Valsen Corporate

Malta Offshore Trust

Trusts in Malta were based on the Offshore Trusts Act 1988 which was largely based on Jersey trust law, itself a common law implant stemming from English trust law. Trusts under this Act had to have non-resident settlor and beneficiaries, and trust assets could not include Maltese real estate. This legislation was amended by The Trusts and Trustees Act 2004, which became effective in January 2005.
Maltese trust law establishes the confidentiality of trust documents and dealings and the actions of the trustee. The Professional Secrecy Act 1994 imposes strict confidentiality rules on all professionals, officials and other individuals who receive privileged information in the course of their duties; the sanctions are heavy fines and imprisonment.
Key Features

Malta International Trust

Corporate Details

General
  • Type of entity

Offshore Trust
  • Type of law

Follow English Trust law/As per Trust Deed
  • Legal Framework

Malta  Offshore Trusts Act 1988
  • Our time to establish a Trust

2 weeks
  • Taxation of trust assets

None
  • Double Taxation Treaty access

Yes
  • Change of Domicile permitted

Yes
  • Duration

100 years
  • Restriction on Investment of Trust asset

No
  • Succession

As per Trust Deed

Settlor
  • Requirements

Should not be a resident of Malta
  • Qualifications

A trustee, a beneficiary or a protector of the trust.

Beneficiary

  • Requirements

Should not be a resident of Malta
  • Qualifications

A trustee, a beneficiary or a protector of the trust.
  • Property

Should not include immovable property situated in Malta
  • Jurisdiction

Malta Supreme Court
  • Forced heirship applicable

No

Trust asset
  • Restriction on type/amount

No, except property situated Malta

 Trustee   
  • Minimum number

1 if corporate and 2 or more if not corporate
  • Qualification

No domestic trustee is required

Accounts
  • Requirement to file

No
  • Publicly accessible

No