Main reasons aircraft owners should register their aircraft in Malta

by KNOWLEDGE CENTER | Jan 8, 2023 | Aircraft

Main reasons aircraft owners should register their aircraft in Malta

Despite its small size, Malta has many more aircraft registered with it than its airports could handle. This is primarily because the Maltese Aircraft Registry is very reputable and Malta offers several benefits for the registration of aircraft on its register.

Malta is a flourishing European Union member state, and the Maltese National Aircraft Registry is a credible aircraft registry, which approves high standards which are in line with European Union and international regulations.

Why register your aircraft in Malta

In addition to the points stated below, the Maltese aviation framework provides several other advantages to anyone looking to register an aircraft on the island.

Member of the EU

Malta has all of the benefits of being a member of the European union – its geographical location, the European time zone, and a robust legislative framework. As a member of the EU, Aircraft registered in Malta can enjoy free circulation within the EU, which enables tax-free commercial operations.

Tax Incentives

In addition to a low corporate tax system and a full imputation tax system, Malta offers competitive tax depreciation rates for aviation goals, and partial shareholder tax refunds. Malta also offers no withholding tax on lease payments where the lessor is not a tax resident in Malta.

Malta has an extensive tax treaty network with over 70 jurisdictions, and this extensive double tax treaty network makes it the ideal location to do business.

Flexibility

Concerning Malta aircraft registration, the Malta Aircraft Registration Act offers global operators incomparable flexibility. While aircraft may be registered in Malta, Aircraft on the Maltese register can be situated and operated anywhere in the world and have the ability to operate unhindered in the European zone.

Fractional Ownership

Aircraft registration in Malta also enables fractional ownership, which means that co-owners can specify a percentage stake in the aircraft, each funded by a separate creditor.

Framework

In addition to an extensive legal and statutory framework for the registration of aircraft, Malta also falls under the jurisdiction of the European Aviation Safety Agency, meaning the Maltese aircraft registry holds operators to high protection standards.

Growth

Malta Aircraft Registry has experienced substantial growth in recent years, and the Maltese Aircraft register is now one of the fastest evolving registries in Europe, having witnessed a substantial rise in the number of registered aircraft in recent years.

Expertise

There are multiple aircraft servicing companies in Malta, so if you register an aircraft there, you will enjoy the advantages of being close to leading companies and their insight.

Cost-effective

Aircraft registration costs, as well as expenses for establishing and maintaining corporate entities in Malta, are relatively low and affordable in comparison to other European jurisdictions.

In addition to competitive aviation registration costs, Maltese authority fully understands the aviation sector and provides a lot of favorable corporate structures.

Moreover, the country also acknowledges the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, which sets global standards for leases, security interests, and registration of contracts.

Need help registering an aircraft in Malta? – Let’s go ahead and contact your Damalion expert now and let us help.

Malta is a flourishing European Union member state, and the Maltese National Aircraft Registry is a credible aircraft registry, which approves high standards which are in line with European Union and international regulations.

Why register your aircraft in Malta

In addition to the points stated below, the Maltese aviation framework provides several other advantages to anyone looking to register an aircraft on the island.

Member of the EU

Malta has all of the benefits of being a member of the EU – its geographical location, the European time zone, and a robust legislative framework. As a member of the EU, Aircraft registered in Malta can enjoy free circulation within the EU, which enables tax-free commercial operations.

Tax Incentives

In addition to a low corporate tax system and a full imputation tax system, Malta offers competitive tax depreciation rates for aviation goals, and partial shareholder tax refunds. Malta also offers no withholding tax on lease payments where the lessor is not a tax resident in Malta.

Malta has an extensive tax treaty network with over 70 jurisdictions, and this extensive double tax treaty network makes it the ideal location to do business.

Flexibility

Concerning Malta aircraft registration, the Malta Aircraft Registration Act offers global operators incomparable flexibility. While aircraft may be registered in Malta, Aircraft on the Maltese register can be situated and operated anywhere in the world and have the ability to operate unhindered in the European zone.

Fractional Ownership

Aircraft registration in Malta also enables fractional ownership, which means that co-owners can specify a percentage stake in the aircraft, each funded by a separate creditor.

Framework

In addition to an extensive legal and statutory framework for the registration of aircraft, Malta also falls under the jurisdiction of the European Aviation Safety Agency, meaning the Maltese aircraft registry holds operators to high protection standards.

Growth

Malta Aircraft Registry has experienced substantial growth in recent years, and the Maltese Aircraft register is now one of the fastest evolving registries in Europe, having witnessed a substantial rise in the number of registered aircraft in recent years.

Expertise

There are multiple aircraft servicing companies in Malta, so if you register an aircraft there, you will enjoy the advantages of being close to leading companies and their insight.

Cost-effective

Aircraft registration costs, as well as expenses for establishing and maintaining corporate entities in Malta, are relatively low and affordable in comparison to other European jurisdictions.

In addition to competitive aviation registration costs, Maltese authority fully understands the aviation sector and provides a lot of favorable corporate structures.

Moreover, the country also acknowledges the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, which sets global standards for leases, security interests, and registration of contracts.

Need help registering an aircraft in Malta? – Let’s go ahead and contact your Damalion expert now and let us help.

Main reasons aircraft owners should register their aircraft in Malta

For private owners, operators, financiers, lessors, and corporate flight departments • We help you prepare a clear file: ownership, operator, use, airworthiness, and financial rights. Banks and authorities make their own decisions.

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Why choose Malta

Malta is an EU jurisdiction with a reliable aircraft register. It follows European and international aviation standards. Owners value predictable procedures, recognition across Europe, and supportive policies for financing and asset protection.

EU framework. Recognition across EU skies and institutions.
Ownership options. Full, co-ownership, and fractional interests are possible.
Operator flexibility. The aircraft may be based and operated outside Malta.
Creditor protection tools. Mortgages and standard security rights can be recorded.
Growing ecosystem. Local MRO and aviation services support continuing airworthiness.
Efficient costs. Registration and corporate running costs are competitive in Europe.

Who can register

Natural persons and legal entities can register if they meet Malta’s eligibility rules. Non-EU owners may register in specific cases when an eligible operator or resident agent is appointed. Corporate structures (e.g., an SPV) are common for financing and risk management.

Key documents

Proof of identity and address (for individuals) or corporate documents (for companies).
Evidence of ownership or the right to register (bill of sale, lease, or title chain).
Details of the operator and the intended use (private, commercial, AOC reference where relevant).
Airworthiness documents, manuals, and maintenance status.
Mortgage or security information if a lender requires registration.
Representation documents if a resident agent or appointed representative is used.

Registration uses at a glance

Topic	Private use	Commercial use
Typical holder	Owner or SPV with designated operator	AOC holder or lessee with commercial approvals
Core documents	Title/right to register, airworthiness, operator details	As private + AOC reference and operational approvals
Financing	Mortgage/charge can be recorded	Same, plus lease arrangements recorded if required
Mark	9H-xxx assigned after approval	9H-xxx assigned after approval

Registration steps

Choose the role. Owner, operator, or both; confirm eligibility.
Collect documents. Title/right to register, IDs, corporate papers, maintenance status.
File the application. Include intended use and technical details.
Complete checks. Identity, ownership, and airworthiness checks are performed.
Receive marks and certificate. Registration mark is issued and airworthiness is confirmed.

Timeframes depend on completeness of the file and technical readiness of the aircraft.

Costs and timing

Official fees apply for registration, airworthiness and any recorded security.
Corporate and representation costs vary by structure and service scope.
With a complete file and a ready aircraft, decisions can be made in a short timeframe.

Frequently asked questions

Who is legally eligible to register an aircraft in Malta?

Eligibility is assessed under Maltese aviation law. Natural persons and legal entities may register if they meet residency or qualifying criteria. Non-EU persons can register in specific situations when an eligible operator or representative is appointed. Evidence of the legal right to register is required.

Can a non-resident company be the registered owner?

Yes. A foreign company may register if the legal right to register is proven and a qualified person or representative is in place when the law requires it. Corporate documents must be valid and, where applicable, translated or legalized.

What registration mark will be assigned?

Malta assigns the national mark “9H-” followed by three letters. The mark is reserved and confirmed upon approval of the application and payment of applicable fees.

What evidence of ownership is acceptable?

Acceptable evidence includes a bill of sale, a lease that confers the right to register, or other title documents that establish a clear chain of ownership. Documents must be consistent and, where required, notarized or apostilled.

May fractional ownership be recorded?

Yes. Fractional interests can be recorded so that each co-owner’s percentage is clear. Security interests may also be recorded against such interests, subject to formalities.

How are operator responsibilities defined?

The operator is responsible for operational control and compliance with air operations requirements. Where the owner is not the operator, the registration file should disclose the operator and the intended use, with references to approvals if applicable.

What are the airworthiness requirements?

The aircraft must meet applicable airworthiness standards and be in a condition for safe operation. Technical records, maintenance status, and conformity documents are reviewed before a Certificate of Airworthiness or equivalent is issued.

Can aircraft be registered while located outside Malta?

Yes. Physical presence in Malta is not mandatory for registration if all legal and technical requirements are met and the aircraft can be inspected or otherwise verified as required by the authority.

Are mortgages and other security interests registrable?

Yes. An aircraft mortgage or other recognized security can be recorded in the register. Registration time and priority rules apply. Lenders may also require standard undertakings and notices.

Is an IDERA or deregistration power accepted?

Yes. An irrevocable deregistration and export request authorization (IDERA) or similar power may be recorded when the legal requirements are satisfied, enabling enforcement in line with the recorded terms.

How are liens and priorities treated?

Priority follows the applicable recording and notice rules. Certain statutory liens may arise under law. Parties should review priority positions during closing and record interests promptly.

What is required for a change of ownership?

A change must be notified with supporting documents (e.g., bill of sale). The register is updated after review and payment of fees. Existing recorded security is handled in accordance with its terms and any required consents.

How is a lease recorded?

A lease or sub-lease may be recorded when it affects registration rights or operational disclosures. The filing should include essential terms that establish the lessee’s rights and responsibilities.

Can an aircraft be deregistered and exported on request?

Yes. Deregistration is available on application by the entitled party or by a party holding an effective deregistration authorization. Export processes must comply with customs and aviation rules.

What are the tax considerations at registration stage?

Malta applies its domestic tax rules and any applicable reliefs. Import VAT, customs status, and the operator’s activities can influence the treatment. Separate tax advice is recommended before closing.

Are continuing airworthiness obligations monitored?

Yes. The operator must maintain the aircraft in accordance with approved maintenance programs and keep records available for oversight. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action.

Does registration in Malta restrict operation to Malta?

No. Registration does not limit operations to Malta. Flights must comply with operational approvals, traffic rights, and local laws of the states where the aircraft is operated.

What language and form should documents follow?

Documents must be legible and complete. Certified translations may be required if the original language is not accepted by the authority. Legalization or apostille may be requested for foreign documents.

How long does initial registration take?

Timing depends on the completeness of the file, the availability of technical records, and any inspections. Well-prepared applications are processed more quickly.

Is there a public extract of the register?

Yes. The authority may issue extracts or confirmations that show the status of registration, recorded interests, and other public entries, subject to fees and legal limits.