5 November 2026
Open a Bank Account in Malta
Learn how residents and non-residents can open a personal or corporate bank account in Malta. Our Maltese lawyers can guide you through the whole process.
Are you a non-resident interested in either opening a personal bank account or a corporate bank account for your Maltese company? The matter is not that easy, however we are here to assist.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Restrictions for non-residents | Non-residents and foreign companies (not registered in Malta) cannot open an account with a traditional bank |
| Documents for a personal account | – passport or identification papers, – application form issued by the bank, – recent utility bill, – bank reference, – Maltese residence (traditional banks) |
| Documents for a corporate account | – certificate of registration, – memorandum and articles, – passports of the owners, – bank references, – full KYC on shareholders (UBOs) and directors, – details on the activity, source of funds and clientele |
| Proof of source of funds | – salary or wage slips, – financial statements, – tax returns, – investment record, – utility bills |
| Remote account opening | Not with traditional banks; possible with payment institutions and fintechs |
| Time frame for a business account | About 1-4 weeks once the documents are accepted |
| Extra bank checks | Cryptocurrency and blockchain, international trading, gambling and other high-risk activities |
| Our assistance | – bank recommendation, – streamlined process, – personal recommendation to bank personnel, – better chances of opening the account |
Are there any restrictions on foreigners opening bank accounts in Malta?
Yes. Non-residents will not be able to open a bank account with a traditional bank as well as foreign companies (companies not registered in Malta).
What are the requirements for opening a personal bank account in Malta?
- a passport or identification papers;
- an application form issued by the bank.
- a recent utility bill.
- a bank reference (from another bank)
- Maltese residence (for an account with a traditional bank with physical offices).
Why should I hire you to open my account?
We can advise you on the best bank or payment institution for your specific activity, recommend a contact person and intermediate the actual process. If you are interested in opening a corporate account we will have to provide corporate documentation and if are your appointed fiduciary then we are part of the bank opening process ourselves.
Please have in mind that your application can be refused and what raises your chances to be accepted is to show to the bank that your activity in Malta is serious and legitimate. The existence of a licensed fiduciary representing such as our company will definitely be regarded as a plus. In short we can offer you:
- Bank recommendation so you don’t lose time applying where you have high chances of being rejected
- Easier streamlined process
- Personal recommendation (bank personnel)
- Better chances of successfully opening of the account.
What documents and info do you need for a corporate account?
- certificate of registration;
- memorandum and articles of the underlying shareholders;
- identity documents (passports) of the owners of the company;
- bank references, containing all the shareholders and directors of the company;
- completion of bank opening forms
- full KYC on shareholders (UBO’s) and directors
- full explanations on the company’s activity, source of funds, clientele, business activity. The bank or payment institution will need to have a detailed view on your business works so be prepared to have it ready and share this information.
What type of information is solicited by banks for the source of funds?
- proof of salary or wage slips,
- financial statements,
- tax returns,
- investment record,
- utility bills.
Can I open a bank account in Malta remotely?
For traditional banks no, for other “payment institutions” or “fintechs” you do have this option. (After all many of this payment institutions do not have a local office to visit anyway).
How quickly can a Malta business bank account be opened?
Normally, if all documents are accepted by the bank you intend to work with, a Maltese business bank account can usually be ready in about 1-4 weeks.
Are there any extra precautions (from the bank) when opening the account?
Yes, extra verifications are done for cryptocurrency and blockchain companies, international trading, gambling and other “high-risk” activies.
For full assistance in opening bank accounts do not hesitate to contact us.