Transport Malta Aviation and Maritime Registration

Papilio Services assist clients with both Maritime and Aviation requirements for local and international clients.

Transport Malta – Maritime

The Malta maritime and shipping industry dates back centuries and this tradition today continues ensuring Malta is recognised as a maritime nation of superb reputation.

Transport Malta, through its Ports and Yachting Directorate, is responsible for regulating maritime leisure activities in the territorial and internal waters of Malta and is involved in the development and implementation of better organisation of popular bays in Malta and Gozo.

Papilio Services assist our clients with:

• Ship Registration in Malta
• Malta Superyacht Registration
• Incorporating a shipping company in Malta
• Malta tax advice for companies

Advantages of Registering a Ship under a Maltese Flag

• Strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean.
• Malta is part of the European Union (EU) with political, economic and social stability.
• Many unique and affordable maritime services at the yacht owners disposal.
• Attractive tax incentives introduced by the Maltese government, such as the Malta Yacht VAT scheme.
• Ships may be registered in the name of a corporate body or entity regardless of nationality, or EU citizenship.
• Low company formation, ship registration and tonnage tax costs.
• Progressive reduction in registration and tonnage tax costs for younger ships.
• Incentives may also be extended to smaller ships.
• No restrictions on the nationality of the master, officers and crew.
• No restrictions on the sale or transfer of shares of a company owning Maltese ships.
• No restrictions on the sale and mortgaging of Maltese ships.
• No trading restrictions and, preferential treatment to Maltese ships in certain ports.
• 24/7 service with urgent matters.
• Malta is an international maritime centre providing the whole range of maritime services.
• Attractive incentives to owners registered charterers and financiers of Maltese ships of over 1,000 net tonnages.

Transport Malta – Aviation

Transport Malta assist in fostering safety and the economic development of civil aviation in Malta within a balanced safety oversight system in which both the State and the aviation industry share the responsibilities for the safe, regular and efficient conduct of their activities.

Malta Aircraft Registration has become popular in recent times as there are several attractive benefits. The Maltese government has taken steps to create a framework that improves aircraft standards and aircraft operator licensing — therefore leading Malta to become a hub for aviation.

Papilio Services assist our clients with:

• Aircraft Registration in Malta
• Incorporating an aviation company in Malta
• Malta tax advice for companies

What are the advantages of Aircraft Registration in Malta?

Aircraft registration in Malta has several tax benefits given to the owner of the plane. Here are some of the main advantages:

• An attractive Corporate Tax System in Malta
  • Malta Tax Refund System allows for international tax planning opportunities by reducing the effective tax rate to 5% for trading companies.
  • Malta Participation Exemption is the relief from taxation for a shareholder in a company on dividends and capital gains received from the sale of shares.
  • No withholding tax on lease payments where the lessor is not a tax resident of Malta
• Malta has an extensive network of double tax treaties with over 70 jurisdictions, including the United States. See the full list here
• The aircraft leasing VAT programme can help reduce the VAT liability
• There is no import duty payable in Malta on civil aircraft and aircraft are exempt from Maltese stamp duty purposes
• Malta has been a part of the European Union (EU) since 2004
• Malta has one of the lowest VAT rates within the EU
• Recognition of fractional ownership of aircraft. Fractional ownership means co-owners of the title may divide ownership into specified fractions or percentages can be financed by different creditors who can only seek security over that particular fraction.
• No restrictions on the nationality of shareholders and directors of Maltese aviation companies
• Malta has fantastic local aviation services that are available to meet any of your needs regarding aircraft maintenance, aircraft management, aircraft repair and control
• The €17 million Safi Aviation Park offers protected airside facilities for aviation and related activities. Safi Aviation Park complies with aviation standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
• The Cape Town Convention provides lessors with a higher degree of protection and more effective support while allowing lower borrowing costs.

Contact Us

If you require any assistance when dealing with the Malta Transport Authority or setting up a tax-effective structure to hold your assets such as your aircraft or yacht, contact our specialist team today. Our qualified Malta Tax Advisors seek to maximise all of the opportunities available to you from the initial planning stages through to the commencement and continuation of services. Arrange a consultation by calling us directly on +356 2258 2000, or email through enquiries@papilioservices.com, and we will respond to you within 24 hours.