Malta yacht registration services are in high demand. Furthermore, as from July 2020, Malta ranks 17th in the top 20 Paris MoU Whitelist. This is testament of the high quality of the Maltese fleet, namely its adherence to international standards concerning safety, pollution, and working conditions for crews.
The Maltese flag offers a strong legal framework that covers all requirements and obligations. Flagport provides services related to Malta yacht registration serving clients, locally and internationally.
Services provided include:
- Handling Private Yacht Registration formalities
- Handling Commercial Yacht Registration formalities
- Co-ordinating Malta Commercial Yacht coding surveys
- Acting as Resident Agent
- Acting as Malta Representatives
- Acting as Special Attorney
- Assisting with Change of Ownership
- Yacht Change of Name
- Obtaining Transcript of Malta Registry
- Obtaining Deletion Certificate
- Assistance and obtaining with Transport Malta statutory certification:
- Radio License Application
- Minimum Safe Manning Certificate
- STCW95 Certification Endorsement
- CLC – Certificate of Insurance or other Financial Security in respect of Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage and Liability for the Removal of Wrecks
- Compliances services for ISM, ISPS and MLC.
- Yacht Management and Crew Payroll services are also be offered.
- Agency services to yachts in Malta (through Parent Company)
FAQ: Malta Yacht Registration
Read more about Malta yacht registration FAQ below or contact us directly via this form if you so prefer. You may also directly Request a quote here.
Who can register a yacht under the Maltese flag?
Yachts may be registered under the Malta flag by European Union citizens, European Free Trade Area Nationals or by legally constituted corporate bodies/entities irrespective of nationality. Recently UK citizens have been added to the list of individuals who can register.
A European, EFTA National, UK citizen or a non-Malta company registering their yacht in Malta is known as an international owner.
An international owner must appoint a local resident agent in Malta – Flagport offers this service.
What size of yacht can be registered?
Private Registration – 6 metres in length or more.
Commercial Registration – 15 metres in length or more.
How can I check if the yacht I am buying is free from a mortgage?
We will be able to provide you with an official Transcript of the Certificate of Malta Registry.
If there is any mortgage registered on subject yacht, same will be reflected on the Transcript. The Transcript of Registry would also state the official full name and address of the yacht`s owners.
What do I need to do to be able to charter my yacht?
Compliance with the Malta Yacht Code – this is specifically intended for yachts engaged in commercial operations and which do not carry more than 12 passengers. This Code covers three categories of yachts:
∙ Yachts ≥ 15 m in length overall and < 24 m in length,
∙ Yachts ≥ 24 m in length and < 500 GT,
∙ Yachts ≥ 500 GT.
An Initial Survey is required prior to issuance of a provisional Certificate of Compliance. All yachts covered by this Code are required to be surveyed, certified and maintained in accordance to their respective category requirements in order to maintain the validity of their Certificate of Compliance (which is valid for 5 years) to trade as Commercial Yacht.
Following this there would be periodic surveys (depending on the yacht category) to maintain the Certificate of Compliance.
Where and who can Survey my yacht?
Surveys can be carried out anywhere in the world so long as a Malta Appointed Ship Surveyor or Recognised Organisation (RO) is used. We can assist with this coordination if so requested.
Are there any nationality restrictions for Masters, Officers or Crew of the yacht?
The Malta flag imposes no nationality restrictions when it comes to Master, Officers or Crew members.
What are the advantages of the Maltese flag instead of another flag?
The Malta flag is a reputable flag. The Malta registry is the sixth largest globally, the largest in Europe and is included on the Paris MoU White Flag list. Malta has a long maritime tradition, and the ship registry is, apart from reputable, internationally recognized.
- European Flag with a long maritime tradition
- Yachts can be registered irrespective of nationality.
- Provisional Malta yacht registration certificate can be normally issued in 2-3 working days.
- Low yacht registration and resident agent or company formation costs
- Progressive reduction in registration and tonnage tax for younger yachts
- No international restrictions for Masters, Officers and Crew
- No restrictions on sales or transfers of shares of a company owning Maltese ships.
- No restrictions on the sale and mortgaging of Maltese ships
- Marriages can be officiated onboard Maltese yachts
How long does the Malta yacht registration process take?
A provisional Malta Yacht Registration certificate can be issued in 2-3 days. This is a provisional certificate which is valid for six months. The provisional certificate can be extended (not exceeding the aggregate six months). During the provisional period, all documentation needs to be finalised and a permanent certificate of registry is issued thereafter.
What are the contact hours for the Malta ship registry?
The Malta Ship registry, Transport Malta, is available twenty-four hours, seven days a week. Flagport can be contacted via telephone during office hours but feel free to contact us here 24/7.