Superyacht Registration

Today, Malta is an undisputed world leader in the registration of superyachts and the largest European flag, having made steady inroads in the superyacht sector by attracting some of the world’s most beautiful yachts and influential yacht owners.

The number of commercial and private yachts over 24m in length registered under the Malta flag stand at 383 and 724 respectively – more than any other flag.

This success is underpinned by the legal protections afforded to financiers, effective tax structuring options, a solid legal system, and streamlined importation procedures. These are complemented by the excellent marina, refit, chandlery, and agency services offered to yachts physically calling at Malta’s ports.

Malta’s maritime industry stakeholders and authorities have recognised the value that this industry brings and have taken tangible steps to support it, working hand in hand to provide a full-service offering, with the country’s small size rendering individual relationships easier to develop and manage.

Malta is now reaping the rewards as superyacht owners grow increasingly aware of the potential benefits afforded by the eight-pointed cross.

As a registry, Malta faces strong competition from other flag states that are similarly looking to attract the attention of the rapidly growing luxury vessels industry. It has therefore built on the heritage, reputation and success that the country has enjoyed for centuries as a shipping jurisdiction by developing tailor-made, professionally delivered solutions, as well as through efforts to strengthen legislative and practical frameworks to effectively service the industry and lay the groundwork for further growth.

Malta is now working on its first official superyacht policy to determine how it can remain the top proposition for superyacht owners.

Yachts can be registered for both private and commercial use, and can avail themselves of all the benefits afforded to other ships, including low registration costs and taxes, as well as free global navigation.

Recent changes to the VAT treatment of pleasure yacht leasing mean that owners can establish attractive operational lease models with cash flow advantages and overall VAT optimisation. These changes lead to varying VAT rates based on where the vessel is used, with no VAT applicable on its enjoyment in non-EU or international waters unless the lessee is using it for commercial purposes