Under the Merchant Shipping Act a Malta registered ship or yacht has to be owned by:

• A Malta registered company
• A Foreign body corporate
• An EU citizen.

As a result, in order for any non EU resident to register his yacht or ship under the Maltese flag, he has first to register a company in Malta.
Further information on this subject can be found in our article:

1. We are an Indian Company exporting goods to Algeria. Can we obtain MADE IN EUROPE certification (and therefore reduced customs tariffs in the importing country) by selling these goods through a Malta?
2. I am an EU citizen. Are there any restrictions to the type of business I can operate in Malta?
3. My UK Company develops software in India which it markets all over the world, with our major market being the United States. Can such trading be conducted through a Malta registered company?
4. I have been told that to trade in Malta through a company structure, a foreigner will need a Maltese partner. Can you please advise?
5. What is the rate of corporation tax on the profits of an International Trading Company?