Most common questions about Malta yacht registration

What documents are required to apply for the MALTA flag?

The required paperwork for your provisional application is shown below:
(Originals must be provided and will be given back.)

Recreational yacht registration:

• The builder’s certificate (If it’s a new boat)

• The original bill of sale

• A survey certificate issued by a reputable surveyor

• ITD for ships larger than 24 meters

• Properly signed carving and marking note

• The deletion certificate (If the boat was registered previously)

• The original provisional certificate must be surrendered

Commercial yacht registration:

• Inspection Report

• Radio Report

• Radio Application

• Certificate of MLC Compliance

• Survey Certificate

• Tonnage Certificate

• Earlier survey certificate (if applicable)

• Certificate of international antifouling

• Certificate for an international load line

• Application for registration

• Assurance of ownership

• Application form for safe manning

• Certified copy of an old registration document

Documents required for permanent registration:

• A builder's certificate in the applicant's name, or in the case of previous ownership, a bill of sale or any other document by which the vessel was passed to the applicant for registry.

• Whenever appropriate, revoke the registry certificate that was issued by the agency where the yacht's last record was made.

• Copy of the most recent Continuous Synopsis Record produced by the Administration, in situations involving commercial yachts weighing more than 500 gross tonnes, showing when the vessel was last documented.

• An appointed surveyor or recognised organisation must provide a Certificate of Survey and a copy of the International Tonnage Certificate.

• There is proof that the vessel has been legally labelled.

• Copy the CE Marking Certificate if necessary.

Which nationalities can apply for the MALTA flag?

Anyone may possess a Maltese flag registration, but only citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are allowed to do so in their own names; everyone else must own the vessel through a Maltese or EU company.

What kind of boats can be registered?

All types of boats, including sailing yachts, motor yachts, cabin boats, open boats, ships under construction, and many more, are eligible for Maltese registration. (Ships older than 15 years are subject to some additional criteria)

What is the time frame for registering under the MALTA flag?

Provisional registration can be provided within 2-3 business days. A boat is initially registered under the Malta flag provisionally for a term of 6 months (which may be extended for an additional period, or periods not to exceed a total of 6 months), during which time all paperwork must be completed. While we submit an application for permanent registration.

Is there any inspection/survey needed?

Prior to or within one month of being provisionally registered, ships between the ages of 15 and 20 must pass an inspection. Before receiving temporary registration, ships between 20 and 25 years old must pass an inspection, and the island's authorities must expressly approve the registration of any ship older than 25 years.

After the first month and the sixth month of the yacht's temporary registration, more documents will be needed to gain permanent registration. After a year, if the vessel has not been permanently registered, registration must start over, the necessary paperwork must be submitted again, and new costs must be paid. The Maltese Transport Authority may impose other special conditions. The cost-free annual renewal of the permanent Certificate of Malta Registry is available from the date of initial registration.

What are the names of the Maltese government's accredited agencies for survey, tonnage, and convention certificates?

American Bureau of Shipping

• Bureau Veritas

• China Classification Society

• ClassNK

• DNV-GL

• Korean Register of Shipping

• Lloyd’s Register of Shipping

• Polish Register of Shipping PRS

• Registro Italiano Navale RINA

• Russian Maritime Register of Shipping

Can we register the boat for private or a commercial use?

Yes! A boat can be registered as either a private or a business yacht while flying the Malta flag.

Is the Malta registration valid worldwide?

The documentation provided by Malta is issued in English and is recognised worldwide.

Is it mandatory to physically take the boat to Malta?

No physical visit to Malta is required for yachts registered there.

Is there any limitation regarding the nationality of the crew?

Malta does not impose any limitations on the nationality of crew members working aboard yachts that are registered locally.

Does VAT have to be paid?

Yes, VAT is a European tax, and flying a separate flag won't stop you from paying it. In fact, you must provide proof of VAT payment to apply for a Maltese registration. If you acquire a used boat, the former owner should have paid the VAT, which should be indicated on the bill of sale when you buy a new boat. When purchasing the boat, make sure to ask for proof of this VAT payment.

Do you accept documents in all languages?

Since English is one of Malta's two official languages, it is acceptable to submit official documents in this language. If you cannot provide the documents in English, we will have them sworn translation into English.

What license is needed to sail?

Citizens of Malta and visitors to the island must have a Transport Malta nautical licence. It permits the holder to sail, power, or operate a jet ski in Maltese territorial waters only with a combined horsepower of 30Hp or more (12 Nautical Miles).