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Malta continues to position itself as a forward-thinking country, this time by empowering its youngest generation. The government has officially launched “Intrapriża 16,” a new legal framework that allows teenagers aged 16 and 17 to establish and run their own businesses.
Previously, minors faced significant legal barriers when trying to formalise a business idea. Under the new system, young people who have completed compulsory education can now register what is known as a Youth Enterprise (YE), giving them a regulated and supported way to turn entrepreneurial ideas into real ventures.
The initiative is designed to encourage innovation while still prioritising education. Participants must complete 20 hours of training each year in areas such as financial literacy, compliance, and business management. Each youth enterprise must also appoint a mentor with at least five years of professional experience, ensuring that young founders receive guidance as they learn the realities of running a business.
To keep the focus on learning, the framework includes several safeguards. Youth enterprises cannot hire employees and operate within defined financial limits, with share capital ranging from €100 to €20,000. The structure is intended to help teenagers experiment with business ideas in a supportive environment without the full risks associated with traditional companies.
Once participants turn 18, their youth enterprise can transition into a standard company structure if they choose to continue the business journey.
For families living in Malta, or considering relocating here, initiatives like this highlight the country’s strong focus on innovation, education, and opportunity for the next generation. Malta’s ecosystem increasingly supports entrepreneurship at every stage of life, creating an environment where ideas can flourish early.
At MaltaLifestyle, we love seeing initiatives that encourage young talent and future leaders. It’s another example of how Malta continues to invest in a vibrant, opportunity-driven future.