Malta Registration

Malta is an island nation in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, and a member of the European Union since 2004. Thanks to its long maritime tradition and English-speaking business environment, it is one of the Mediterranean's leading maritime centres.

The Maltese register is run by the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta. By tonnage it is the largest register in Europe and one of the leading registers in the world, and it is widely chosen for both private and commercial yachts.

General Information

• Location: Central Mediterranean — capital Valletta
• Status: Independent republic, member of the EU and the euro area
• Official languages: Maltese and English
• Currency: Euro
• Legal system: a mix of continental and English law; maritime law follows the English model

Key Features

• The Malta flag is an EU flag, giving recognition and convenience to yachts cruising in EU waters.
• The register accepts private (pleasure) and commercial yachts. Commercial yachts follow Malta's own Commercial Yacht Code, with no tonnage limit.
• There are no nationality restrictions on the master, officers and crew.
• Yachts can switch between commercial and pleasure status as needed.
• Malta is on the white list of port State control (Paris MoU).

Who Is It For?

• Owners using their yacht in EU waters who want an EU flag.
• Yachts to be operated commercially in the Mediterranean.
• Owners looking for a well-established register with a strong European legal framework.