Many of those who made Gozo their home and eventually chose to set up their businesses on the island did not initially dock at Mġarr Harbour with that intent. More often than not, they first experienced Gozo as visitors or tourists. Yet somehow, during their stay, they soon realised that Gozo is much more than a holiday destination – an island that quietly hums with economic activity, and where every day is also about living a good life. This is a lifestyle and business opportunity that many have tapped into.
Setting up operations in Gozo has its advantages. Gozo is part of the Maltese archipelago, strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean, a region often described as the crossroads of civilisations. Naturally, setting up a business under Maltese jurisdiction brings along a series of benefits tied to Malta’s status as an EU member state. However, beyond these advantages, one cannot overlook the fact that, as a bilingual country where English is an official language, there is no additional communication barrier.
Another strength is the keen, hardworking workforce and the Maltese business ecosystem, which offers a tax and business climate with a strong foothold in tourism, iGaming, fintech, maritime, and digital industries, among others. When specifically considering Gozo, one cannot ignore the tranquillity the island offers, its shorter commuting times, and comparatively lower rental costs. However, on a human level, the strongest advantage is the ease with which one can transition from professional life to personal time throughout the day, ultimately contributing to a healthier work-life balance.
The first step in setting up operations is choosing an appropriate business structure. At this stage, technical and legal considerations begin to play a central role, and proper guidance from a trusted accountancy firm ensures a smooth, correct process that can even be completed in as little as 48 hours. The choice of business structure will hinge on various factors, and in Malta it can take the form of a sole trader (self-employed), a partnership, or a limited liability company (in various forms, including overseas companies). Guidance is often needed not only for basic explanations but also for practical help in drawing up formal documentation. Soliciting the help of an experienced accountancy firm will simplify matters.
Once the structure is set, the next steps include registering the business with the Malta Business Registry, securing a VAT number, completing tax registration, and opening a business bank account. While this process might feel cumbersome, professional accounting firms will often provide the right kind of support, including setting up introductory meetings with key personnel at different authorities, agencies and service providers. Another area where support is essential is understanding legal and compliance regulations, including requirements for various operations, employment laws, data protection and GDPR, and accounting and reporting obligations. In Malta, businesses must file annual tax returns, audited accounts, and, where relevant, fulfil VAT obligations, all areas covered by the services provided by accounting firms.
A key consideration for investors is Malta’s Tax System, administered by the Commissioner for Revenue. Malta operates a full imputation system to avoid double taxation. Proper expert guidance is encouraged to ensure tax-efficient operations, especially given Malta’s specific advantages that make it attractive to international businesses, holding companies, and foreign investors.
Finding a good site for operational space is straightforward. Victoria, the main town of the island, has business centres, but Gozo’s size makes every location accessible and convenient. Commercial properties are available, and rental prices depend on factors such as location, frontage, size, and permit requirements. Gozo is also home to the Innovation Hub (https://www.gozoinnovationhub.com), a technology-oriented business centre in Xewkija that primarily serves tech and innovation-based companies, with plans to become more sustainable to attract and support start-ups on their journey towards stability and growth. Before opening up shop, entrepreneurs need to be aware of other aspects, such as hiring employees in Malta, factoring work permits for foreign nationals, social security contributions and the recruitment process.
On the other hand, Malta offers incentives and support schemes to help startups and businesses grow their operations. Support from agencies such as and InvestGozo ( https://investgozo.gov.mt/incentives/) comes in the form of various schemes. Getting in touch with a representative of such agencies will be the first step.
As Gozo emerges as a strong business destination, with a better quality of life, it is worth noting that setting up a business in Gozo means benefiting from additional support schemes and incentives specifically designed for businesses operating in Gozo. Such exclusive regional schemes operated by InvestGozo include those that support sustainable quality employment and the knowledge-based sectors in Gozo and others that help accommodation operators and niche tourism businesses Gozo with their marketing activities.
In many ways, Gozo offers the rare balance in which business opportunities and quality of life coexist as one reality.