Commercial & Corporate Law · Malta
Commercial & Corporate Law lawyers in Malta
Whether you are incorporating a Maltese company, negotiating a commercial contract or facing a shareholder dispute, the right advocate makes the process clearer. We connect you with a qualified Maltese advocate who handles commercial and corporate matters, without charge for the matching.
- Maltese advocates admitted by warrant before the Court of Appeal
- Company and commercial claims before the Civil Court
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Commercial & Corporate Law in Malta
Malta’s mixed system, made clearer
Malta’s mixed legal system makes commercial and corporate work distinctive. Substantive private law follows the continental civil-law tradition, while company law and commercial practice carry strong English common-law influence. If you are forming a company, negotiating a shareholder agreement, or dealing with a commercial dispute, you need an advocate who understands both layers. We match you with Commercial & Corporate Law lawyers in Malta who handle the full range of company, contract and governance matters. Our service is free: you tell us what you need, we review our network of warranted Maltese advocates, and we introduce you to the right professional. There is no charge to be matched, and no obligation to instruct. The advocate will explain the applicable rules, deadlines and costs after hearing the details of your matter.
How commercial and corporate law works in Malta
The legal landscape for companies and contracts
Malta is a mixed jurisdiction. Private law rests on the Civil Code of 1868, rooted in the French Code Napoléon, while commercial and company law carry English common-law influence. This dual foundation shapes how advocates, notaries, courts and deadlines operate, and it makes local guidance essential.
The court framework for commercial claims
Malta has a two-tier court system without federal or state courts. The Civil Court (First Hall) hears civil and commercial claims exceeding EUR 15,000 or of unquantifiable value; the Court of Magistrates hears claims exceeding EUR 5,000 up to EUR 15,000; and the Small Claims Tribunal hears claims up to EUR 5,000.
Who may act for you
Malta has a single unified legal profession. The terms lawyer and advocate are interchangeable, with no barrister/solicitor split. To practise, a person must hold a warrant issued by the President of the Republic, take oaths before the Court of Appeal, and hold the degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta or an equivalent recognised degree.
Advocates and legal procurators
Advocates have rights of audience before all courts. A separate legal procurator handles procedural steps such as service and filings. In contentious proceedings before the Superior Courts representation by an advocate is required; before the Small Claims Tribunal a party may appear in person or be assisted by any person.
Fees and costs
Advocates’ and legal procurators’ fees are set out in statutory tariffs in the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure, and contingency-fee arrangements are prohibited. Court registry fees apply. Filing a Small Claims Tribunal notice costs EUR 40 plus EUR 7.20 per notification served on the other party.
Company and notarial acts
The Notary Public is a distinct public-officer profession. Transfers and encumbrances of immovable property are formalised through a notarial process culminating in a public deed, and ownership passes only upon execution and registration. Notarial intervention is central to wills, marriage settlements and company acts.
Key limitation periods
Limitation periods vary by claim. Commercial debt (B2B contract and other commercial claims) is subject to a five-year limitation period, while general real, personal and mixed actions have a thirty-year period. An advocate can identify which deadline applies to your matter.
Key time limit — Commercial & Corporate Law
Commercial debt (B2B contract and other commercial claims) — 5 years. Limitation period for B2B contract and other commercial claims.
The data on this page is drawn from official Maltese and EU sources (e-Justice, Maltese legislation and Legal Aid Malta) and is current as of 2025.
Common challenges
Where commercial matters in Malta can go wrong
A few recurring issues can slow down a matter if they are not addressed early.
Cross-border complexity
A mixed civil-law and common-law system can confuse foreign investors. You need an advocate who understands both the Civil Code and the English-influenced commercial rules that apply to companies and contracts.
Company and notarial formalities
Maltese company and property acts often require notarial deeds and registry filings. Missteps can delay or invalidate transactions, so precise local guidance from a Maltese advocate is essential.
Limitation periods that differ by claim
The deadline for a commercial debt is five years, but other claims have much shorter or longer periods. Choosing the wrong route or missing a deadline can cost you the claim.
Why use our matching service
A simpler way to find the right Maltese advocate
We do the shortlisting, so you can focus on the commercial decision.
One brief, one introduction
You tell us once what you need, and we match you with a warranted Maltese advocate whose practice covers your type of commercial or corporate matter.
Bilingual legal practice
Maltese and English are both official languages. Legal education is taught in English and many advocates work comfortably in both languages, helping you follow every step of your matter.
No-cost matching
We do not charge you to be matched with an advocate. You pay nothing until you decide to instruct the professional we introduce, and there is no obligation to proceed.
Fast, focused introductions
Our average first response is within 24-48 hours. You are introduced only to advocates whose practice areas cover the issues you describe, saving you time and uncertainty.
Related locations
Popular jurisdictions for cross-border work
Many of our users also need support in these neighbouring or commercially connected European jurisdictions.
Frequently asked questions
Commercial & Corporate Law in Malta: what to know
How do I find Commercial & Corporate Law lawyers in Malta?
You can use our matching service. Tell us about your company, contract or dispute matter, and we introduce you to a warranted Maltese advocate whose practice covers that area. The matching is free and there is no obligation to instruct.
What is the difference between a lawyer and an advocate in Malta?
There is no difference in practice. Malta has a single unified legal profession, so the terms lawyer and advocate are used interchangeably, with no barrister/solicitor split. A separate legal procurator handles procedural filings.
Which courts handle commercial claims in Malta?
The Civil Court (First Hall) hears commercial claims exceeding EUR 15,000 or of unquantifiable value; the Court of Magistrates hears claims over EUR 5,000 up to EUR 15,000; and the Small Claims Tribunal hears claims up to EUR 5,000.
What are the main limitation periods for commercial matters?
Commercial debt (B2B contract and other commercial claims) is subject to a five-year limitation period. General real, personal and mixed actions have a thirty-year period, while tort and damages claims not arising from a criminal offence have two years.
Do I need a notary for a Maltese company or property transaction?
Maltese law has a distinct Notary Public profession. Company and immovable property acts typically require notarial deeds and registration. An advocate can coordinate with a notary so the correct formalities are completed.
Are contingency-fee arrangements allowed in Malta?
No. Contingency-fee and other conditional-fee arrangements are ethically prohibited. Advocates’ fees are governed by statutory tariffs in the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure. Your advocate will explain applicable costs before you proceed.
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