Redefining the International Owner | Malta Shipping Law

Through Legal Notice 22 of 2015, the individuals who are qualified to own Maltese vessels, have also been extended to include citizens of the European Economic Area and of Switzerland, while prior to this amendment this was limited only to citizens of the European Union.

Thus, a citizen of a Member State of the European Union or of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland not residing in Malta shall be qualified to own a Maltese Ship or a share therein. The Legal Notice sought to fill in the gap and include EEA and Swiss nationals to the definition of International Owner, as long as these are not resident in Malta.

The notion of “international owner” is now defined as a foreign body corporate or other entity which enjoys legal personality to the satisfaction of the Registrar of Shipping and individuals who are citizens of the European Union of the European Economic Area and of Switzerland.

For further information on how to proceed with such ownership please contact us by email here.