The purpose of this guide is to introduce the EU member state of Malta as a potential location for the importation of a yacht into the European Union.
The guide also introduces the services that can be provided by Oceanskies (Malta) Limited to assist with the EU importation of yachts in Malta.
Oceanskies (Malta) Limited specialises in the registration of yachts under the Malta flag and provides agency services to yachts visiting Malta.
We would stress that this guide should not be construed as legal or fiscal advice and we would recommend that any owner always take their own legal and fiscal advice on whether or not Malta should be used for importation purposes.
Malta is located in the heart of the Mediterranean approximately 90 kilometres south of Sicily and 300 kilometres Northeast of Tunisia
The location of Malta makes the island a convenient stop off location for many yachts transiting through the Mediterranean.
Malta became an EU member state in 2004.
Upon becoming an EU member state VAT in Malta was harmonized with the European Council Directive regarding VAT.
EU VAT in Malta in theory applies to all goods that are imported into Malta from outside the VAT territory of the EU unless eligible for relief.
The current standard rate of VAT is one of the lowest in the EU set at 18%.
This means that the VAT applicable to the European importation of a yacht in Malta is 18%.
EU customs duties in theory also apply to all goods imported into Malta from outside the customs territory of the EU unless eligible for relief.
Acting as port agents, Oceanskies (Malta) Limited are able to assist yachts visiting Malta by arranging berthing and the handling of all customs, import and immigration formalities either as a stand-alone service or as part of its range of yacht registration services.
Through our locally based, customs approved, partner surveyor in Malta we can also organise yacht valuation surveys in order to determine vessel value for customs importation purposes where necessary.
It should be noted that a yacht does not have to be owned or registered in Malta for its EU importation to be carried out in Malta. Crucially to create an EU import the vessel’s must make Malta its first port of physical entry to the EU.
The three most common types of yacht importation scenario are as follows:
Please do not hesitate to contact us to for further information or to request a free no obligation proposal for the EU import of a yacht through Malta.