Cyprus vs Malta side by side
Both are popular jurisdictions for founders, but they suit different situations. Here are the headline numbers, verified June 2026. Each country links to its full profile with the complete data.
| Feature | 🇨🇾Cyprus | 🇲🇹Malta |
|---|---|---|
| Main company type | Ltd (private limited) | Ltd (private limited) |
| Corporate tax | 15% (from 2026) | 35% (~5% effective) |
| VAT | 19% | 18% |
| Minimum capital | None (typ. €1,000) | ~€1,165 (20% paid) |
| Setup time | ~8-12 days | ~3-7 days |
| Remote setup | Yes | Yes |
Which is right for you
Choose Cyprus if you want a straightforward 15% corporate tax, no withholding tax on dividends to non-residents, and an IP Box for technology income.
Choose Malta if you run a foreign-owned trading company and want an effective rate near 5% via the 6/7 shareholder refund, accepting that it needs more structuring and a refund cycle.
Still weighing it up? Compare them against the rest in company formation in Europe, or see the overall best country ranking.
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