DF Advocates

DF Advocates is a Malta-based law firm with its office on Tower Road in Sliema, one of the island's main business and residential districts. It advises international and local clients on everyday operations, domestic and cross-border transactions, and the more complex problems that arise in regulated sectors. The firm is listed in our directory of lawyers in Malta, and UK clients can reach it through the form on this page.

Practice areas

Its work spans a wide range of areas: funds and investment services, banking, financial services and capital markets, corporate and commercial law, gaming and betting, aviation, shipping and yachting, citizenship and residence, real estate and construction, litigation and arbitration, public procurement, employment and industrial relations, intellectual property, trusts and foundations, and taxation.

In practice, a UK business setting up in Malta can find company, contract and employment advice under one roof, while an individual can ask about property, residence or a dispute. For background on moving to the island, see our relocation guide for UK movers.

The lawyers take a pragmatic approach, drawing on knowledge of each sector rather than offering generic advice. The emphasis is on practical results for clients and on commitment to doing the job well.

Financial services and gaming

Financial services is a core strength. The team advises start-ups and established organisations on credit institutions, e-money and payment services, collective investment schemes, fund managers and administrators, pension administrators, insurance companies, securitisations, capital markets, and newer areas such as blockchain and token offerings. Support runs from incorporation and licensing to continuing regulatory and compliance matters, including anti-money laundering.

The firm follows regulatory change, with news articles on topics such as updated governance guidance for funds, consultations on the virtual financial assets rulebook and the supervisory priorities of the financial intelligence unit. Our overview of financial services in Malta explains the wider sector, and the iGaming in Malta guide covers the gaming industry that the firm also serves.

Yachting, shipping and tax

Yachting and shipping are a particular focus. The firm's news pages discuss the reduced 12 per cent VAT rate for yacht charters starting in Malta, and note that over 1,000 yachts above 24 metres are registered under the Maltese flag. Anyone planning to charter or register a vessel should take legal advice on how the rules apply, and the firm's yachting practice is the natural place to start. Operators and owners considering a Maltese base will also want to read about company and tax questions at the same time.

Taxation, trusts and foundations, and intellectual property are further practice areas. The firm also writes about tax notices, including changes to deductions for intellectual property. For general context, read our Malta tax guide for UK nationals and the corporate tax structure overview, then ask a lawyer about your own position, since personal circumstances change the answer. Residents, landlords and company owners can all be affected differently.

Team and how to get in touch

Jean C. Farrugia is the Senior Partner and Alejandro Borg is a Lead Senior Associate. The firm also runs a financial services team that handles fund and regulatory queries, so questions about licences, fund launches or compliance reach people who handle them regularly. The office is on Level 5 of Il Piazzetta A, Tower Road, Sliema.

To discuss a legal question, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the firm. Include the nature of the matter and the country you are writing from so the right lawyer can respond. Corporate, regulatory and disputes questions are handled by different teams, so a short, clear summary of what you need helps the firm direct your message quickly and avoids delay.