- Efficient procedures on:
- registration of vessels and mortgages over such vessels
- sale or transfer of shares or stock in Maltese shipping companies
- Ships may be registered:
- in the name of legally constituted corporate bodies or entities irrespective of nationality, or by a European Union citizen
- Reputable and internationally recognised ship register
- European Flag with a long maritime tradition
- On the White List of the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU
- On the Low Risk Ship List of the Paris MoU
- No nationality restrictions for master, officers and crew
- No trading restrictions and preferential treatment to Maltese ships in certain ports
- Various tax related benefits and / or outright exemption on items such as:
- income tax on revenue earned from the activity of such vessels
- payment of capital succession duty
- duty on documents and transfers related to sale or transfer of a Maltese vessel
- double taxation or bilateral agreements with other maritime nations
- A well-organised and highly responsive Flag Administration:
- which is one of the largest registers in the world
- providing easy access to decision-makers within the competent authorities, backed by qualified and efficient technical officers available for urgent matters round the clock.
- very active in European Union fora and international organisations
- that values and nurtures long term customer relationships
Maltese requirements well known to main shipyards and main classification societies
Marriages can be officiated aboard Maltese ships
The availability of various maritime services including highly reputable and credible professional services supporting registration, management and administration, all acting in synchronisation with a clear strategic political vision supporting all business in general and especially the maritime industry.
Eligibility for registration
All types of vessels may be registered, including :
- oil rigs, platforms and barges,
- hulls / vessels under construction
provided that, inter alia, they are wholly owned by legally constituted corporate bodies or entities irrespective of nationality, or by European Union citizens.
The formation of a Maltese company is a straightforward operation; there are no nationality requirements as to both the shareholders and directors.
In the case of non-Maltese owners, registration can be done via the appointment of a resident Agent.
