The Malta Flag 

Malta operates the sixth largest shipping register worldwide and the largest in Europe, and with over 850 vessels exceeding 24 metres in length, the largest superyacht register globally. The Malta Flag is widely recognised for its reliability, commercial flexibility and strong international standing. 

Administered by Transport Malta, the Maltese maritime register benefits from a competent and responsive authority supported by technical experts available on a 24/7 basis. Malta is a long-standing member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and a party to the principal international maritime conventions. 

Key advantages of the Malta Flag include: 

• A straightforward and efficient vessel registration and deletion process 

• Competitive registration costs 

• No restrictions on the nationality of corporate owners, nor of shareholders or directors of Maltese shipping companies 

• The possibility of bareboat charter registration of foreign vessels under the Malta Flag, as well as bareboat charter registration of Maltese vessels under a foreign flag 

• An attractive fiscal framework, including an EU-approved tonnage tax scheme for qualifying shipping organisations and a low effective VAT regime for yacht leasing based on actual use within EU waters 

Our Maritime Legal Services 

As a boutique law firm, David Zahra & Associates Advocates offers a distinct level of accessibility, responsiveness and a highly personalised service. Clients benefit from practical advice tailored to their commercial objectives as well as close coordination with authorities and technical consultants. This approach allows the firm to deliver efficient, responsive and solution-driven legal support throughout the lifecycle of maritime operations. 

David Zahra & Associates Advocates advises shipowners, yacht owners, operators and financiers on a broad range of shipping and yachting matters, including: 

• Ship/yacht registration and deletion under the Malta Flag 

• Registration and discharge of mortgages 

• Ship/yacht sale and purchase 

• Employment matters relating to the maritime sector 

• Corporate structuring for shipping and yachting operations, including related tax considerations 

• Dispute resolution, enforcement and vessel arrest and release procedures 

Resident Agent Services 

Through its associated Company Service Provider, DZ&A Corporate Limited, the firm is able to provide resident agent services in Malta for international ship and yacht owners. 

Resident agent services typically include: 

• Acting as the local point of contact for the Maltese authorities 

• Assisting with statutory filings and ongoing compliance 

• Facilitating communication between owners, managers and regulators 

This integrated approach enables clients to benefit from seamless legal, corporate and administrative support under one roof. 

For more information, feel free to get in touch with David at david@davidzahra.com, Andrew at andrew@davidzahra.com or Alexia at alexia@davidzahra.com. 

Maritime

Corporate M&A

Corporate Restructuring

Financial Services

Employment and Labour

Competition and EU Law

Real Estate

Intellectual Property

Residency

Sports Law