Do I need to file an annual return even if my company had no activity?
- 16.07.2026
A company I used to direct in Malta was struck off the register a few years ago after we stopped trading and simply let the annual returns lapse. I recently realised there was still a small balance left in the company bank account that nobody ever dealt with. Can I still access that money now?
Once a company is struck off the register under the Companies Act, Chapter 386 of the Laws of Malta, it ceases to exist as a legal entity, which means it can no longer hold or deal with assets, including any remaining bank balance, and the bank will typically freeze or restrict the account once notified of the strike-off. To access the funds, you would generally need to apply to the court to have the company restored to the register, which is possible within certain time limits and requires bringing the company's filing obligations up to date, including any outstanding annual returns and fees. Once restoration is granted, the company is treated as if it had continued in existence, and you can then properly deal with the bank to release the remaining balance, formally close the account, and eventually wind up the company through a proper dissolution process rather than letting it lapse again. Given the procedural steps involved, this is usually handled with the assistance of a lawyer or licensed company service provider.
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