malta pleasure yacht registration

Fast & Easy Yacht Registration in Malta — Only €2,499.00.

Welcome to our website dedicated to everything related to yacht registration in Malta. Malta has created a registration process that is very easy for everyone to use.  When you are ready to register, as long as you have all the right documents, it should only take approximately 2 business days to complete.

You will receive a 6-month provisional registration in order to complete the documentation.  This might be a deletion certificate in which the previous owner states that the yacht is no longer registered in Malta.  As long as you can provide the proper documentation, the Maltese Registrar of Ships will issue a permanent registration to the new owner once the 6-month provisional registration has expired.  If you do not have all documentation, you will be given an additional 6-month extension to collect all needed documents.

Below are the documents which are required for your provisional application:

• A Malta yacht registration application
• A Declaration of Ownership
• Keep in mind, you will have to provide an international tonnage certificate if your yacht is longer than 24 meters. If you only have a copy, that will be fine.
• Any requested or required technical information must be provided.
• If your yacht is properly equipped, you will need a radio license application as well.

You will be given a Certificate of Malta Registry once all steps have been completed. This certification is proof that your yacht is properly registered in Malta.

PRIVATE YACHT REGISTRATION

In order to register your yacht permanently under the Maltese flag, you must provide specific documents within six months from provisional registration.

COMMERCIAL YACHT REGISTRATION

The operation of commercially registered yachts for chartering purposes using a Maltese company (using a Maltese International Trading Company) is very tax advantageous.

VAT YACHT LEASE

Guidelines have been published regarding the effective use and enjoyment by a lessee of a pleasure boat within and outside EU territorial waters...

The Financial Advantages of Yacht Registration Malta

If you own a business which provides yachts for commercial use and generates an income from these yachts, you are entitled to an income tax exemption. Your exemption is based on the annual tonnage tax , which is calculated using the yearly registration fee of your yacht and its gross tonnage.

If you have a commercial yacht for the sole purpose of transporting passengers, your company will have a VAT exemption on all maintenance costs and supplies for the yacht. Also, if you earn an income from a chartering business, you will not be charged a VAT.

If your commercial yacht is not eligible for an income tax exemption, you might be able to claim an income tax rate that is less than 5%. If the commercial operations of the yacht resulted in a foreign income tax that had to be paid, you can use it as a credit to lower your Maltese income tax rate. Your rate might be as low as 0%.

The Republic of Malta is an archipelago consisting of three inhabited islands Malta, Gozo and Comino. The Maltese islands are situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea about 100 km South of Italy. Learn what is required to establish a company in the Republic of Malta.

Client testimonials.

"Our company has used Malta Yacht Registrations several times to register our commercial ships under the Maltese flag, and we have nothing but good things to say about the level of service they provided. Everything was done quick and easy without any headache. We were so impressed that we have even used their parent company for several other legal services we needed help with. We highly recommend this company for yacht registration in Malta!"

- Elias Cassar

"We were lucky enough to stumble across this site when searching the internet for help registering a clients yacht in Malta. This is a very important client to us so we needed to find a company that we could trust to handle the registration process from start to finish. This was the only company that responded to my emails and answered my questions regarding the fees associated with yacht registration. I am so happy we found this company."

- Denzel Aquilina

"We offer yachts for chartering and wanted to ensure we were properly registered in Malta. Through research, we discovered Malta Yacht Registration and read everything they had to offer on their website. Upon contacting them, they helped us with the registration process and provided us with competitive registration and renewal fees.  We were on a short time frame so they provided their 24-hour service to take care of the urgent situation. Their site offers multiple languages to fit both private and commercial yacht owners from around the world which is impressive.  They also provided a professional, certified translator to help us through the entire process.  I cannot possibly say enough about their professionalism and attention to all details.  Thank you!"

- Sir Robert Wales

"We were looking for the perfect place to register our client's yacht when we came across Malta Yacht Registration.  Not only is the registration process quite easy but offers many benefits and incentives for yacht owners.  They answered all our questions, had a no-nonsense approach to registering and I believe they are the best location in Europe. We did not want to spend forever getting our client's yacht taken care of and we were very impressed by how really fast and easy the entire process was.  They have shown us their incredible dedication for absolutely everything related to registering the yacht in Malta.  If and when you are ready to register, they will let you know what documents you must have with you at the time so everything will proceed in a short period of time to get it done."

- Isla Fenech

Pleasure Yacht Registration

The registration of pleasure yachts of 6 metres length and over under the Maltese flag takes place firstly by provisional and subsequently by permanent registration. In terms of Maltese law, a pleasure yacht may be owned by a Maltese citizen, a Malta registered company and an ‘International Owner’ enjoying legal personality to the satisfaction of the Registrar of Shipping.

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Maltese Owner (Individual or Company)

Provisional registration is normally valid for 6 months and may be extended up to one year, by which time permanent registration must be completed.

In order to apply for provisional registration, the following documentation and details must be submitted in respect of a Maltese owner:

• Application for Registration Form;
• Declaration of Ownership Form;
• Letter of Request for Change of Name;
• Owner’s Declaration;
• Certificate of Registry;
• International Tonnage Certificate and Certificate of Survey;
• Mortgage Confirmation;
• Payment of Relative Fees and other ancillary charges;
• Memorandum & Articles of Association (if the owner is a Company);
• Good Standing Certificate (if the owner is a Company).

International Owner

Foreign companies or other entities which enjoy legal personality to the satisfaction of the Registrar of Shipping, and individual EU citizens are qualified to be registered as owners  Maltese yachts .

In order to apply for provisional registration, the following documentation and details must be submitted in respect of an International Owner:

• An original Memorandum & Articles of Association (Statute) of the foreign owner, or else a certified copy, certified by the Registrar of Companies in that country, or equivalent, or by the lawyer providing the legal opinion indicated in (k) below (if the owner is a company or other entity enjoying separate legal personality);
• A Good Standing Certificate of the foreign entity, issued by the relevant authority (if the owner is a company or other entity enjoying separate legal personality);
• An original, legalised and apostilled legal opinion by a qualified lawyer in the jurisdiction where the foreign owning entity is registered.
• Relative powers of attorney, when required; and
• An original Declaration of Appointment of Resident Agent, signed by a duly authorised representative of the company, a specimen of which will be provided to you. A non-Maltese owner is required to appoint a Resident Agent in Malta to liaise on its behalf with the Malt Registrar in relation to the yacht’s registration.  Our office provides a Resident Agent service upon request.

The Malta Registrar may in addition to the above requirements in connection with the registration of a vessel on the Maltese Register by a non-Maltese company, request additional documentation to ensure that its conditions in relation to the foreign owning company are satisfied.

All documents must be in the English language or accompanied by a legal translation.

Permanent Registration

In order to obtain permanent registration the following requirements must be satisfied:

Within one month of Provisional Registration

• Carving and Marking Notes;
• Within six months of Provisional Registration
• Bill of Sale;
• Deletion Certificate;
• Certificate of Survey; and
• International Tonnage Certificate.

Once the yacht is permanently registered, the Certificate of Malta Registry is renewable on an annual basis against the payment of an annual fee payable to the Malta Registrar. The effective date of renewal is the date of initial registration and not the date of permanent registration.

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  Malta Flag Yacht Registration

SHIPPING & YACHTING SERVICES

Backed by our expertise, high level of service, our dedication as well as our contacts within the super yacht industry in Malta, CSB Group is uniquely able to offer an integrated service for our clients’ yachting requirements. As a one-stop shop, CSB Group is one of the Malta-based specialists in yacht services with the necessary expertise to handle a variety of services including the registration under the Malta Flag. Under the Malta Flag a yacht may be registered as a Private yacht or a Commercial yacht.

Yachting in Malta

Malta has, for years, been a maritime nation of repute. Its strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean, natural harbours and extensive range of maritime services such as shipbuilding and repair, Freeport, bunkering, ship supplies and towage services have contributed to making Malta a leading maritime hub. The island’s location has given it great strategic importance and Malta is now recognised as being an entree-port to the EU.

Besides offering world-class berthing facilities to the superyacht industry, Malta offers yacht owners several attractive solutions. As a one-stop-shop, CSB Group, via their dedicated team can provide the required professional and dedicated assistance on temporary importation, onward supply relief, commercial yacht registration and VAT-efficient finance leasing structures to name a few.

Notably, there are two main types of yacht registrations under Maltese Law; one may either register their yacht as a pleasure yacht wherein the yacht could be used for personal reasons or for charters within Maltese territorial waters, or else one may alternatively register their yacht as a commercial yacht wherein the yacht could be used for commercial reasons including the option of sailing and chartering outside Malta’s territorial waters.

As of the end of December 2020, there were a total of 4630 yachts under the length of 24m registered under the Merchant Shipping Act. The number of Superyachts over 24m in length flying the Malta flag has increased from the previous year by 6.6% to a total of 859 Superyachts. Malta continues to maintain its position as a leader in ship and boat registration, as the largest register in Europe, as well as the 6th largest register in the world in terms of gross tonnage.

The benefits of registering a yacht under the Malta flag

• Competitive yacht registration costs;
• Low company formation and registration costs;
• Attractive tax incentives to yachts and superyachts owners encouraging commercial operation;
• No restrictions on the nationality of the master, officers and crew, serving on Maltese vessels;
• No restrictions on the nationality of shareholders and directors of Maltese shipping companies;
• No restrictions on the sale and mortgaging of Maltese registered yachts;
• No trading restrictions
• Straightforward Registration Process;
• Serious and efficient maritime administration;
• Flag state inspectorate to ensure adherence to international standards;
• A sovereign state, member of the European Union with political, fiscal and social stability;
• A dynamic registration with one of the largest ship registers in the world and very active in EU for and international organisation such as the IMO;
• Easy access to decision-makers within the competent authorities, backed by a qualified and efficient team of technical officers available for urgent matters on a 24-hour basis.

Malta Yacht Registration Process

The CSB Group team of advisors provides full support throughout the whole process required to register a yacht in Malta.

1. Submission of Documents

The CSB Group team will assist you from start to finish to successfully obtain a permanent registration certificate smoothly and efficiently. As your advisors, we would act as an intermediary between yourself and Transport Malta to draft certain documents and submit all the documents required to complete the two-step registration process, consisting first in obtaining a Provisional Certificate of Malta Registry, valid for six (6) months, and subsequently a Permanent Certificate of Malta Registry. 

2. Provisional Registration

After the necessary initial documentation is provided to Transport Malta, if the application for registration of a yacht under the Maltese flag is to the satisfaction of the authority, a Provisional Certificate of Malta Registry will be issued against payment of the relative fee, which shall be valid for a period of six months (subject to further renewal). The same Authority will immediately communicate to the indicated classification society requesting inspection with a view to the issue of the relative documentation (if required).

3. Permanent Registration

Once provisionally registered, for permanent registration to be obtained, we would assist in submitting any additional original documentation required by the Transport Malta during the term within which the yacht holds the provisional registration certificate. 

In the event that the vessel has not been permanently registered after a year, registration must commence anew and the appropriate forms re-submitted and fees paid anew. Additional specific requirements may be imposed by the Transport Malta. Once obtained, the Permanent Certificate of Malta Registry is renewable on an annual basis from the date of initial registration at a fee, which we can also assist with as owner representative and/or resident agents.

Ancillary Yacht Services

Yacht financing.

Through a healthy working relationship with an independent and licensed European yacht leasing company, CSB Group is able to offer support in relation to obtaining a financial or operating lease for the purpose of completing the financing of yachts.

Tax Structuring & Administration

Structuring of tax efficient yacht owning framework.

Co-ordination of Temporary Importation Procedure

This procedure enables yacht owners, who are non-EU residents and whose yachts do not fly a Maltese flag, to stay within the EU and move freely within EU territorial waters for a period of 18 months. 

During these 18 months, the yacht can move freely with no further customs formalities and should the boat be laid up for any period of time it is also possible to disregard such laid up period for the purpose of reckoning the 18-month period. After such period however, the yacht would need to be exported out of the EU. In such a procedure, customs duties or VAT are not paid on the value of the yacht. 

Notably, should you opt to avail of this procedure, the Customs Authority in Malta will require the provision of a security or guarantee to cover the payment of the customs duties and VAT which would become due if the yacht does not leave EU territory.

Change in Registration Type with the Malta Flag

We can also assist in changing from the type of registration the yacht has been registered under the Malta Flag. Notably, changing from a commercial registration to a pleasure one would be a smoother transaction since there are less criteria to be satisfied for a yacht to be registered for private use. On the other hand, we may assist with change a pleasure registration to a commercial one, provided that the yacht is of 15 metres in length or more but not more than 3000 gross tonnes, does not carry cargo, carries not more than 12 passengers and is operated by the owner or body corporate owning the yacht for commercial use. In this regard, the Malta Commercial Yacht Registration considers the following classes of yachts

• Yachts in commercial use of not less than 15 metres in length and not more than 24 metres;
• Superyachts in commercial use of more than 24 metres in length and less than 500 gross tonnes; and
• Superyachts in commercial use of more than 24 metres in length and 500 gross tonnes and over but less than 3000 gross tonnes. 

Upon satisfaction of the above criteria, we will assist in the sorting out of all necessary elements for obtaining the commercial yacht certification, once the Commercial Certificate of Survey and the International Tonnage Certificate have been duly issued by the surveyor. This includes liaison with the registration and technical departments at Transport Malta in order to progress with the issuance of the Commercial Certificate of Registry. Simultaneously, we will also assist in liaison with the radio licencing department at Transport Malta to enquire whether anything would need updating considering the change in registration.

Yacht Certification

Sorting out of all necessary elements for commercial yacht certification.

Documentation Reviews

Evaluation of various documentation, including amongst others loan and security agreements, sale and purchase agreements, and mortgages..

Statutory Mortgage Deeds Procedures

Registration, amendments, transfer & discharge of contracts registered over Malta registered yachts.

Enforcement of Claims

Against Malta registered yachts or within Maltese territorial waters.

Crewing & Compliance Regulations

Handling on-going formalities with the relevant Maltese authorities. Importantly, commercial superyachts (more than 24 meters long) require a Minimum Safe Manning Certificate while commercial yachts (less than 24 meters long) are not required to obtain said certificate, but must adhere to the manning requirements found in the Commercial Yacht Code. Furthermore, foreign certificates in respect of the STCW 78 Convention need an endorsement from the local administration. 

On another note, the crewing of Maltese yachts is extremely flexible as it does not impose restrictions on the nationality of the crew (including master and officers). 

Deletion from Registry

When the owner of a Maltese registered ship or yacht wishes to effect a transfer to a foreign registry, an application to this effect would need to be sent to Transport Malta, accompanied by a number of documents as requested by the authority, which application we can assist with from start to finish to ensure a smooth process in the attainment of a Deletion Certificate from the Malta Registry.

Naturally, if you have any questions or clarifications please do not hesitate to contact us on  [email protected]  and should you seek to engage us to assist you with the above, we would be able to guide and advise you further with a step-by-step procedure on what would be required in terms of due diligence, fees and the overall process.

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OUR SERVICES

Shipping & Yachting Services

We offer the following related services.

Malta Flag Ship Registration

Incorporation of a shipping company, international ship owner bareboat charters, ongoing shipping support, registration of mortgages on malta flagged vessels, temporary importation and onward supply relief, yacht vat leasing in malta, registering a small ship under the maltese flag, yacht charters in malta, family office services, testimonial.

This is to express my absolute satisfaction in my dealings with Sacha Farrugia in the process of opening my company over the last few weeks. I was really blown away with their level of professionalism and customer service. They went above and beyond to ensure that all of my questions and curiosities were met and understood, and their level of knowledge was excellent. I would have no problem recommending your company to others in the future and will continue to use your services myself.

Phoenix Classic Charters Limited

"We have used CSB Group's Yachting Services in Malta and we would like to highlight the team's professionalism and reliability throughout the registration process of our vessel. We were very pleased and very appreciative of the great availability of the staff to help us and answer our questions."

Stephanie Butikofer

Tikiaora Inc Limited of Tikiaora

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Need our assistance with shipping & yachting services?

CSB Group is authorised by the MFSA to register vessels under the  Maltese flag  in terms of the Company Service Providers Act, 2013. Get support from our specialised professionals.

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Ship Registration

The flag of confidence.

• Serious and efficient maritime administration
• Flag state inspectorate to ensure adherence to international standards
• Twenty four hours, seven days a week service in respect of urgent matters
• Sound multilateral and bilateral relations
• Active participation in international shipping fora.

Advantages of Registering a Ship under a Maltese Flag

• Ships may be registered in the name of legally constituted corporate bodies or entities irrespective of nationality, or by European Union citizens.
• low company formation, ship registration and tonnage tax costs;
• progressive reduction in registration and tonnage tax costs for younger ships
• these incentives may also be extended to smaller ships
• no restrictions on the nationality of the master, officers and crew
• no restrictions on the sale or transfer of shares of a company owning Maltese ships
• no restrictions on the sale and mortgaging of Maltese ships
• no trading restrictions and, preferential treatment to Maltese ships in certain ports
• twenty four hour, seven days a week service in respect of urgent matters
• Malta is an international maritime centre providing the whole range of maritime services.
• attractive incentives to owners, registered charterers and financiers of Maltese ships of over 1,000 net tonnage;

Superyacht Registration

Under the Malta Flag a yacht may be registered as a Private yacht or a Commercial yacht.

Private Registration

The Merchant Shipping Directorate considers a private registered yacht to be any pleasure yacht, of 6 metres in length or more, which does not carry passengers for reward and is not engaged in trade but is used for the sole purpose of the owner.

Commercial Registration

A commercially registered yacht is considered to be a yacht, of 15 metres in length or more, which do not carry cargo, carries not more than 12 passengers and operated by the owner or body corporate owning the yacht for commercial use.

The following classes of yachts will be considered for commercial registration:

• Yachts in commercial use of not less than 15 metres in length and not more than 24 metres.
• Superyachts in commercial use of more than 24 metres in length and less than 500 gross tonnes.
• Superyachts in commercial use of more than 24 metres in length and 500 gross tonnes and over.

Yacht registration whether private or commercial is a very simple and straight forward process subject that all documentation is in order. Yachts are first registered provisionally under the Malta Flag for six months (extendible for a further period, or periods not exceeding in the aggregate six months) during which period all documentation needs to be finalised.

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Yacht Registration in Malta

Entrust your yacht registration with us

Benefits of Yacht Registration in Malta

Competitive registration costs, no restrictions on nationality of shareholders, easy registration process, no restrictions on nationality of owner and crew, attractive tax incentives for yacht owners, adherance to international standards, no trading restricitions, efficient maritime administration, no restrictions on sale and mortgaging of yachts.

The Maltese International Ship Register is now among the largest globally, thanks to its dependable and reputable regulatory and legal basis. The Maltese Flag has therefore gained an enviable reputation – when measuring by total registered tonnage, the instantly recognisable Maltese Cross comes in sixth in the world and the first in Europe. In recent years, the superyachts business has become increasingly important, and the authorities have reacted by working to produce a suitable framework for yacht registration in Malta, similar to that for merchant shipping. Thanks to Malta’s status as an International Centre of Excellence and its world-class facilities for the maritime sector, the island is ready to take advantage. With an enhancement of Malta’s existing natural harbours and strong investment in marinas for superyachts, land-based companies have been prompted to create new services in areas such as yacht management and refitting, focusing on the highest possible quality standards.

Advantages Associated With Sailing Under The Maltese Flag

• Maltese registration is available to anybody, although those who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland will need to use a company registered in Malta or one of the other EU/EEA/Switzerland countries. Owners themselves are free to base themselves wherever they wish, even if this is outside the EU, and we are ready and willing to take the part of the yacht’s agent and necessary Malta resident. In other countries in the EU, owners generally have to be situated in the relevant jurisdiction, but this is not the case with yacht registration in Malta.
• Registering a shipping company is not particularly difficult in Malta. Even so, it may be worth considering using an offshore-based firm to register, given the liberal Maltese arrangements allowing overseas companies to register to fly Malta’s flag on their yachts.
• Costs are minimal in terms of both annual renewal and initial registration.
• Beneficial ownership of the vessel may be kept confidential as a fiduciary can be appointed for this purpose.
• The owning company’s shares can be transferred or sold without restriction, and ships may also be mortgaged and sold freely.
• When a ship is registered in Malta, there is a free choice of nationality for all crew and officers, including the master.
• A number of ports around the world provide certain advantages for ships registered in Malta.
• Malta’s status as a global shipping centre means it offers both full maritime services and an efficient mortgage system.
• Flexible requirements allow the registration of non-ship vessels, such as barges and pontoons, as well as ships whose construction has not yet been completed.
• The special tax return generally required under the Income Tax Management Act can be replaced by a standard tax return, as long as the shipping company’s income comes entirely from maritime activities, or it has no income. This is regulated by regulation 3(5) of LN 224 of 2004.

Type Of Registration Options

Maltese-registered vessels may be classed as either Commercial Yachts or Private Yachts:

Private Registration

According to the Merchant Shipping Directorate, to qualify for this status, any type of pleasure yacht must be used only for the owner’s benefit and must not receive a reward(profit) for carrying passengers or engage in trade. The minimum length for such a vessel is 6 metres.

Commercial Registration

A yacht in this class is defined as being operated by either the relevant company or the yacht’s direct owner for commercial use. It must carry a maximum of 12 passengers and measure at least 15 metres in length.

There are several sub-categories to consider:

• Commercial superyachts with a gross tonnage above 500 tonnes and a length of more than 24 metres.
• Commercial superyachts weighing under 500 tonnes, but again measuring more than 24 metres.
• Yachts which are a maximum of 24 metres and a minimum of 15 metres long. These are not categorised as superyachts.

Types of Vessels That Can Be Registered In Malta

Any kind of vessel can be registered in Malta, whether it is an oil rig or a pleasure yacht.

Yacht registration in Malta under the commercial yacht code, or for a pleasure yacht, means that vessels of all ages are eligible.

However, there are a few restrictions:

• Any vessel over 25 years old can only be registered under the Maltese flag with specific official permission.
• Vessels between 20 and 25 years old must undergo and pass a prior inspection by an authorised person before receiving provisional approval.
• Vessels between 15 and 20 years old must also pass an inspection, but this can be carried out at any time within a month of provisional registration.

Required Documents For Registration

Pleasure yachts’ registration.

• If the vessel is owned by a corporate entity, that company’s original memorandum and articles
• If the vessel is owned by a company, an up-to-date certificate of good standing
• For all ships of over 24 metres in length, a builder’s ITC for new vessels or a previous one otherwise
• For vessels over 24 meters, an antifouling declaration is required.

Permanent Pleasure Yacht Registration

• For new builds, the original Builder’s Certificate
• Original Bill of Sale
• Original survey certificate
• Duly signed carving and marking note
• Original deletion certificate
• The provisional certificate must be surrendered to obtain permanent registration

Commercial Yachts’ Registration

• Application for registration
• Declaration of ownership
• Inspection Report
• Radio Application and Radio Report
• International load line certificate
• International antifouling certificate
• MLC Compliance Certificate
• Certificate of Survey
• Previous tonnage certificate
• If relevant, previous certificate of survey
• Safe manning application form
• Certified copy of previous registration certificate

Permanent Commercial Registration

• International tonnage certificate for Malta
• Certificate of Survey for Malta
• Original bill of sale, bearing a date prior to provisional registration
• Original Builders and deletion certificates
• Carving and Marking note
• For permanent yacht registration in Malta, the provisional registration certificate must be given up.

Recognised organisations

The Maltese government allows survey, tonnage and convention certificates to be issued on its behalf by:

• American Bureau of Shipping
• Bureau Veritas
• China Classification Society
• Korean Register of Shipping
• Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
• Polish Register of Shipping
• Registro Italiano Navale
• Russian Maritime Register of Shipping

Information For Non-EU Nationals, EEA Or Switzerland

• You will need to have an agent resident in Malta; assistance with this is available. You will need to supply a statement authorising a notarized, apostilled declaration appointing us to be the agent, and a certified, notarised and apostilled copy of the ship owner’s passport.
• We will supply the necessary documents if we are the creators of a Maltese company which is to own the vessel.
• In the case of ships owned by overseas companies, an agent resident in Malta is also required, and again we can help with this.

Below is a list of the documents you will require:

• A duly notarised and apostilled legal opinion to the effect that the corporate body’s records have been appropriately checked, supplying directors’ and office-holders’ particulars, plus anyone authorised to represent that company, and confirming the desire to appoint a resident agent in Malta. It must be signed.
• The original Memorandum and Articles of Association or Incorporation. Alternatively, you may submit certified true copies attached to the legal opinion on its contents.
• A certified true copy of the Certificate of Incorporation.
• An original or certified copy of the Good Standing Certificate, which must match the date on the POA.
• The Director or Directors’ passport details, in the form of a certified copy.

Yacht Registration Process

1. documents.

Yachts are registered provisionally under the Maltese flag for six months. This is extendable for another period in which all the documents need to be submitted.

2. Provisional Registration

After the documents are submitted and approved, a non-operational certificate will be issued and inspection requested by the classification society.

3. Permanent Registration

For a permanent registration under the Maltese flag, further documents are submitted after the provisional registration of the yacht. Permanent registration is renewable annually.

Our Yacht Services

Pleasure yacht registration, commercial yacht registration, company formation, appointed agent, additional services:, tax structuring for yacht owners, commercial yacht certifications, coordination of vat leasing transactions, ongoing compliance regulations, enforcement of claims within maltese territorial waters, review of documentation, get in touch to register your yacht with us:.

Notice: Welcome Center Malta is not licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). We connect you with reputable and licensed service providers in Malta.

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Due to unforeseen circumstances, orders placed between 13th August and 22nd August may be delayed by a few days to be delivered.

Malta Yacht Registration

Malta flag registration for yacht and superyacht, 1. the advantages of registration of  a yacht and a superyacht under the malta maritime flag, vat on malta yacht leasing, 2. maltese shipping organisations.

• The ownership, operation (e.g. under charter), administration and management of a registered Maltese ship, or a ship registered under the flag of another state, and all ancillary financial, security and commercial activities; and/or
• The holding of shares or other equity interests in entities, whether Maltese or otherwise, established for any of the purposes stated herein, and the carrying on of all ancillary financial, security and commercial activities; and/or
• The raising of capital through loans, the issue of guarantees or the issue of securities by the company when the purpose of such activity is to achieve the objects stated herein for the shipping organisation itself or for other shipping organizations within the same group; and/or
• for the carrying on of such other activities within the maritime sector which the Minister may, on the advice of the Authority for Transport in Malta, from time to time prescribe by regulations as qualifying for the above purpose.
• A shipping organisation which is registered and licensed under Maltese law and owns a tonnage tax ship enjoys fiscal advantages and benefits in relation to its shipping activities namely:
• No tax shall be charged or payable on income where said income is derived from shipping activities of the organization;
• No tax shall be charged or payable on any income, profits or gains of a licensed shipping organisation derived from the sale or other transfer of a tonnage tax ship or from the disposal of any rights to acquire a ship which when delivered or completed would qualify as a tonnage tax ship;
• No tax charged or payable on any gain arising on the liquidation, redemption, cancellation or any disposal of shares, securities or any other interest, including goodwill, held in any licensed shipping organisation owning, operating, administering or managing a tonnage tax ship while she was a tonnage tax ship;
• No stamp duty shall be charged on the registration of a tonnage tax ship under the Merchant Shipping Act and other registrations relating to a tonnage tax ship;
• No stamp duty shall be charged on the issue or allotment of any security or interest of a licensed shipping organisation or the purchase, transfer, assignment or negotiation of any security or interest of any licensed shipping organisation;
• No stamp duty shall be charged on the sale or other transfer of a tonnage tax ship or any share thereof;
• No stamp duty shall be charged on the registration of any mortgage or other charge over or in relation to any tonnage tax ship or licensed shipping organisation, any transfer or discharge thereof, any receipt relative thereto, and any assignments granted in connection therewith; and
• No stamp duty shall be charged on the assignment of any rights and interests, or the assumption of obligations in respect of any tonnage tax ship or share thereof.

3.  International Owner

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5 Reasons to register your Yacht(s) in Malta

Information was last updated in May 2021 in accordance with changes in the law.

When it comes to cruising in the Mediterranean Sea and visiting the charming little villages along the coast is doubtless a dream of all yacht lovers where a yacht owner or seller will guide you that there are more to owning a yacht than what meets the eye. The next step after acquiring your yacht will be to register the vessel under a flag of a preferred jurisdiction. As a yacht owner, it is in your best interest to choose a jurisdiction which is fiscally competitive and highly accessible, yet reputable.

Malta has also developed a very strong legal and regulatory platform that has enabled the Malta flag to become a reputable international ship register which is now established as one of the largest in the world.

Income Tax Exemptions

• A shipping organisation is exempt from tax on any income derived from shipping activities and any income or gains derived from the sale or other transfer of a tonnage tax ship or from the disposal of any rights to acquire a ship which when delivered or completed would qualify as a tonnage tax ship. “Shipping activities” comprises the international carriage of goods or passengers by sea or the provision of other services to or by a ship as may be ancillary thereto or associated therewith including the ownership, chartering or any other operation of a ship and includes also ship management activities of a ship manager.
• Any gains arising upon the liquidation, redemption, cancellation, or any other disposal of shares, securities or any other interest, including goodwill, held in any licensed shipping organisation owning, operating, administering or managing a tonnage tax ship while she was a tonnage tax ship are exempt from tax in Malta.
• No Malta tax is charged upon any payments of interest or other income in relation to the financing of the operations of shipping organisations or the financing of any tonnage tax ship.
• No tax is chargeable upon dividends distributed by a shipping organisation to its shareholders, out of profits derived from shipping activities.

VAT-Efficient Finance Leasing Structure

In March 2020, the Commissioner for Revenue issued guidelines in relation to  VAT treatment of pleasure yacht leasing to better reflect the EU’s development and practices. The updated guidelines offer yacht owners the possibility of setting up attractive operational lease models, resulting in cash flow advantages and overall VAT optimization.

The guidelines are based on the principle of ‘use and enjoyment’ , whereby Maltese VAT at the standard rate of 18 per cent is charged on the portion of the lease covering the actual use and enjoyment of the yacht within EU waters , whereas no VAT is applicable when the yacht is effectively used and enjoyed within non-EU or international waters. The application of such principle, therefore, implies that the overall VAT incidence shall depend on the whereabouts of the yacht.

The lessor of a pleasure boat shall calculate the actual effective use and enjoyment by the lessee of the pleasure boat outside EU waters when it is possible to identify the place of effective use and enjoyment outside EU waters. For the purpose of such calculation, the lessor shall utilise such documentary and/or technological data (including logs retained by the master of the pleasure boat as well as any GPS/AIS data) as the lessor can reasonably obtain from the lessee.

In order to apply such VAT treatment on the actual use and enjoyment of the yacht, several general conditions and anti-abuse measures need to be satisfied, including:

• Lessor must be a shipping company registered for VAT purposes in Malta;
• Lessee must be a non-taxable person; in other words, the yacht must be used by the lessee for non-business purposes;
• A yacht leasing agreement must be entered into between the lessor and the lessee, which must be for more than 90 days and which agreement must be at arm’s length and presented to the VAT Department;
• Written approval on the application of the effective use and enjoyment principle must be obtained from the VAT Department;

VAT Treatment of Short-term Charters

Primarily a short-term charter is a charter for not more than 90 days, where a yacht is chartered for leisure purposes. In such case, the percentage of the lease which is deemed to be held in EU waters is calculated according to the size of the yacht follows;

Registration Procedure

Any type of marine vessel, be it large cruise lines, supertankers or private yachts may be registered in Malta. Yachts, depending on their intended use, can be registered under the Maltese flag, as private pleasure yachts or commercial yachts.

Visit our Yacht registration page for a detailed description of the procedure for vessel registration under the Malta flag.

Eligibility for registration

All types of vessels, from pleasure yachts to oil rigs, including vessels under construction, may be registered, provided that, inter alia, they are wholly owned by legally constituted corporate bodies or entities irrespective of nationality, or by European Union citizens.

The formation of a Maltese company is a straightforward operation as there are no nationality requirements as to both the shareholders and directors.

As a rule, trading ships of 25 years and over are not registered although in certain circumstances this may be considered.

Ships of 15 years and over are required to undergo successfully an authorized flag State inspection prior to provisional registration.

Ships of 10 years and over but under 15 years are required to undergo successfully an inspection by an authorized flag State inspector before or within one month of provisional registration.

Benefits of flying a Maltese Flag

Once successfully registered under the Malta flag, a yacht can also benefit from the excellent international repute of the flag , which is further enhanced by Malta’s membership within the European Union.

• Yachts may be registered on behalf of legally constituted corporate bodies or entities irrespective of nationality.
• Twenty-four hour, seven days a week service in response to urgent matters.
• Low company formation, ship registration and tonnage tax costs.
• Maltese law provides for the registration of yachts that are being built or equipped.
• Attractive tax incentives to yachts and superyachts owners encouraging commercial operation.
• No restrictions on the sale or mortgaging of Maltese registered yachts and superyachts.
• A dynamic registration with one of the largest ship registers in the world and very active in EU for and international organization such as the IMO.
• A sovereign state, member of the European Union with political, fiscal and social stability.
• The registration of a body corporate in Malta to own or operate a ship is a relatively straightforward operation and Maltese ship-owning companies operate in a relatively restriction-free environment. For example:
• There are no trading restrictions and there is preferential treatment to Maltese ships in certain ports.
• There is a complete tax exemption to owners, charterers, and financiers of Maltese or Community (including EEA) ships of over 1,000 net tons (exempted ships).
• Furthermore, no tax is payable on dividends paid to the shareholders.

SMM Group focuses its expertise for any Yacht owner to obtain a Maltese flag hassle-free and by providing all supported legal services through and fort.

Get in touch with us to register under the Maltese flag. Our experts can be reached on +356 2123 7167 or via email at [email protected]

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Malta Maritime Services

Malta maritime services have become highly sought-after in recent years. Malta is a popular vessel registry with its long-lasting maritime tradition and culture. In essence, Malta’s benefits to the maritime industry are geographical, reputational, and financial.

Endevio harnesses the unique strengths of each of the company’s specialised units to provide customised services continuously. Register your ships and yachts in Malta with the guidance of Endevio.

Services we offer:

• Pleasure Yacht Registration in Malta 

Commercial Yacht Registration in Malta

Vessel registration.

• VAT Leasing Structures

Malta Maritime Services: who can register vessels in Malta?

Any EU citizen who resides in Malta may register a vessel under the Malta flag. In addition, Maltese corporate entities may register ships under the island country’s flag. Moreover, EU citizens not residing in Malta and corporate entities not registered in Malta may also register a vessel under the Malta flag, provided a resident agent has been appointed. Additionally, non-EU citizens who own a business in Malta may also register a vessel under the company’s name.

Transport Malta is the authority in Malta for registering your yachts. There are two uses of yachts in Malta:

Pleasure Yacht Registration in Malta

PLEASURE YACHT REGISTRATION >>

COMMERCIAL YACHT REGISTRATION >>

Additionally, the Maltese Register is the sixth-largest maritime register in the world and the largest in the European Union. Fundamentally, we conform with EU Directives and International Maritime Organisation (“IMO”) Conventions, registering all types of vessels under the Malta flag. You may register even ships under construction as non-EU/EEA residents and owners.

Notably, the advantages of registering your vessel in Malta are not limited to the country’s reputation. The accompanying substantial fiscal benefits also extend to the quality of comprehensive local services.

VESSEL REGISTRATION >>

VAT leasing structures

Key Contact

Let Endevio Assist You in Ship & Yacht Registration in Malta

The processing time for legal, duly-verified registration in Malta is quick, provided your paperwork is complete and in order. Our experts are ready to assist you.

Contact us so that you can hoist that Maltese maritime flag on your vessel soon.

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Our team of experts at Endevio can help you stay updated with the latest regulations.

Malta Yacht Registration Process

Malta offers  numerous  potential benefits and appealing incentives to yacht owners who register their vessels under the Malta flag. Any type of marine vessel, be it large cruise lines, super tankers or private yachts may be registered in Malta. Yachts, depending on their intended use, can be registered under the Maltese flag, as either private pleasure yachts or as a commercial yacht.

Whether your yacht is private or commercial, the process for registering a yacht in Malta is very straightforward and simple, and there are various advantages which the yacht owners could avail of.

STEP 1: Provisional Registration

Maltese Flag Yachts are first registered provisionally for six (6) months for the finalisation of the documents. Once all the required documentations are provided and the applications are submitted to the Authority for Transport in Malta, a non-operational Provisional Certificate Malta Registry is issued if fees are paid. Once evaluated, the Authority for Transport in Malta submits the necessary documents to the classified society for the issuance of the relative safety certificates, Certificate of Survey and International Tonnage Certificate.

STEP 2: Permanent Registration

After the provisional period, the Authority for Transport in Malta may require additional requirements depending on the type of vessels for the issuance of the permanent Certificate of Malta Registry. The Certificate is annually renewable from the date of registration.

Fly the Malta Flag: Advantages of Yacht Registration in Malta

Yacht registration in Malta offers a number of benefits, which include the following:

Anyone can register a yacht under the Maltese flag;

Simple and very efficient procedures for the registration, transfer, and deletion of Maltese yachts;

No restrictions on the sale or mortgaging of Maltese registered yachts and superyachts;

Low company formation, ship registration and tonnage tax costs;

Attractive tax incentives to yachts and superyachts owners encouraging commercial operation;

Massive presence of an active superyacht industry and world class berthing facilities;

Serious and efficient maritime administration;

Easy access to decision makers within the competent authorities;

24-hour availability of officers at the authority for transport in Malta;

Availability of technical, legal, corporate and tax administration expertise;

All business is conducted in the English Language;

A large and expanding double tax treaty network;

Simplicity when submitting a tax return, either in an established form or in terms of the Income Tax Management Act;

A sovereign state, member of the European Union with political, fiscal and social stability.

Yacht Registration Malta: Types of Vessels

Private yacht.

The Merchant Shipping Directorate considers a private registered yacht to be any pleasure yacht, of 6 meters in length or more, which does not carry passengers for reward and is not engaged in trade but is used for the sole purpose of the owner.

Commercial Yacht

Yachts operated for commercial use which are 15 meters in length or more, do not carry cargo and carry no more than 12 passengers, can be registered as commercial yachts subject to compliance with the requirements of the Commercial Yacht Code drawn up by the Merchant Shipping Directorate within the Authority for Transport in Malta. The Code set the required standards of safety and pollution prevention.

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Specializing in sales&purchase, construction, charter, marketing, management and other activities related to luxury yachting.

The company's offices and technical support service centers are open in several countries, which allows for effective support to customers in all regions of the Mediterranean basin. 

The company's offices operate in Malta, Montenegro, South of France, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Southeast Asia, Ukraine and Slovenia. Aberton Yachts participates in all major European shows, including the Monaco Yacht Show, Cannes Yachting Festival, Düsseldorf Boat Show and others.

With over twenty years of experience Aberton Yachts provides solutions to a vast number of tasks connected to yacht ownership and cross-border payments. Market intelligence, worldwide network of Clients and brokers, technical expertise and out- of-the-box thinking allows us to have up to 80% of deals with recurring Clients.

Mr. Maksim Riabenkov, Aberton Group CEO

Mr. Anton Dolotin, Aberton Group Founder

A MALTESE FAMILY BUSINESS IN YACHTING SINCE 1990.

Valletta Superyachts is a new face to a long-established marine enterprise established since the early nineties. The family name Travers-Tauss is synonymous with yachting in Malta. From humble beginnings our firm has transformed over the last two decades into a multi-enterprise company that covers the pleasure & superyacht marine industries in Malta. With a reputation built on customer focus the family firm has overcome the challenges of the size of the local Maltese market by expanding and covering all the different aspects of yacht ownership, from sales to service, wintering, guardiennage, maintenance, ownership structures and advisory.  Through the following main subsidiaries of our yachting enterprise we are able to service boats & yachts from 4 metres to 90+ metres. With the diverse skill sets required at each size, we speak your language, whatever it may be. 

VALLETTA SUPERYACHTS

www.vallettasuperyachts.com The most recent offering from the yachting network established by the Travers Tauss family is focused on SUPERYACHTS visiting Malta or interested in availing themselves of the attractive fiscal incentives available to yacht owners to register their Superyacht under the MALTA FLAG with various ownership structure options. With dedicated legal and tax resources VALLETTA SUPERYACHTS may assist any yacht owner through the purchase, ownership and day-to-day requirements brought about through SUPERYACHT OWNERSHIP. On the quay VALLETTA SUPERYACHTS' TECHNICAL TEAM is able to offer service and support through a professionally trained service equipe and is the appointed BENETTI SERVICE PARTNER in MALTA.   Our CONCIERGE offers captains and crew of visiting Superyachts peace-of-mind and hassle-free delivery of day-to-day requirements including Berthing, Bunkering, Provisioning, Hospitality Services and Guest Transfer Requirements.

ESPRIT YACHTING

www.esprityachting.com

Established in 2006, we are the exclusive representatives in Malta for the AZIMUT|BENETTI GROUP.  This long-standing excellent relationship with the maritime's industry's leading yacht manufacturer is about to enter the 15th year.  The company offers the group's entire range of yachts from the AZIMUT and BENETTI Yacht brands.

Backed by a strong aftersales team that follows the fleet of customer's yachts built up over the years we also have a firm grip on the strongest local market shares.  With both a strong local and foreign ownership ratio the company has a keen understanding of discerning and diverse requirements owners may have. Yacht owners can enjoy  hassle-free yacht ownership through Esprit's ancillary service that offers YACHT MANAGEMENT and CHARTER MANAGEMENT that covers the yacht’s requirements all year round. Esprit is also the exclusive dealer and service centre in Malta for WILLIAMS PERFORMANCE TENDERS. We have proudly represented Williams since early days. 

STRAND MARINE

www.strandmarinemalta.com

Established in 1990, today we are leaders in pleasureboat sales, servicing & yacht support.  Strand Marine has a long history of boat sales predominantly under the LARSON boats brand.  Over the last years the company has extended its product offering SUZUKI Marine Outboard Motors, SACS Ribs & OCEANMASTER Boats. For the past decade we have ably represented prime brands such as MASTERVOLT Electrical Components, MAXWELL Winches, ISOTHERM Refrigeration, HELLA Lighting,  SEAVISION Underwater Lighting, CPOD Vessel Tracking Solutions & MAXPOWER Bow and Stern Thrusters and others.

YACHTING EVENTS

www.yachtingevents.com.mt

Established in 2014, the new joint-venture with AT Group & Mr. Peter Valentino has secured the licence to organise the RC44 VALLETTA CUP in 2015, 2016 & 2018.  The class designed by the all-time AMERICA'S CUP Champion RUSSELL COUTTS will establish itself as a calendar event within the International Circuit of yacht racing. The company is a full-service event organisation capable of hosting World-class yacht race and exhibition events in perfectly wind-swept Maltese Islands.  The company is currently in negotiations and will shortly announce additional yacht race classes keen to add the Maltese Islands to their sailing calendar. 

marina di valletta

www.marinadivalletta.com

Marina di Valletta is the result of a consortium formed between Marina di Varazze S.r.l, the marina development division of Azimut|Benetti Group and already operates marinas in Varazze, Viareggio, Livorno and Moscow.  The consortium includes a number of local leading companies from the yachting, hospitality, furniture and construction industries whose names are synonymous with sound traditional values and expertise in their respective fields.

With luxury touches installed throughout, the Marina boasts a travertine walkway and durable and attractive paver flooring in the parking area shall be accentuated by a well-studied ambient lighting.  

The Marina Club House shall be fully operational by March 2018. The iconic structure will house the Marina Offices, toilets, showers, a high-end café and a yacht support office.

35degrees 54'00.00"North  -  14degrees 31'00.00"East +356 99442122 | +356 79442122

Moving to Mellieha in September

Hi, we're a family of four, currently living in Moscow but moving to Mellieha in September. I've been doing a lot of reading on this forum taking up information so first of all "thank-you" to all active contributors. I'm from Holland myself, the wife from Russia, kids are 8 and 4 and we're coming over for the long term. If you're Dutch or Russian and live in Mellieha let me know and I'd love to have a beer with you when we're over. Do people watch the football together? Here in Moscow we meet up with 80-100 Dutch at a bar to watch the games. Regards, Marius

enjoy Mellieha  - its a lovely vilage

Glad to hear that the choice we made seems to be the right choice as far as location is concerned. We had a good feeling about the place when we visited. For now we will watch the football in Moscow still as we only arrive in September, but I'm happy to start organizing some expat events like the ones we did in Moscow.

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Yacht Registration in Malta

Malta is today one of the most popular jurisdictions for yacht registration. A solid legal framework providing security for financiers, attractive incentives to yacht owners and operators, and a strong maritime tradition stemming from its geographical location in the middle of the Mediterranean, have all contributed to Malta becoming the second largest maritime flag in Europe and the eight largest in the world.

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KPMG in Malta

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Paul Pace Ross

All kinds of sea going vessels, from large cruise liners and super tankers to private and commercial yachts, may register under the Maltese Flag; which is widely known and respected by Port Authorities across the world.

Financiers of sea vessels take comfort from the fact that their rights are adequately protected under Maltese legislation. Depending on their intended use, yachts can be registered under the Malta Flag either as a private pleasure yacht or as a commercial yacht.

Companies operating yachts on a commercial basis, such as chartering, may benefit from various fiscal advantages.

Private Pleasure Yachts

In terms of the Merchant Shipping Act, the registration of pleasure yachts is normally done in two stages namely, the Provisional Registration followed by the Permanent Registration.

For Provisional Registration of a yacht, certain basic documentation would need to be presented to the Merchant Shipping Directorate following which a provisional certificate of registration would be issued.

Provisional Registration lasts for six months during which time other documents would need to be presented for Permanent Registration. 

Commercial Yachts

Yachts used on a commercial basis are registered as commercial yachts with the Maltese Commercial Yacht Register. 

The registration of a commercial yacht is similar to that of pleasure yachts, however, the vessel must additionally comply with the requirements of the Commercial Yacht Code (‘the Code’) or equivalent standard.

The Code applies to commercial yachts that do not carry cargo, do not carry more than 12 passengers and are operated by the owner or the body corporate owning 

the vessel for commercial use. Yachts are categorised under three distinct classes depending on size and gross tonnage and for each class the Code stipulates a level of safety standards corresponding to size and gross tonnage.

Commercial yachts navigating on the high seas and carrying passengers for reward are exempt from VAT on supplies like maintenance costs, chartering, fuelling, provisioning, supplies for the direct needs of the vessels and passenger/crew assistance.

Furthermore commercial yachts may take advantage of the low effective income tax rate of 5%.  Any foreign income tax suffered on such a yacht’s commercial operations would be available as a credit against the Maltese income tax so that the effective Maltese tax could even be reduced to 0%.

Yacht Leasing

Back in 2005, the VAT Department issued guidelines on the VAT treatment of the long-term leasing of yachts by a Malta company. In terms of the guidelines the overall VAT incidence incurred on the long-term leasing of a pleasure yacht can be reduced substantially depending on the use of the yacht within or outside EU waters.

Similarly the Maltese VAT incidence on the short-term chartering of yachts used for leisure purposes, commencing in Malta, may be limited to the portion of the use that the yacht is deemed to make within the territorial waters of the EU.

Malta the Jurisdiction of choice for Yacht Owners and Charterers

The Yachting Sector represents one of the main pillars of the Shipping economy in Malta.

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