Yachts may be registered under the Malta Flag regardless as to whether they are ultimately intended for private or commercial use.
Yacht Registration
Who can register?
Any citizen of Malta or of the European Union (EU) and any company registered in Malta or in an EU Member State may register a yacht under the Maltese flag.
If the EU owner does not live in Malta, he/she must appoint a local resident agent.
A non-EU citizen cannot procure the registration of a yacht in Malta directly. However, any such non-EU citizen would be entitled to set up a company in Malta to hold and register the relevant yacht under the Malta flag. Non-EU registered entities may register a vessel in Malta if such entities also appoint a resident agent in Malta, and if the registrar-general is satisfied that such entities enjoy legal personality under the laws of the country where they are established.
When can the vessel be registered?
Vessels may also be registered in Malta whilst they are still being built or equipped and pending their completion. Maltese legislation provides protection for both financiers and vessel owners and a straightforward mortgage system.
A vessel would first be registered under the Malta flag provisionally if the correct documents have been submitted to the authorities. Within six months and upon submission of any other required documentation, the yacht would be permanently registered as a Maltese flagged vessel.
Registration fees levied by the domestic authorities in connection with yacht registrations are chargeable by size and tonnage; however, these fees are generally reasonable.