Malta
Flag Registration
THE MALTESE SHIP REGISTRY STANDS AS ONE OF EUROPE’S LARGEST AND THE SIXTH-LARGEST GLOBALLY—AN ACHIEVEMENT STEMMING FROM MALTA’S INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION, AS WELL AS ITS DEDICATION IN ENSURING COMPLIANCE TO INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS, RESULTING IN THE EIGHT POINT FLAG BEING WIDELY RECOGNISED AS A FLAG OF EXCELLENCE.
Malta has a distinguished maritime legacy.
Situated at the heart of the Mediterranean, its strategic positioning in the cross-roads of the world’s busiest trade routes, its natural deep harbours and its diverse array of maritime services—including freeport operations, bunkering, ship supplies and towage services—have firmly established Malta as a premier maritime hub.
Beyond its geographical advantages, Malta’s appeal is further heightened by its attractive and competitive incentives, as well as the trust placed internationally in the Maltese flag, solidifying its position as one of the world’s foremost flag states.
By offering a transparent and cost-efficient registration process for yachts and ships, Malta, as a full-fledged member of the European Union, also being a highly regarded and active member within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), has emerged as the largest maritime shipping registry in Europe in recent years.
Supported by a robust legal framework that assures yacht owners and finance lenders of high security, the Maltese Flag has firmly established itself as a symbol of maritime excellence.
Benefits of the Malta Flag
MALTA PRESENTS ATTRACTIVE ADVANTAGES AND INCENTIVES FOR YACHT OWNERS AND CHARTERERS SEEKING TO REGISTER THEIR VESSELS UNDER THE MALTESE FLAG.
Registering yachts under the Malta flag offers a multitude of benefits which include low registration and annual fees for yachts, affordable company formation costs and no restrictions on the nationality of yacht owners and crew members:
Affordable company formation and registration expenses
Tax exemptions and favourable conditions for owners, charterers and financiers of Maltese yachts.
No limitations on the nationality of the master, officers, crew members, shareholders and directors of Maltese vessels.
Unrestricted sale and mortgaging rights for Maltese-registered yachts
No trading constraints
Efficient and diligent maritime administration
Vigilant flag state inspectorate ensuring compliance with international standards.
Proficient team of technical officers available round the clock for urgent matters.
WITH A BLEND OF COMPETITIVE BENEFITS AND A ROBUST LEGAL FRAMEWORK, MALTA EMERGES AS AN APPEALING OPTION FOR BOTH YACHT OWNERS AND CHARTERERS.
- Reduced VAT upon the importation and subsequent use of the yacht in Malta
- ‘Use and Enjoyment’ provisions aligning VAT charges with the actual duration spent by the yacht within EU territorial waters.
- Yachts opting to charter from Malta may enjoy a reduced VAT rate on charter fees, enhancing the appeal of Malta flag registration for yacht owners seeking fiscal advantages.
Requirements
01
Registration Application
02
Evidence of Eligibility
03
Resident Agent
04
International Tonnage Certificate
For applicable cases, submission of the current International Tonnage Certificate for the yacht.
05
Ownership
Declaration of ownership, conducted in the presence of the Registrar, by either the owner or an authorised representative.
For commercial yachts exceeding 24 metres, additional requirements include:
- Application for the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate.
- Request for the Ship Radio Station License.
- Compliance with the Commercial Yacht Code to obtain the operational certificate.
- Payment of initial registration fees and annual tonnage tax.
Throughout the provisional registration process, the following documents must be provided:
- In instances of previous ownership, a bill of sale or relevant document verifying the vessel’s transfer to the applicant.
- Alternatively, a builder’s certificate issued in the applicant’s name may suffice.
- If applicable, documentation demonstrating the cancellation of the registry certificate from the previous Administration where the yacht was last documented.
- For commercial yachts exceeding 500 gross tonnes, a copy of the most recent Continuous Synopsis Record from the previous Administration.
- Certificate of Survey and a copy of the International Tonnage Certificate issued by an Appointed Surveyor or Recognised Organisation.
- Confirmation that the yacht has been appropriately marked in accordance with relevant regulations.
- If applicable, a copy of the CE Marking Certificate.
- In cases where the appropriate convention certificates are invalid, a non-operational certificate of registry will be issued.
Our Services
HOW WE CAN ASSIST
At IGA we can assist you with a diverse range of yacht services:
Malta company formation
Registration under the Malta flag
Changes in registration
We also offer the following ancillary services:
Yacht certification
Statutory mortgage deeds
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeframe for registration?
The estimated time frame for completion of the registration process is highly dependent on the time it takes the yacht owner/manager/resident agent to compile the necessary documentation for submission to Transport Malta. The process itself may be concluded within a few days.
Why should I register my yacht under the Malta flag?
Malta offers competitive registration costs, tax advantages and a robust legal framework, making it a preferred jurisdiction for yacht owners and charterers. The Maltese flag is also recognised for compliance with international maritime standards.
Can I register my yacht under the Malta flag as a non-Maltese citizen?
Yes, yachts can be registered by Maltese citizens, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, or non-EU nationals, provided they meet the Registrar of Shipping’s requirements.
What is the difference between provisional and permanent registration?
Provisional registration allows the yacht to navigate with a provisional certificate for up to six months. Permanent registration is completed once all documentation, including the bill of sale and certificates, is submitted and approved.
Are there any restrictions on crew nationality under the Malta flag?
No, Malta imposes no restrictions on the nationality of crew members, making it flexible for yacht owners.
What are the VAT benefits for yachts registered in Malta?
Yachts benefit from reduced VAT on importation and usage, as well as potential VAT reductions on charter fees under the ‘Use and Enjoyment’ provisions.
Can I register a yacht under a company name in Malta?
Yes, many yacht owners choose to register their yachts under Maltese companies for tax efficiency and legal flexibility.
What is required for commercial yacht registration in Malta?
Commercial yachts need additional certifications, including the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate, compliance with the Commercial Yacht Code and a Ship Radio Station License.
Does Malta recognise CE marking for yachts?
Yes, the CE Marking Certificate is required as part of the registration process for applicable yachts.
How can I ensure compliance with Malta’s maritime regulations?
Engage experienced service providers like IGA to guide you through registration, certification and ongoing compliance requirements.
Need assistance?
Whether you have queries, need further assistance or would like to request a quote for any of our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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