One business office, 50 different services

Businessmen wishing to register their company, sort out tax applications or obtain work permits will be able to get things done under one roof come January.

Business First will offer a one-stop-shop for 50 different services available to businessmen from a centralised spot: the new Malta Enterprise offices at the former Institute of Health Care at St Luke’s Hospital, in Guardamangia.

Speaking during the launch, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said the service would be available from January 23. This was an electoral promise that fulfilled an EU requirement to have a point of single contact for businesses.

Mr Fenech said the government was going beyond the EU’s expectations because Business First would also offer information services. Maltese businessmen will be able to sort out paperwork in one spot that would tackle VAT applications, job licences and employee permits.

Foreigners seeking to open a business here will be able to apply for their travel visa, work and residency permits and set up their company from the office.

Business First will also have an information hotline, 144, and the services will eventually be available online through www.businessfirst.com.mt.