The Malta Business Registry (MBR) hereby informs the general public that starting from September 1, 2025, various notifications are to be submitted only through the MBR’s online system, BAROS (Business Automation Registry Online System). The notifications that are to be submitted only through the BAROS are the following: Expert’s Report in terms of Sec. 73(6) of the Companies Act – Non-cash consideration report. Form F (1) – Notice of the removal of an auditor, Form F (2) – Notification by partnership/company of the resignation of an auditor, Form F (3) – Notice of appointment of auditor/s pursuant to Article 151 (9)/ Article 66 (3), Form R – Notice of accounting reference date, Form R (1) – Notice of alteration of the accounting reference period, Form T (1) – Notice of redemption of preference shares, Form T (2 ) – Notice of pledge of securities, Form T (3) – Notice of termination of a pledge of securities, Form S – Declaration of compliance with Article (110 (4)) relating to financial assistance given by a private company for the purchase of its own or its parent company’s shares, Form Q – Notification of change in registered office of a company, Furthermore, any changes in the details of an individual involved in the Companies Register ( Change Person Details ) shall also be submitted only through the BAROS. This transition highlights MBR’s persistent dedication to evolving into a fully paperless agency, building on earlier efforts. The initiative is designed to enhance processing efficiency while fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach. Dr. Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, CEO and Registrar of MBR, emphasized that the success of BAROS has underscored the industry’s need for continued digital transformation to benefit practitioners, clients, and the sector. Such step follows extensive discussions with stakeholders and practitioners who played a crucial part in the transition process. These initiatives are set to streamline processes, eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and compliment other projects headed by the MBR to ultimately offer holistic services” explained Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas. Detailed instructions and support resources can be found on the following link In addition to this, the MBR will also deliver a training session in August 2025. Further details will follow soon.

Malta, through the Malta Business Registry will be hosting the European Business Registry Association Annual General Conference. This was announced during the EBRA AGM which was organised in Milan Italy, this year’s host. EBRA is an association of Business Registry experts that collaborate to improve the operation and management of business registers in Europe. EBRA has 43 members who represent business registries from across Europe. In Milan, MBR’s CEO and Registrar Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas shared an insightful analysis of MBR’s achievements both from a regulation and digitalization aspect. ‘The hosting of the EBRA Annual Conference in Malta next year will seek concrete actions that will encourage closer collaboration amongst other European registers. It is of great satisfaction to note the respect Malta garnered on an international stage given that this will be the second conference of this kind to be hosted by Malta in a short span of time following the success of the CRF Conference 3 years ago’ said Dr Spiteri Lucas. Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri said that hosting of the EBRA Annual Conference reflects the sterling work being done by MBR. “Having our European counterparts and other jurisdictions to Malta is a great opportunity to encourage collaboration and cooperation amongst registers, identify challenges and find a way forward. The MBR, being the entity representing the smallest EU member state has certainly rose to the occasion in making its voice heard bringing about a change in mindset and means of doing things. I look forward to fruitful discussion amongst our European colleagues’’ said Minister Schembri.

Please note that as from 1st June 2025 the payment requested by the Registrar of Companies in respect of the cost of the publication of notices in a daily newspaper shall be as follows: Amalgamation/Merger of Companies €100 Continued Outside Malta €200 Contribution Reduction/Assignment of Interest €100 Conversion of Company/Partnership €100 Cross-Border Merger/ Division/ Conversion €200 Division of Companies €100 Notice of Dissolution €15 Reduction in Capital €100 Registrar of Companies

The Malta Business Registry (MBR) will host the Global Working Group on Beneficial Ownership from March 25th to March 27th, 2025. This event serves as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the challenges and advancements in beneficial ownership (BO) transparency. The meeting’s agenda is packed with insightful presentations and workshops, featuring expert speakers from Moneyval, the EU Commission, and various business registries. Over the course of three intensive days, participants will examine the challenges faced by BO Registers and explore strategies for enhancing transparency, compliance, and cross-border collaboration. A key focus will be the exchange of experiences and best practices, fostering closer cooperation among registries. Dr. Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, CEO, Registrar, and the Chair of the Global Working Group on Beneficial Ownership, emphasized the significance of hosting this event in Malta, stating: “It is a great honor to welcome the Global Working Group on Beneficial Ownership to Malta, as it reflects the respect our country has earned in this field through its unwavering commitment to maintaining a comprehensive and up-to-date BO Register. Over these three days, we will address critical issues that require collective effort and participation. This meeting presents a valuable opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, share insights, and develop effective strategies for managing beneficial ownership information.” The Global Working Group on Beneficial Ownership meeting promises to be a cornerstone event for advancing the dialogue on beneficial ownership, reinforcing Malta’s role as a leader in transparency and compliance.

The Ministry for the Economy, is pleased to announce that the Malta Business Registry (MBR), issued a tender for the development of the Central Data Repository (CDR), marking a key milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize Malta’s digital infrastructure. This initiative is a crucial step toward fulfilling the main aims of Malta Vision 2050, which focuses on improving the quality of life for citizens and positioning the government as an early adopter of advanced technologies. The CDR is a secure, digital platform that will store key documents and identity credentials in a single e-wallet, easily accessible via mobile devices or PCs. This modern solution will enable individuals and businesses to share important documents quickly and securely with government entities, eliminating repetitive bureaucratic processes and speeding up compliance tasks. By incorporating artificial intelligence, the platform will enhance efficiency and reduce the administrative burden, all while ensuring high standards of data security. Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, emphasized that the issuance of this tender is a significant milestone in Malta’s drive to reduce bureaucracy and leverage cutting-edge technology for the benefit of all. “This project forms a core part of our government’s vision to lead by example as an early adopter of advanced digital solutions. The CDR will simplify processes, improve the ease of doing business in Malta, and enhance the overall quality of life for both individuals and businesses.” The CDR will begin by facilitating data sharing across government departments and, once fully operational, will extend its capabilities to private sector entities, reinforcing Malta’s position as a forward-thinking, digitally enabled nation. The tender for this project is open via the ePPS system, and interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals for this transformative initiative until the 26th November. With this development, Malta takes another step toward the future envisioned in Malta Vision 2050, where modern technology drives greater efficiency, boosts economic competitiveness, and supports a higher quality of life for everyone.

The Insolvency and Receivership Service within the Malta Business Registry launched an online portal with tools that will allow companies to assess their position to ascertain the viability of continuing in business. Such initiative is part and parcel of the recent insolvency framework overhaul which sought to give businesses and entrepreneurs a second chance by encouraging them to engage in a confidential self-assessment exercise. To do so, the Insolvency and Receivership Service, as Regulator, is introducing the concept of early warning mechanisms. Such early warning notifications kick in when the debtor falls behind on certain types of obligations, such as when a company fails to submit its Annual Returns and Financial Statements. Dr Ingrid Hamilton, the Official Receiver and Head of the Insolvency and Receivership Service, explained that the purpose of this tool is to help businesses keeping track of their operations whilst instilling the idea that prevention is better than cure. ‘Through the development of this tool, we sought to go above and beyond the role of this Unit whilst giving a new meaning to the notion of preventive restructuring. With this tool available to businesses, traders can have easier access to crucial instruments they can rely on to monitor the progress of their business. Most importantly, it aims to give a new perspective to insolvency by guiding the business community towards its avoidance,’ said Dr Hamilton. Moreover, with the innovative and essential amendments brought about by the reform in the legislative framework of insolvency, the Insolvency and Receivership Service, which is the competent authority at law, recognized the need to have a specialized group of professionals with the expertise required to assist businesses in difficulty in their restructuring efforts. Therefore, a process was triggered to offer a tailor-made training course to academics and specialist professionals interested in this field. Thirteen candidates successfully completed this course and are now authorised practitioners specialising in insolvency. The Malta Business Registry’s COO and Deputy Registrar Ms Annalise Zammit explained that the course provided comprehensive training to accountants, auditors and lawyers interested in this field, to give them the skills necessary to achieve this goal. ‘’For the first time, the course has now produced a strong team of professionals who, with the help of the Insolvency and Receiver Service, will be able to practically steer businesses away from the brink of insolvency and back to profitable trading. In this regard a registry of practitioners specializing in this field has also been set up so that those who need this service have access in the most transparent and reassuring way,’’ said Ms Annalise Zammit. MBR’s CEO and Registrar Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas said that with the specialized services and specific technological tools, the Malta Business Registry is looking to offer a holistic service so that truly fulfils its mission of being a shoulder throughout the entire business journey whilst encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit. “This is an ideal moment to view business restructuring from a fresh angle, seeing it as a pathway to solutions rather than as a mark of failure. Global studies reveal that entrepreneurs who experience setbacks in their first business attempt often achieve greater success in their second. Accordingly, through the self-assessment tool and expert support, we are creating a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters the transformation of ideas into thriving businesses. This new service is being given free of charge including the confidential report which will be generated to the user.” said Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas.

Following a workshop held back in February 2024 with all stakeholders, including Corporate Service Providers (CSPs), the Malta Business Registry (MBR) is set to offer new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) aimed at enhancing collaboration and digital services for Subject Persons. This initiative emerged from discussions during the workshop, where all stakeholders provided valuable feedback on their needs and expectations.The MBR is proposing the below API packages aimed at enhancing access to company-related data. Here’s a detailed overview of each package: Company Search API Gives users the ability to search for companies based on a name or registration number. Only name and Registration number is returned. Basic Company Details API Retrieves Company Name, Registration Number, Registration Date, Registered Address and State of a company by ID & Status Full Company Details API Retrieves all details in Basic Company Details API plus involvement, share capital data and a list of document filings (only title, type and submission date of document) Utilisation of these APIs aim to improve interoperability, enabling businesses to effortlessly interact with the MBR through machine-to-machine integrations. This technological advancement encourages subject persons to evaluate their IT systems thoroughly, to harness data available from the register. MBR’s Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas remarked that APIs in business registries are crucial as they enable seamless data exchange, improving efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. ‘’By automating the flow of information, APIs reduce manual data entry, minimize errors, and allow businesses to access real-time information instantly. This fosters innovation, accelerates compliance processes, and enhances transparency, making it easier for businesses to integrate registry data into their operations and decision-making” said Dr Spiteri Lucas. MBR’s Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Registrar Ms Annalise Zammit said that in the current technological landscape, APIs are pivotal, becoming an essential component of today’s advanced digital world. ‘’Incorporating APIs into everyday operations facilitates reliable partnerships and enhances the customer experience. Additionally, APIs empower organizations and entities to innovate and seamlessly embrace new technological services. Most notably, APIs enable regulated sharing of data with external partners, ultimately leading to an improved user experience by supporting the integration of various services and features’’ said Annalise Zammit. For more information one can send an email on ictsupport.mbr@mbr.mt expressing their interest in this newly launched service.

Kindly note that MBR Staff will not be able to take calls on Friday 20th December 2024 due to an internal meeting. Services will be available online through  register.mbr.mt We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

The general public is kindly being informed that the Malta Business Registry offices will be closed on Tuesday 31st December in the afternoon. The online services shall continue to be available as usual on the MBR’s website: https://register.mbr.mt/  ;

The collaboration between the Malta Business Registry (MBR) and The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has resulted in improved communication and initiatives aimed at enhancing MBR’s services to the local business community. MBR in collaboration with The Malta Chamber held a conference as part of SME Week 2024 under the auspices of the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects entitled Business Empowerment. MBR’s CEO and Registrar Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas explained that the, ‘Desk Officers are now more specialised which consequently led to streamlining guidelines, regulations, and requirements. The IT infrastructure has been strongly upgraded, leading to shifting services online as well as paving way for seamless integration between government agencies for the provision of standard documents and information within the limits allowed by the GDPR.” Dr Spiteri Lucas added that, “crucially, the effectiveness of communication is clearly demonstrated by allowing sufficient lead time before the implementation of new regulations. By conducting training seminars, we ensure that CSPs and practitioners are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools for a swift adaptation to these changes.” The President of The Malta Chamber Chris Vassallo Cesareo said that the integration of systems between government agencies to facilitate the provision of standard documents and information is a critical step toward eliminating repetitive, time-consuming tasks that drain resources and frustrate users. He insisted that, ‘’businesses need a cohesive ecosystem where data flows securely and efficiently across entities, minimising redundancy and creating value for all.” During a fireside chat, moderated by Head of Media and Communication Strategist Rachel Bondi Attard, both MBR CEO Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas and The Malta Chamber CEO Dr Marthese Portelli  emphasised that digitalisation doesn’t only contribute to better governance, transparency and accountability, but it also contributes to cleaner and more efficient processes.  Dr Spiteri Lucas  delved into MBR’s recent initiatives which strongly boosted digitalisation. The launch of the new online platform BAROS, Business Automation Registry Online System, introduced digital methods aimed at enhancing efficiency, such as the online submission of all types of company incorporations and other forms. Additionally, a call for tenders has been issued for the development of the Central Data Repository, an initiative intended to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. These initiatives align with MBR’s goal of promoting an entrepreneurial mindset, as seen in the recent launch of the self-assessment tool, which provides businesses with a free service to analyse their financial capability and seek help if necessary. Dr Portelli emphasised that ongoing dialogue with the MBR is essential. “Maintaining open communication benefits not only the business community but also the country as a whole.  At The Malta Chamber, we remain committed to providing input and support whenever needed. While we appreciate the MBR’s receptiveness to our feedback, we now look forward to seeing tangible implementation of the proposed measures,” said Dr Portelli. Minister for the Economy , Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri said that during this month dedicated to businesses will serve as a forum for discussion so that as a Government we can pave and implement Malta Vision 2050. ’Vision Malta 2050 is not only about economic growth, but a plan to provide a better quality of life for everyone. The process has begun to establish strategic goals until 2035 that will lead Malta to a better future with clear goals and a long-term plan. This must be a vision of a country that looks at the needs of the people, quality jobs, sustainable growth, and national unity. Together we can build a stronger and more inclusive Malta. Above all, a strong country that, as announced in the budget, gives a better quality of life and creates that balance from which we really reap the fruits of the unprecedented economic growth that our country is experiencing. Vision Malta 2050 is our roadmap for the next 25 years, with key goals to be achieved in the next 10 years to ensure we stay on the right track’’ said Minister Schembri. Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri stated that this month dedicated to businesses will serve as a discussion forum for implementing Malta Vision 2050. This vision aims for economic growth and improving quality of life. Strategic goals until 2035 aim to ensure sustainable growth, quality jobs, and national unity. As outlined in the budget, the vision seeks to enhance life quality, balancing economic growth with real benefits for all. This roadmap sets key goals for the next decade to keep Malta on track. At the conference, a panel discussion led by MBR’s COO and Deputy Registrar, Ms Annalise Zammit, focused on the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Panelists Mr Norbert Vella from PWC, Mr Mark Micallef from BNF Bank, and Dr Damian Paul Cassar from MBR discussed the implications of the directive in helping companies implement sustainability reporting. The panel noted that while CSRD presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for enhancing sustainability practices and stakeholder engagement. By approaching compliance strategically and collaboratively, organisations can lead in sustainability within their industries. The conference also commemorated the 60th Anniversary of Malta’s Companies Act, which has evolved with EU directives and digitalisation over time. This milestone was celebrated with a documentary featuring past registrars, academics, and MBR employees who have contributed to its development.

Malta Business Registry (MBR) and Competent Authorities in accordance with the PMLPTR, namely the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and Sanctions Monitoring Board (SMB), individually agreed to build cooperation by signing memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation and exchange of information. The MoU is a form of mutual commitment in complimenting each other`s duties and function in the perspective of governmental duties and national development, particularly in exchange of information. The MoU was signed by Joseph Farrugia, Registrar and CEO of the Malta Business Registry (MBR), on behalf of the MBR and Joseph Cuschieri, Chief Executive Officer of the MFSA, on behalf of the Authority, Mr Heathcliff Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Gaming Authority(MGA) on behalf of MGA, and Mr Neville Aquilina Chairperson of the Sanctions Monitoring Board (SMB) on behalf of SMB. The MoU coverage is focused on the information being shared between MBR and each of the above-mentioned authorities. This MoU is based on an understanding of cooperation to strengthen the mechanisms which allow them to detect and take measures promptly concerning any possible issue/s of non-compliance with the applicable legislation as a means to preserve public order. These collaborative mechanisms enable mutual exchange of information and other forms of collaboration in regulatory and supervisory matters within their respective areas of competence and responsibility. These MoUs definitely strengthen the mechanisms already in place to prevent Maltese legal entities from being used for criminal purposes including money laundering and funding of terrorism. Similar MoUs with other competent authorities are in the pipeline to be endorsed in the coming weeks.

The Registrar of Companies would like to inform the general public that by virtue of Act No. XXXI of 2020 Article 142 and Article 320 of the Companies Act have been amended. A person that has been convicted of any of the crimes affecting public trust or of theft or fraud or of knowingly receiving property obtained by theft or fraud cannot be appointed as director. The new amendments provides that such disqualification shall be for a period of: fifteen (15) years if the punishment for the crime he has been convicted of is between twenty-five (25) and thirty (30) years; ten (10) years if the punishment for the crime he has been convicted of is imprisonment between ten (10) and twenty-five (25) years; eight (8) years if the punishment for the crime he has been convicted of is of imprisonment between five (5) and ten (10) years; five (5) years of the punishment for the crime he has been convicted of is of imprisonment between four (4) and ten (10) years; and three (3) years if the punishment for the crime he has been convicted of is imprisonment for less than four (4) years. Another important amendment to Article 142 relates to a new power assigned to the Registrar, the Registrar may restrict a person from being appointed  as  director  or  company  secretary  of  a  proposed commercial partnership or an existing company if he is or has been a director or secretary of an existing Maltese company in relation to which he has breached the provisions of this Act for three (3) times within a period of two (2) years, that shall be reckoned from the first breach, and he is still in default as to one or more of such breaches. In addition to this, any person who feels aggrieved by a restriction from being appointed as director or company secretary as provided above, may bring an application before the court against the Registrar for the removal of such restriction. Article 320 of the Companies Act adds another ground for disqualification order by the Court and this relates to when a person, during the time he has been a director of a company, has been in breach of the provisions of the Companies Act for the third time in a period of two (2) years  from the date of the first breach. Mr Joseph Farrugia Registrar of Companies 23.06.2020