Important: This guide provides general business, tax and regulatory information. The appropriate structure and outcome depend on the complete facts and every connected jurisdiction.
The direct answer
Applicants should expect identity and address evidence for relevant individuals, ownership and control information, source-of-funds or wealth evidence appropriate to the case, officer details and a clear explanation of the proposed business.
Corporate shareholders normally require current registry and constitutional records plus documents that trace ownership to the ultimate beneficial owners. Exact certification, translation and validity requirements should be confirmed with CLA Malta before documents are ordered.
Documents must tell one consistent story
Names, addresses, ownership percentages, employment, projected activity and funding should reconcile across forms, charts, registry extracts and the business plan. Explain inconsistencies instead of hoping they will be overlooked.
A one-page ownership chart can materially speed review when it shows every legal entity, jurisdiction, percentage and ultimate individual owner.
Activity evidence matters
Due diligence is not limited to passports. Providers need to understand products, customers, markets, payment flows, suppliers, regulated exposure and why Malta is being chosen.
Early contracts, forecasts, licences, professional history or group information may be relevant depending on the proposed activity and risk.
Typical document categories
| Party or issue | Typical evidence | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals | Identity and residential-address evidence | Verify identity and residence |
| Corporate owners | Registry extract, constitution and directors | Establish legal ownership and authority |
| Beneficial ownership | Group chart and control explanation | Trace ultimate owners |
| Funding and activity | Source evidence, plan and contracts | Understand legitimacy and risk |
Practical scenario
A UK company as the shareholder
A UK company will own the Malta subsidiary. Its pack includes current corporate records, board authority, a complete ownership chart and individual evidence for the ultimate owners.
The narrative explains what activity transfers to Malta, how the subsidiary is funded and who its customers and decision-makers will be. CLA confirms certification requirements before originals are requested.
Evidence and implementation checklist
- Valid identity evidence
- Recent residential-address evidence
- Corporate registry and constitutional records
- Ownership and control chart
- Source-of-funds information
- Business plan and forecasts
- Officer appointments and authorities
- Translations or certification as instructed
Common questions
Are scanned passports sufficient?
Not necessarily. Verification and certification requirements depend on provider procedures, jurisdiction and risk.
Why is source-of-funds evidence required?
Regulated providers must understand ownership, funding and risk before accepting and providing services.
Do documents expire?
Providers commonly require recent evidence. Confirm acceptable dates before obtaining certificates or translations.
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Ask CLA Malta to assess the complete facts
CLA Malta can assess formation, governance, accounting, tax and ongoing compliance requirements, subject to client acceptance, due diligence and an agreed scope.
Official and primary sources
Editorial status: Original VisitMalta.co.uk guidance checked against the sources above on 5 September 2026.