yachting in malta
Benefits of the Malta Flag
In recent years, Malta has seen notable legal advancements in the yachting sector with the drafting and publication of codes and guidelines tailormade to the needs of yacht owners and operators. The collaboration between the Government and industry stakeholders over the last decades led the Malta Yachting flag become one of the largest and most reputable flags in the world.
Malta provides yacht owners, managers and operators, particularly those with commercial vessels, with fast and efficient importation processes, as well as clear, robust regulations that are frequently updated to align with EU legislation and evolving industry market practices.
Both commercial and private yacht owners benefit from advantages such as low registration fees and streamlined registration procedures.
Benefits of the Malta Flag
The Maltese registry is one of the largest registries in the world committed to the highest standards in terms of safety and environmental protection. Such results have been achieved through the adoption of codes, guidelines and notices updated regularly in order to reflect recent market practices.
Reasons of Malta’s Success
· An active role in maritime fora such as the International Maritime Organisation (Malta is a Category C Council Member), the International Labour Organisation and at a European level.
· Constant updating and aligning of Malta’s maritime legislative framework with international conventions, codes and market practices;
· Top ranking positions within the Paris and Tokyo MOU.
· English speaking flag administration with 24/7 customer oriented approach.
Benefits of Malta Flag
· Competitive registration fees and possibility to benefit from an EU compliant Tonnage Tax Regime applicable also to non-Maltese and Non-EU/EEA registered vessels.
· Tonnage Tax rules applicable also to Ship & Yacht Management Companies.
· Ratification of a wide number of OECD compliant double taxation agreements.
· No navigation restrictions imposed on Malta flagged vessels;
· No restriction in terms of nationality of shareholders, director and employees of owning companies.
· Smooth crew-acknowledgement certification process with STCW endorsements processed in a timely manner.
· One of most competitive social security rates within the EU allowing yacht-owners to comply with the EU Regulation 883 of 2004 in a more efficient manner.
· An experience and proactive flag administration supported by dynamic, reputable and experienced legal and accounting professionals specialised in the registration, management, and administration of yachts and super yachts.
Who Can Register a Yacht in malta
Any corporate entity and any citizen of the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK. Non-Malta residents are obliged to appoint a Resident Agent in Malta.
registration services in malta
"Choosing the right flag is one of the most important decision when acquiring and operating a yacht"
Our Yacht Registration Desk offers legal and advisory services pertaining to the sale, purchasing, registration, importation and the provision of ancillary services such as drafting of seafarers employment contracts and payroll services.
Our Services Include
- Registration of Yachts and Superyachts under the Maltese flag
- Registration on a bareboat-in or bareboat-out basis
- Transfer of ownership, deletion and re-flagging of vessels
- Liaising with Maltese authorities (Transport Malta, Merchant Shipping Directorate) regarding registration paperwork, approvals, licences,
- Ensuring compliance with international maritime conventions and regulatory requirements.
Other Ancillary Services
- Drafting & reviewing contracts: sale/purchase, repair/refit, building, charter, crew employment agreements
- Drafting of Employment Agreements and Payroll Services
- Appointment as resident agent
- Release of STCW crew certification and Seaman’s Books
- Assistance to Ship Owners with Transport Malta's technical department
- Provision of Vessel searches
- Appointment as process agent by ship owner
- Application for tonnage tax exemption