The Maltese fintech market remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the European Union among players in the payment industry. Those who want to launch a business quickly, avoiding the long wait for authorization from the supervisory authority, should consider buying a ready-made EMI company in Malta. This allows them to gain access to an already operating structure and start providing financial services much faster than building a project from scratch.
What Is an EMI License in Malta?
An EMI (Electronic Money Institution) license is an official authorization to issue electronic money and provide payment services within the European Union. The country’s main supervisory regulator is the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), which grants this status under the Financial Institutions Act, Chapter 376. A license holder has the right to operate in all countries of the European Economic Area, providing access to an audience of more than 450 million potential customers.
This status makes it possible to:
- process payments;
- issue cards;
- launch digital wallets;
- handle cross-border transfers within the EU single market.
The legal basis is the European Electronic Money Directive EMD2, implemented into Maltese law through the Financial Institutions Act. Unlike banking authorization, EMI status does not grant the right to accept deposits in the traditional sense, but it does require a more flexible regulatory entry threshold. This explains the popularity of the jurisdiction among financial startups and international fintech groups.
Advantages of Buying a Ready-Made EMI in Malta
Acquiring an operating business reduces the time required to start commercial activities. Investors are offered ready-made companies with an EMI license, which have the following advantages:
- Fast launch: avoidance of the initial application stage, which takes several months.
- European passport: the right to provide services to clients in all EU countries.
- Tax system: an attractive corporate tax regime with the possibility of reducing the effective corporate income tax rate through a refund procedure.
- Jurisdiction reputation: a high level of trust from international correspondent banks and payment systems.
The established structure allows contracts to be concluded with partners and clients to be onboarded immediately.
Buy a Ready-Made EMI or Obtain a License from Scratch – Which Is More Beneficial?
When considering the direct route and the purchase of an operating business, the choice depends on the planning horizon and budget. The full process of obtaining an EMI financial license from scratch includes developing a business plan, compliance policies, IT infrastructure, and going through several stages of assessment by the MFSA – from the preliminary approval of the Statement of Intent to the final review of the complete application dossier.
Acquiring an operating structure eliminates this long chain of steps: the basic infrastructure and status are already in place, and the remaining step is to undergo the procedure for changing the controlling persons.
Comparison of two scenarios for launching a fintech business:
| Criterion | Ready-Made EMI | Licensing from Scratch |
| Launch timeframe | 3 to 6 months | 12 to 18 months |
| Probability of refusal | Minimal (the entity has already been approved) | High (risk of delays or rejection of the application) |
| Established infrastructure | Existing accounts, software, and agreements | Processes need to be built from scratch |
| Costs before launch | Predictable transaction budget | Uncertain costs of maintaining the structure during the waiting period |
For projects where a fast launch is important, a turnkey EMI is almost always more practical, especially given the growing competition for payment authorizations within the European Union.
What Is Included in a Ready-Made EMI Company in Malta?
The standard package of a ready-made model includes a legal entity registered in the Maltese register, an active EMI status, and a complete set of corporate documents. The company registration in Malta has already been completed by the time of the transaction – the new owner only needs to undergo the change-of-control procedure.
Lawrange lawyers usually review the following components of the package:
- constitutional documents and the register of shareholders;
- MFSA license and correspondence with the regulator;
- active bank accounts and agreements with payment partners;
- AML and KYC policies, an in-house compliance specialist, and an MLRO;
- financial statements for previous periods.
Each of these elements directly affects the final transaction value and the speed of the subsequent business launch.
Requirements for a Buyer of a Ready-Made EMI in Malta
Not every investor can purchase a company with an EMI license in Malta – the MFSA approves each new owner through the fit-and-proper procedure. The future owner, key shareholders, and directors are subject to scrutiny: they must have a clean reputation, a verified source of funds, and experience in the relevant field.
In addition to conducting a personal assessment of the parties to the transaction, the regulator evaluates the buyer’s financial soundness:
- sufficient capital to maintain the minimum threshold of €350,000 or the amount calculated using the own funds methodology;
- an operational business plan following the change of control;
- readiness to appoint qualified employees to perform compliance and MLRO functions.
If the proposed acquisition structure does not raise any concerns with the MFSA, the approval process usually takes several months.
The tax structure of the future owner is considered separately. The standard corporate tax rate on the island is 35%, but through the refund mechanism, the effective tax burden for qualifying international structures may be reduced to 5%. The MFSA also reviews this part of the plan to ensure the transparency of the future business model.
All these MFSA requirements are set out in the common rules for the authorization of payment institutions and are applied equally regardless of the applicant’s jurisdiction.
Process of Buying a Ready-Made EMI in Malta
If you are planning to buy an EMI company in Malta, the entire procedure is divided into consecutive stages that ensure the security of the transaction.
Selecting an EMI Company
Before buying a ready-made EMI in Malta, it is necessary to select a suitable structure that meets the investor’s requirements in terms of its history, existing accounts, and technical capabilities. The legal integrity of the target company is assessed.
Due Diligence of the Company
A comprehensive audit includes checking the balance sheet, the absence of hidden debts, litigation, and regulatory penalties. Specialists review the transaction history.
Agreeing on the Transaction Terms
The parties prepare a preliminary asset sale agreement, specify the payment terms, and establish the procedure for transferring management.
Change of Control and Interaction with the MFSA
This is a crucial stage during which a package of documents is submitted for approval of the change of management and ownership. At this stage, the organization’s own funds are checked for compliance with the applicable requirements.
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Transfer of the Company to the New Owner
After official approval is obtained, the settlement is completed, the transfer and acceptance documents are signed, and the relevant changes are entered into the register.
Cost and Timeline for Buying a Ready-Made EMI in Malta
The final price depends on the age of the license, the company’s turnover, and the quality of its banking relationships – offers on the market can range from several hundred thousand euros and above. A budget for legal support and due diligence should also be included.
In terms of timing, the change-of-control procedure takes from three to six months with proper preparation of the file, whereas obtaining a new authorization from scratch can take one to one and a half years. This is why many investors who need to buy an EMI in Malta quickly choose the ready-made structure option.
The budget should also include replenishing the minimum capital to the required threshold if the seller maintains it close to the lower limit, as well as expenses related to bringing internal policies into line with the regulator’s current expectations.
Why Choose Lawrange for Buying a Ready-Made EMI in Malta
Structuring fintech businesses requires an in-depth understanding of European corporate law. AA Lawrange provides comprehensive support for transactions involving the acquisition of financial institutions, protecting the buyer’s interests.
Experts will select the optimal option, conduct an audit, and handle the negotiations. The team will prepare the documentation package for the regulatory authorities, arrange the completion of the required checks, and ensure the transfer of the infrastructure. When an EMI company for sale appears on the Maltese market, Lawrange will promptly structure the transaction.
FAQ
How much does a ready-made company with an EMI licence in Europe cost?
The cost varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction, existing infrastructure, open accounts, and the company’s history. If you are considering buying a ready-made company with an EMI licence in Europe, the price usually starts from several hundred thousand euros and can reach EUR 1–3 million for companies with an expanded infrastructure and active card programmes.
How Does an EMI in the EU Differ from an EMI in the UK?
The main difference lies in geographical coverage and regulation. A British institution operates under the supervision of the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and focuses on the UK market. A European legal entity is regulated by the relevant regulator of an EU Member State and has the ability to use passporting to provide services in other EU countries.
Can operations start immediately after signing the sale and purchase agreement?
No. A change of ownership that is subject to regulatory approval does not automatically take effect after signing the sale and purchase agreement. Until the required decision is obtained, the company generally continues to operate under the control of the existing owner and approved management in accordance with regulatory requirements.
What documents does a buyer need to pass the regulator’s review?
The basis of the application package consists of documents confirming the identity, business reputation, and financial standing of the beneficial owner. Depending on the jurisdiction, a certificate of no criminal record, a CV describing relevant experience, detailed bank statements, tax returns, audit reports, and an updated business development plan may be required.
In which EU country is it fastest to buy a ready-made EMI?
The timeframe depends more on the speed at which a particular regulator processes applications for changes of ownership than on the country itself. The duration of the procedure is also affected by the complexity of the ownership structure, the completeness of the submitted documents, and the specific circumstances of the transaction.
