The Family Business Office (FBO) is Malta’s dedicated public body for supporting family-owned companies, recognising that these businesses are a major backbone of the local economy but can be especially vulnerable during change and succession. Its main mission is to help families deal with those weak points—like governance, handovers between generations, and keeping the business stable long-term—by providing a clear legal and administrative framework and practical guidance.
A key part of the FBO’s work is giving registered family businesses access to targeted incentives. These include professional advisory and mediation support through the Family Businesses Grant Scheme (up to €20,000 over three years), easier access to financing via the SME Guarantee Scheme, Micro Invest tax credits of up to €70,000 over three years, and training opportunities for owners and employees. The Office also supports smoother family business transfers by offering reduced stamp duty when parents pass businesses to children, plus favourable duty rates on immovable property tied to a transfer.
In short, the Family Business Office exists to help Maltese family enterprises survive and grow across generations, combining legal recognition, hands-on support, and financial incentives so that succession doesn’t become the breaking point.
