Why get a payment/EMI license in Malta?
Malta offers full EU/EEA passporting from an English-language, common-law-influenced jurisdiction with an established financial-services and fintech base. An MFSA Financial Institution licence (an Electronic Money Institution or a Payment Institution authorisation under the Financial Institutions Act, Cap. 376) gives EU single-market access at a generally lower cost and substance bar than larger hubs such as Ireland, in exchange for genuine local presence and a rigorous compliance build.
Full EU passporting. An MFSA Financial Institution licence (EMI or PI) passports across the entire EU/EEA, remotely or via a branch, after notification.
English-language jurisdiction. Malta operates in English with a common-law-influenced legal system, which simplifies drafting, governance, and supervisory engagement.
Established fintech base. A mature financial-services and fintech ecosystem with experienced local advisers, auditors, and service providers.
Lower bar than Ireland. EU single-market access at a generally lower cost and substance bar than larger hubs such as Ireland.
Two licence types. A choice between an EMI licence for e-money issuance and a Payment Institution licence for payment services, both EU-passportable.
EU single-market access. A single MFSA authorisation gives reach to the whole EU/EEA market from one Maltese entity.
Malta licence types and activities
We map your model to the correct MFSA Financial Institution authorisation:
Electronic Money Institution (EMI)
Issuing e-money (wallets, prepaid balances, stored value) plus the full range of EU payment services.
Payment Institution (PI)
Executing payment services (accounts, transfers, card issuing/acquiring, money remittance) without issuing e-money.
EU/EEA Passporting
Providing services across member states from the single MFSA authorisation, by branch or freedom of services, subject to notification.
Open Banking (AIS / PIS)
Account information and payment initiation services under the EU open-banking framework.
Safeguarding of client funds
Segregated safeguarding of customer funds, a core MFSA requirement for both EMI and PI licences.
Local substance & governance
A registered presence in Malta with at least two directors of good repute and an adequate compliance and AML function.
Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.