Malta Yacht Registration for Private and Commercial Owners Worldwide
Malta Yacht Registration provides structured, lawful guidance on registering private and commercial yachts under the Maltese flag. From ownership eligibility to documentation and compliance, we help you understand and complete each step with confidence.
✅ End-to-end support through the entire Malta yacht registration process
✅ Clear, compliant guidance based on Transport Malta’s official standards
✅ Trusted by private owners and corporate fleets worldwide
✅ No guesswork—just accurate timelines, legal clarity, and smooth execution
Click the link below to Book a Free Consultation
How to Register a Yacht in Malta (2025 Guide)
Malta offers one of the most reputable and efficient yacht registration frameworks in Europe. Whether you’re registering a private yacht for leisure or a commercial yacht for charter purposes, the process is clearly defined under the Merchant Shipping Act and administered by the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta.
What Is Malta Yacht Registration?
Yacht registration in Malta is available to both EU and non-EU individuals and corporate entities, subject to certain conditions. Owners may register vessels under the Maltese flag through either private use or commercial operation, depending on their needs.
Malta also permits provisional registration, valid for 6 months, which allows immediate navigation while documentation is finalized.
Key Benefits of Registering Under the Maltese Flag
✅ International Recognition: Malta is on the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU white lists, reducing inspection risk
✅ EU Flag Advantages: Operate freely within EU waters with an EU-compliant vessel
✅ Tax Efficiency: Options for VAT leasing structures and corporate tax planning (for commercial yachts)
✅ No Crew Nationality Restrictions: Crew may be hired from any nationality
✅ Flexible Ownership: Available to individuals, foreign companies, or through a resident agent in Malta
Who Can Register a Yacht in Malta?
You may register a yacht in Malta if you are:
- A citizen of Malta, the EU/EEA, or a qualifying jurisdiction
- A corporate entity registered in Malta or in a recognized jurisdiction
- A non-EU individual or company with a resident agent in Malta (required by law)
Yachts over 20 years old may be subject to inspection or additional requirements before acceptance.
Registration Requirements (Private Use)
- Application for Registration
- Proof of Ownership (e.g., Bill of Sale or Builder’s Certificate)
- Deletion Certificate (if previously registered elsewhere)
- Confirmation of vessel name availability
- Certificate of Survey and Tonnage Certificate (if applicable)
- ID documents or company incorporation papers
- Appointment of a Maltese resident agent (if non-EU)
Registration Requirements (Commercial Yachts)
In addition to the above, commercial yachts must:
- Be at least 15 meters in length
- Carry no more than 12 passengers
- Comply with the Commercial Yacht Code (CYC) issued by Transport Malta
- Provide a Certificate of Class from a recognized classification society
- Undergo periodic safety inspections
Fees and Costs (Indicative Only)
Actual fees depend on tonnage, vessel age, and use (private vs. commercial). As of 2025, owners can expect:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration & Annual Tonnage Fees | Based on vessel size (contact for quote) |
| Provisional Registration | Included in initial setup |
| Resident Agent Services | Varies by provider |
| Survey or Class Certification | Based on vessel type and class society |
Note: Malta offers VAT-efficient solutions for yacht leasing arrangements. Seek tax/legal advice before structuring ownership.
Registration Process & Timeline (Estimated 2–6 Weeks)
- Document Preparation – Gather ownership, ID, and technical certificates
- Provisional Registration – Granted for 6 months upon initial review
- Survey & Compliance Checks – Conducted as needed, especially for commercial yachts
- Permanent Registration – Issued once all documents are submitted and validated
- Flag Certificate Issued – Vessel is officially registered under the Malta flag
Summary of Core Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Provisional Registration | Valid for 6 months |
| Ownership Eligibility | EU and non-EU (via agent) |
| Property Held | Not applicable (for vessels only) |
| Technical Compliance | Class certificate or survey (as needed) |
| Commercial Yacht Requirements | Must comply with Commercial Yacht Code |
Trusted Experts in Malta Yacht Registration
We work in full alignment with the regulations set by Transport Malta and the Merchant Shipping Directorate. Our team assists yacht owners from around the world in registering their vessels under the Maltese flag — guiding you through every step with accuracy, discretion, and full legal compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maltese, EU/EEA citizens, and companies incorporated in Malta or approved jurisdictions are eligible. Non-EU individuals or entities may register through a licensed resident agent in Malta.
Both private and commercial yachts can be registered. Commercial yachts must be at least 15 meters in length, carry no more than 12 passengers, and comply with the Malta Commercial Yacht Code.
Provisional registration can be granted within 24–48 hours once the initial documentation is submitted. Full registration typically takes 2–6 weeks, depending on vessel type and document readiness.
Yes, but yachts over 20 years old may be subject to a condition survey and additional technical assessments before being accepted for registration.
You will need proof of ownership (e.g., bill of sale), a valid deletion certificate (if previously registered), vessel survey reports, ID or incorporation documents, and a local resident agent if you’re not based in Malta or the EU.
Yes, Malta permits both bareboat charter registration and dual registration under specific conditions, provided the laws of both flag states are respected.
Yacht owners must pay annual registration and tonnage fees, maintain valid safety and classification certificates (for commercial yachts), and ensure any changes to ownership or status are reported to the registry.