Malta Flag Registration: Advantages of the Maltese Flag

Malta has, for years, been a maritime nation of repute. Its strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean, natural harbours and extensive range of maritime services such as shipbuilding and repair, Freeport, bunkering, ship supplies and towage services have contributed to making Malta a leading maritime hub.

Today, the Maltese flag has earned the confidence of reputable ship owners, ship financiers and ship management companies as attested by the increasing registered tonnage. The Maltese Registry is now amongst the largest in the world.

Ship owners under the Maltese flag are afforded a number of benefits namely:

• Maltese vessels of 1000 net tons and over are automatically exempt from income tax, donation and succession duty, and duty on transfers and assignments.
• Maltese vessels under 1000 net tons, may be granted exemption of income tax, donation and succession duty, duty on transfers and assignments, after applications are filed and according to Government policy.
• It is also permitted to register oilrigs, platforms and barges, as well as vessels under construction and mortgages thereon.
• There are no restrictions on the nationality of the master, officers and crew serving on Maltese vessels, nor on the nationality of shareholders and directors of Maltese shipping companies.
• Maltese registered vessels enjoy efficient procedures for sale and registration of mortgages, as well as efficient procedures for the sale or transfer of shares or stock in Maltese shipping companies.
• Other benefits include: Competitive incorporation costs and registration fees. Uncomplicated and efficient procedure for registration or deletion of Maltese vessels, as well as for the registration and discharge of mortgages, and change of vessel name.
• Competent authorities, backed by a qualified and efficient team of technical officers available for urgent matters on a 24 hour basis.
• No trading restrictions imposed on Maltese registered vessels.
• A number of double taxation and bilateral maritime agreements with other maritime nations.

For Vessel Registration Services, including Ship & Yacht Registration, Shipping Company Incorporation and Yacht Finance Leasing; kindly forward your query to marine@csbgroup.com