- Basic search
- Free [6]
Search and document delivery at a glance
- Search online
- Company Search is accessed through BAROS after login. It accepts a name, part of a name or registration number. [3] [6] [11]
- Search language
- Not specified
- Digital documents
- Purchased file documents are downloaded online. Certificate orders are a separate service. [3] [6] [4]
- Document language
- Not specified
- Paper and collection
- The certificate guide specifies Pick up at Registry. An email notifies the customer when the order is ready. [3]
- International delivery
- Not specified
- Fees at a glance
- Basic details: €0. Accounts or constitution: €5 per download. Annual return: €2. Other document: €1. Certificates and certification have separate tariffs.
- Access
- Company Search requires login. The screen offers CORP, Malta e-ID, eIDAS and a separate route without a Maltese identity card. B2C registration has specific eligibility conditions.
Choose the right register
The Malta Business Registry maintains the register of companies and commercial partnerships. It also handles registered foundations and associations. BAROS is its online portal for register information, documents and filings. The prices below concern Companies Act documents; other entity types may have separate fee rules. [1] [4] [6]
Login, company research and document orders.
Official registry information and contacts.
Current requirements and application route for beneficial ownership data.
Names and abbreviations explained
- MBRMalta Business Registry
- The official registry authority, led by the Registrar of Companies. [1]
- BAROSBusiness Automation Registry Online System
- Online portal for company research, documents and filings. [1] [3]
- Annual ReturnAnnual register filing
- A recurring filing of company particulars. It is distinct from the financial statements, called Annual Accounts. [6] [7]
- BO / UBOBeneficial Owner / Ultimate Beneficial Owner
- The natural person who ultimately owns or controls an entity; access follows separate rules. [10]
- eIDASElectronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services
- European framework for electronic identities; BAROS provides access through available national eIDAS nodes. [3]
Search step by step
Find a company and its documents
Sign in
Open BAROS and choose “Login”. Options are CORP for government users, E-Id, Eidas and “Sign in for non Maltese ID Card holders”. The guide describes selecting a country for eIDAS. The BAROS homepage links to B2C account registration. [11] [3]
Use a name or number
Open “Company Search”. Enter the full name, part of a name or the registration number. Compare the identifier, office and incorporation date. Free basic particulars also include capital and company officers. [6]
Choose the relevant document
For financial figures choose Annual Accounts; for the annual register filing choose Annual Return. Check the document date and financial year. The statutory tariff is per download: accounts €5, annual return €2, other document €1. [4] [6]
Pay and retain the document
Online documents can be bought by card. Download the required version and record its date. Under the tariff, obtaining it again later is another download. [6] [4]
Order an official certificate
Open Orders
Choose “Orders” on the left, then “New”. Enter the company number and click “Check Company”. Options in the guide include a directors list, shareholders certificate, good standing, incumbency and incorporation certificate. [3]
Select output and quantity
The documented sequence uses “Pick up at Registry”. Select the certificates, quantity and applicant details, then pay. MBR sends an email when the order is ready for collection. [3]
Ask directly if delivery is needed
You can also request certified copies and certificates at orders.mbr@mbr.mt. Specify the document and the form of issue required. If you cannot collect it in person, agree on delivery before ordering. [6] [3]
Documents and fees
| Document / information | Contents and purpose | Fee | How to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Accounts [4] [7] | Filed financial statements, with audit and other reports where applicable. | €5 per download | Purchase from the company file after login. |
| Memorandum and Articles / Deed of Partnership [4] | Company constitution or partnership deed. | €5 per download | Electronic filed document; a certified copy is a different output. |
| Annual Return [4] [6] | Annual filing of company particulars. | €2 per download | Select from the company’s documents. |
| Other filed document / prospectus [4] | Another filed notification or a prospectus. | Other document €1; prospectus €10 per download | Choose the document type in the file. |
| List of Directors [4] [5] [3] | Official list of directors; the order menu specifically includes a local-use version. | €10 | Orders → New; clarify the appropriate certificate for overseas use. |
| Other company certificate [4] [3] | For example good standing, shareholder or incorporation evidence, according to the requested content. | €20 per page under the general certificate tariff | Online order with collection, or a direct request to MBR.
|
| Certified paper copy [4] [5] | Certification that the register copy is a true copy. | €0.50 per sheet plus €5 unbound or €10 bound | Specify the document and binding required. |
Access from abroad
For B2C registration, verify your email address and set a password. This route requires you to be neither a Maltese citizen nor a holder of a Maltese residence permit. Confirm that declaration and accept the terms. [11]
Upgrading to “Authorised User”, linking a company and obtaining digital signature certificates are separate filing steps in the guide. These requirements should not be applied automatically to every search for another company. [3]
Accounts and register filings
MBR stores annual returns, accounts, constitutional documents and notifications of changes. Accounts and accompanying reports depend on the company; smaller companies may use exemptions. A shorter set of accounts does not automatically indicate missing filings. [6] [7]
Companies subject to the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) have a particular filing route for reporting periods beginning on or after 17 April 2026: submission to the Malta Financial Services Authority, followed by official transmission to the Registrar. This is not a general exemption from disclosure. [8]
Beneficial ownership access from July 2026
The BO register distinguishes authorities, entities with anti-money-laundering obligations and persons with legitimate interest. The third category can include relevant media, civil-society organisations and persons likely to enter into a transaction. [10] [9]
Apply to accesstobo@mbr.mt. The request must establish identity, occupation, legal basis and a connection to preventing money laundering or terrorist financing. Normally available fields include name, month/year of birth, country of residence, nationalities, and the nature and extent of the beneficial interest. Access carries an administrative fee; the guidance does not specify a fixed euro amount. [10] [9]
The guide gives a normal initial decision period of twelve working days, possible extensions and, on approval, an access certificate valid for three years. Prior verification of legitimate interest by another EU central register can be submitted as evidence. Identity is still checked when accessing the register. [10]
Copies, certification and certificates
The statutory tariff charges €0.50 per paper sheet. Certification as a true copy costs €5 unbound or €10 bound. A directors list costs €10; other company certificates fall under the €20-per-page tariff. Inspection of a paper file costs €20 per file. [4] [5]
Language of annual-account documents
If a document forming part of the annual accounts is in neither Maltese nor English, the company must file a certified translation into one of those two languages with it. This is required by article 183(5) of the Companies Act. [12]
Official samples and reading guides
Official certificate-order guide
Pages 57–58 show certificate selection, company number, quantity, collection and notification in the order process. [3]
Avoid common mistakes
- Older statements about anonymous company searches or general public BO access do not reflect the August 2025 and July 2026 changes. Free basic information can still require a login. [2] [9]
- A €5 download is not a fee for the entire company file and does not automatically include certification. [4]
- Registered shareholders and beneficial owners answer different questions. Use the separate BO enquiry when you need to establish the natural persons behind an ownership structure. [6] [10]
Frequently asked questions
Can I research without owning a Maltese company?
Register information is generally accessible to natural persons. Ordinary research does not require your own company, but it does require login. A separate sign-in route is visible for people without a Maltese identity card. Its B2C registration requires that you are neither a Maltese citizen nor a Maltese residence-permit holder. [6] [11] [3]
Original sources
Sources reviewed: 15 September 2026. The guidance is based on the linked information published by registers and public authorities.
- About Malta Business Registry Malta Business Registry
- Public Notice: access to basic information on BAROS Malta Business Registry
- BAROS User Guide Malta Business Registry
- Companies Act (Fees) Regulations, S.L. 386.03 Office of the State Advocate, Malta
- Change in Fees Malta Business Registry
- Business registers in EU countries: Malta European e-Justice Portal, Länderinformation Malta
- Annual Filings Malta Business Registry
- Financial reports in ESEF: new submission route Malta Business Registry
- Beneficial ownership regulations: amendment effective 10 July 2026 Malta Business Registry
- User Guidelines: Register of Beneficial Owners, 2026 amendments Malta Business Registry
- BAROS login and B2C account registration Malta Business Registry
- Companies Act, Chapter 386: article 183(5), language of annual-account documents Legislation Malta