Aircraft Registration in Malta (The Ultimate Guide for 2025)

Malta is a top choice for aircraft registration, offering many benefits for owners and operators. This article covers the advantages, requirements, processes, costs, and tax perks of registering aircraft in Malta.

What Is Aircraft Registration in Malta?

Aircraft registration in Malta is the process of documenting an aircraft under the Maltese Aircraft Register, overseen by the Civil Aviation Directorate. It provides the aircraft with legal status and allows it to operate under Malta’s jurisdiction. 

This process ensures compliance with aviation standards and offers benefits like tax advantages and global mobility.

Benefits of Registering Aircraft in Malta

Malta offers several advantages to aircraft owners and operators. Below are the main benefits:

• Global Mobility and EU Access: Malta’s membership in the EU guarantees unrestricted access to European markets and aircraft operations across member states.
  
  
• Robust Creditor Protections: The Cape Town Convention enhances creditor trust by providing strong legal protections and lower financing costs.
  
  
• Flexible Ownership Structures: Options for fractional ownership and trusts allow for co-ownership and confidentiality.
  
  
• Cost-Effective Ecosystem: Competitive registration fees, a well-regulated aviation environment, and skilled multilingual professionals create a favorable ecosystem.
  
  
• Comprehensive Support Services: Facilities like the Safi Aviation Park provide maintenance, repair, and training. This provides end-to-end support for aviation operators.

Eligibility for Registration

To register an aircraft in Malta, certain eligibility criteria must be met. Here are the main requirements:

• Who Can Register:
  
  
  • Maltese citizens, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, and OECD citizens.
    
    
  • Individuals or entities from approved jurisdictions under Maltese law, including China, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and others.
    
    
    For the most accurate and updated list of approved jurisdictions, reach out to us through our contact form.
    
    
  • Commercial operators must also obtain Air Operator Certificates (AOC) and Air Operator Licenses (AOL).
    
    
• Resident Agent Requirement: International registrants must appoint a Maltese resident agent to manage legal, administrative, and compliance matters.
  
  
• Flexibility for Aircraft Types: Malta allows registration of operational, non-operational, and under-construction aircraft.

Registration Process

Here’s an overview of the process of registering an aircraft in Malta:

1. Application Submission: Submit details of ownership, operation, and acquisition, along with supporting documentation such as proof of ownership and prior de-registration certificates.
   
   
2. Verification by Authorities: The Civil Aviation Directorate reviews applications to ensure compliance with the Aircraft Registration Act.
   
   
3. Certificate Issuance: Upon approval, a Certificate of Registration is issued, confirming compliance and granting legal status to the aircraft.

Total Costs of Aircraft Operations in Malta

Malta’s competitive fee structure makes it an affordable jurisdiction for registering aircraft. Below are the primary costs:

• Registration Fees: Aircraft registration fees depend on the aircraft’s maximum take-off weight (MTOW).
  
  
  • Less than 750 kg: €69.88
    
    
  • Between 750 kg and 2,730 kg: €139.76
    
    
  • Between 2,730 kg and 5,700 kg: €209.64
    
    
  • Between 5,700 kg and 15,000 kg: €279.52
    
    
  • Between 15,000 kg and 50,000 kg: €419.29
    
    
  • Above 50,000 kg: €698.81
    
    
• Certificate Amendments:
  
  
  • Change of address: €46.59
    
    
  • Change of ownership: 50% of the initial registration fee.
    
    
• Operational Licenses for Commercial Aircraft: Initial issue fees and annual renewal fees vary based on seating capacity.
  
  
  • Less than 20 seats: Initial fee €1,397.62, Annual fee €465.87
    
    
  • 20–49 seats: Initial fee €2,329.37, Annual fee €1,397.62
    
    
  • 50–99 seats: Initial fee €3,494.06, Annual fee €2,329.37
    
    
  • 100–199 seats: Initial fee €5,823.43, Annual fee €3,494.06
    
    
  • 200+ seats: Initial fee €8,152.81, Annual fee €5,823.43

Tax Benefits for Private and Commercial Aircraft in Malta

Malta provides a range of tax benefits designed for both private and commercial aircraft, making it a preferred destination for aviation operations. Below are the main benefits for each category:

Private Aircraft

• No Tax on Private Use: Private use of aircraft by non-residents or employees of aviation companies is not considered a taxable fringe benefit.
  
  
• Reduced VAT for Leasing: Aircraft leasing benefits from reduced VAT rates, calculated based on time spent in EU airspace.
  
  
• Double Taxation Treaties: Malta has treaties with over 70 jurisdictions. These provide tax efficiency for international operations.
  
  
• No Withholding Tax: Payments on leases to non-residents are exempt from withholding tax, enhancing financial flexibility.

Commercial Aircraft

• No Withholding Tax: Lease payments to non-residents are exempt from withholding tax. This lowers the operational costs for commercial operators.
  
  
• Tax Refunds: Shareholders of companies operating commercial aircraft may qualify for partial tax refunds under specific corporate structures.
  
  
• VAT Exemptions for Aviation Services: Services like maintenance, repair, and operations for commercial aircraft are exempt from VAT.
  
  
• No Fringe Benefit Taxation for Crew: Non-resident crew members enjoy tax-free benefits for work-related usage of aircraft facilities.
  
  
• Accelerated Depreciation Rates: Competitive depreciation rates apply to commercial aircraft, optimizing tax efficiency.

Simplify your aircraft registration in Malta with our expert services. Let us guide you through the requirements and take care of the process—get in touch today!