Yacht Registration Malta

• We advise our clients on both selling their yacht and acquiring a new (or a pre-owned) one
• This also includes the provision of advice on all necessary requirements to complete a proper transfer of ownership with the Maltese register;
• We assist in preparing all necessary documents required for the legal transfer or purchase of a yacht; we obtain all necessary documents from the authorities for both sellers and buyers, and can also help determine if the yacht you intend to purchase has any registered encumbrances if it is already registered under the Maltese flag;
• Preparation of all the necessary forms for the purpose of registering a newly purchased (or a pre-owned) vessel, under the Maltese flag;
• Liaison with surveyors;
• Submission of the necessary forms to the Merchant Shipping Directorate;

2. Support related to agreements

• We can assist in drafting both charter and lease agreements or review and evaluate such agreements from a legal perspective;
• We can also assist in reviewing crew contracts and advise you on labor law and the Maritime Labour Convention.

3. VAT structures and tax matters

• Our experience and qualifications in VAT and tax matters are essential to help you understand the VAT and tax implications of acquiring or selling a yacht registered under the Maltese flag;
• We can help you better understand all matters related to your yacht, including the amount of VAT you need to pay, support with tonnage tax, leasing structures, and assistance with where and when you should or should not pay VAT on supplies.
• We can also assist you with the application for the VAT Deferment Scheme (if and where applicable).

4. Commercial vs. pleasure yacht status

• Commercial yacht registration: The registration of commercial yachts is regulated by the Commercial Yacht Code 2020, issued by the Maltese Directorate for Merchant Shipping. The main characteristics of a “Commercial Yacht,” as defined by the law, are as follows:
  • Engaged in lawful trade
  • Having a total length of 15 meters or more
  • Certified under the provisions of the code and used commercially for sports or leisure purposes
  • Does not carry cargo
  • Carries no more than 12 passengers
• Registration of pleasure yachts: The Directorate for Merchant Shipping considers such vessels as yachts that are 6 meters or longer, do not carry passengers for a fee, and are not engaged in trade but are used solely for the owner’s purpose.
• Both types of yachts are initially registered provisionally for 6 months. During these 6 months (which can be extended), the documents required for permanent registration must be completed. Once permanent registration is completed, an annual fee must be paid each year on the anniversary of the initial registration;
• Contact us so we can assist you in determining which option is more suitable for you and further explain what documents are required for registration.

5. Resident Agent services

• Under Maltese law, international owners may own a Maltese vessel or a share therein. However, if the same owner is not a resident of Malta, a “Resident Agent” with ordinary residence in Malta must be appointed to act on behalf of the international owner;
• Here at DW&P, we are able to offer such a service to our clients to further facilitate the process. This position allows us to sign and submit applications on behalf of the international owner, pay fees, liaise with the MSD for and on behalf of the international owner, notarize documents on behalf of the owner.