Promising Business Sectors in Malta

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The Mediterranean island of Malta has established itself as a prime destination for entrepreneurs and investors seeking a favorable environment to develop their businesses. With its dynamic economy, advantageous tax system, and strategic position at the heart of Europe, Malta offers numerous opportunities for companies looking to establish and prosper. In this article, we will explore the most promising sectors for starting a business in Malta, as well as the available funding options to support your growth.

Gems of the Maltese Economy: Thriving Sectors

Malta has successfully diversified its economy over the years, developing several key sectors that offer excellent prospects for entrepreneurs. Here’s an overview of the most promising areas:

1. Financial Services: The Pillar of Malta’s Economy

The financial sector is one of the driving forces of Malta’s economy, representing approximately 12% of the country’s GDP. Malta has positioned itself as a leading international financial center, attracting numerous financial institutions, insurance companies, and investment funds. The country offers a strong and flexible regulatory framework, along with a skilled workforce, making it an ideal location for financial sector businesses.

• Asset and wealth management
• International banking services
• Insurance and reinsurance
• Payment services and fintech

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) continues to promote innovation in the sector, particularly encouraging the development of financial technologies (fintech) and blockchain.

2. Tourism: An Evolving Sector

Tourism remains an essential pillar of Malta’s economy, contributing approximately 15% of GDP. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has shown remarkable resilience and continues to offer numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs.

• Luxury accommodation and boutique hotels
• Business tourism and event organization
• Sustainable and eco-friendly tourism experiences
• Medical and wellness tourism

The Maltese government has implemented initiatives to diversify the tourism offering and attract visitors year-round, creating new opportunities for businesses in the sector.

3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT): An Expanding Sector

The ICT sector in Malta is experiencing rapid growth, contributing approximately 7% to the country’s GDP. The island has positioned itself as an attractive technology hub, attracting numerous international companies and innovative startups.

• Software and application development
• Cloud services and data hosting
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Blockchain and distributed technologies

The Maltese government actively supports the development of the ICT sector through various initiatives, including the creation of technology parks and the implementation of training programs to develop digital skills.

4. Online Gaming: A Global Leader

Malta has established itself as one of the world’s leading centers for the online gaming industry, with over 300 sector companies established on the island. The country offers a strong regulatory framework and recognized expertise in this field, attracting numerous international operators.

• Gaming platform development
• Payment and risk management services
• Marketing and affiliation for online gaming
• Compliance and security solutions

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) continues to work to maintain Malta’s leadership position in this sector, encouraging innovation while ensuring a safe and responsible gaming environment.

5. Renewable Energy: A Future-Oriented Sector

Malta has committed to achieving ambitious renewable energy targets, creating numerous opportunities for businesses in the sector. The country aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 11.5% of its gross final energy consumption by 2030.

• Solar photovoltaic energy
• Offshore wind energy
• Energy storage
• Building energy efficiency

The Maltese government offers various support and incentive programs to encourage the development of renewable energy, creating a favorable environment for businesses in the sector.

Funding Your Success: Financing Options for Businesses in Malta

For entrepreneurs looking to develop their business in Malta, various financing options are available. Here’s an overview of the main funding sources to support your growth:

1. Local Banks and Financial Institutions

Maltese banks offer a range of financial products tailored to business needs, from traditional loans to more flexible credit lines. Major banks operating in Malta, such as Bank of Valletta, HSBC Malta, and APS Bank, offer customized financing solutions for businesses of all sizes.

• Prepare a solid and detailed business plan
• Demonstrate the financial viability of your project
• Provide guarantees or collateral if necessary
• Establish a relationship of trust with your banker

2. Government Grants and Subsidies

The Maltese government offers various grants and subsidies to support business development, particularly in priority sectors. Malta Enterprise, the country’s economic development agency, manages several support programs, including:

• The Business Development and Continuity Scheme, which offers grants for investment and job creation
• The Micro Invest Scheme, which provides tax credits for SMEs investing in their growth
• The Research and Development Tax Credit, which encourages innovation by offering tax benefits for R&D expenses

These programs are regularly updated to meet the changing needs of the Maltese economy.

3. Venture Capital and Business Angels

Malta’s venture capital ecosystem is growing rapidly, offering new funding opportunities for startups and innovative businesses. Local and international venture capital funds are increasingly interested in investment opportunities in Malta, particularly in the technology and innovation sectors.

• Malta Innovation Hub, which supports technology startups
• Exante Venture Capital, specializing in fintech and financial technologies
• Malta Business Angels, a network of private investors

To attract the attention of venture capital investors, it’s crucial to demonstrate your company’s growth and innovation potential.

4. European Funds

As a member of the European Union, Malta benefits from access to various European funding programs and funds. These funds can be an important source of financing for businesses, particularly in the areas of innovation, research, and sustainable development.

• Horizon Europe, the EU’s framework program for research and innovation
• The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which supports economic development and social cohesion
• InvestEU, which aims to stimulate investment, innovation, and job creation in Europe

To access these funds, it’s often necessary to participate in competitive calls for proposals and demonstrate the potential impact of your project on EU objectives.

5. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is gaining popularity in Malta, offering an innovative alternative for raising funds, particularly for startups and small businesses. Although the crowdfunding market in Malta is still relatively young, there are growing opportunities in this area.

• Reward-based crowdfunding
• Loan-based crowdfunding (crowdlending)
• Equity-based crowdfunding

The Maltese government is currently working on a regulatory framework for crowdfunding, aiming to provide greater legal security and stimulate the development of this funding method.

Conclusion: Malta, Fertile Ground for Entrepreneurship

Malta offers a dynamic and favorable environment for business development, with various promising sectors and numerous financing options. Whether you want to venture into financial services, tourism, information technology, online gaming, or renewable energy, the Mediterranean island presents unique opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs.

By combining a favorable regulatory framework, advantageous taxation, and access to various support and funding programs, Malta positions itself as a prime destination for creating and developing an international business.