Why Malta
Malta is one of the smallest countries in Europe but it is a leading commercial yacht flag registry worldwide, in terms of numbers. Malta is also very popular for luxury pleasure yacht registrations.
Malta has created a solid yet flexible framework for business based on a strong legislative and regulatory system which has been formulated and implemented over many years and is based on Continental European.
Yachting under the Maltese Flag
Malta has the largest and most popular flag in the European Union and the sixth-largest in the world. In 2022, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) recognised the Maltese flag as a top performing flag state under the USCG QUALSHIP21 Initiative. Malta also forms part of the International Maritime Organization’s 40-member council.
The Malta flag boasts:
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An internationally recognised and reputable jurisdiction;
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EU compliant legislation;
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A well-organized and fast registration system;
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Clear and certain laws relating to yacht mortgages;
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Low yacht registration costs.
Malta has a very strong position in the maritime sector in Europe, due to the combination of its:
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Strategic geographical location;
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Well-known first-class shipping register;
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Reliable legal and regulatory framework;
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Attractive/beneficial tax regime for this sector.
You will benefit from the optimal environment and advantages being put forward by the Maltese government when you choose our lease offer and register your yacht under the Maltese flag.
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Benefits of Registering under the Maltese Flag
Any Maltese or European citizen, and any company registered in Malta or in a Member State of the European Union, may register a yacht under the Maltese flag. The use of a Maltese company is the preferred method of trading.
The yacht registration procedure is efficient and straight forward, and certificates are issued promptly in the name of the registered owners upon submission of the necessary paperwork. A provisional Yacht Registration Certificate is normally issued on a non-operational basis until all paperwork has been confirmed in accordance with the Maltese and International laws and regulations.
Financiers and yacht owners find comfort in the Maltese legislation which provides adequate protection.. The mortgage system is straightforward and the Maltese flag authorities administer the law strictly, but fairly, ensuring clarity and correctness.
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.
Also noteworthy is that Malta flag regulations provide for:
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No restriction in the nationality of persons involved in the ownership;
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No restriction in the nationality of the persons manning of the vessel;
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No restriction whilst sailing to any ports worldwide.
Yacht Registration Procedure
Any yacht registrated in Malta may be obtained further to an expeditious and straightforward procedure within a time-frame of 48 hours from receipt of the required documents. This registration will be provisional until the Maltese Registrar of Ships is furnished with documents proving the ownership of the yacht, a deletion certificate (from the previous non Malta yacht register, if any), a certificate of survey and other technical documents as the case may be.
To register provisionally the following documents will be required:
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An Application to Register a Yacht in Malta
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A Declaration of Ownership
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An Application requesting a Radio Licence
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A copy of the International Tonnage Certificate (if the commercial yacht is over 24m in length)
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Technical details as may be the case
The provisional registration is valid for 6 months, within which period the applicant must fulfil the formalities prescribed by Maltese law for a permanent registration in Malta.
Upon completion of the Malta registration process a Certificate of Malta Registry will be furnished. This document will constitute proof of the successful registration procedure under the Malta flag, as well as proof of title to the yacht.