his team in Malta
