Aircraft Registration in Malta: Complete Guide (2025)

Malta has established itself as one of Europe’s most efficient and business-friendly jurisdictions for registering private and commercial aircraft. With a robust legal framework, a respected EU flag, and a highly responsive aviation authority, Malta offers unique advantages for aircraft owners, lessors, financiers, and operators.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from who qualifies, to the benefits, the process, costs, and frequently asked questions.

✅ Why Register an Aircraft in Malta?

Reputation: The Malta aircraft register is respected globally, mirroring the success of its maritime register.

EU Jurisdiction: Malta is an EU member state, offering full access to EU airspace and protections.

Cape Town Convention: Malta has fully implemented the Convention and Aircraft Protocol, offering strong legal protections for financiers and lessors.

Efficient Registration: The Maltese aviation authority is known for responsiveness and transparent procedures.

Fractional Ownership and Trusts Allowed: You can register aircraft under multiple owners or via trust structures.

Low Operational Costs: Competitive fees and tax-efficient leasing structures.

📌 Who Can Register an Aircraft in Malta?

You may register an aircraft in Malta if you’re a qualified person or an international registrant.

Qualified Persons Include:

• Owners of aircraft in operation or under construction
• Operators under temporary title
• Buyers under conditional sale/title reservation agreements
• Trustees (for fractional or trust-based ownership)

International Registrants:

Citizens or entities from OECD or other approved jurisdictions may register aircraft provided they:

• Submit notarized and apostilled documentation
• Appoint a resident agent in Malta
• Have legal capacity to own or operate the aircraft

✍️ What Can Be Registered?

• Aircraft (private or commercial)
• Aircraft under construction (with identifiable serial number)
• Aircraft engines and replacement engines
• Ownership and lease rights
• Irrevocable deregistration & export powers of attorney (IDERA)
• Mortgages and international security interests
  
  

🔄 Step-by-Step Aircraft Registration Process in Malta

1. Submit Application

File the prescribed form with:

• Aircraft details (manufacturer, model, MSN)
• Ownership or lease documents
• Previous registry de-registration
• Mortgage/debt status
• Power of attorney and signatory authority

2. Appoint a Resident Agent (International Registrants Only)

A Maltese resident agent must:

• Represent you with authorities
• Handle local filings and communication
• Be notarized and apostilled via power of attorney

3. Review and Approval

The Director General reviews documentation and determines eligibility.

4. Certificate of Registration Issued

Once approved, you receive an official, non-transferable Certificate of Registration from Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate.

📊 Registration Fees (2025)

Max Takeoff Mass (MTOM)	Fee
Up to 750 kg	€69.88
751 kg – 2,730 kg	€139.76
2,731 kg – 5,700 kg	€209.64
5,701 kg – 15,000 kg	€279.52
15,001 kg – 50,000 kg	€419.29
Over 50,000 kg	€698.81

Revised Certificate (address change): €46.59
Revised Certificate (ownership change): 50% of initial registration fee

🧾 Air Operator Certificate (for commercial use)

Aircraft flying for hire (e.g., passenger/cargo services) require an Air Operator Certificate. Fees vary by seating capacity:

Capacity	Initial Fee	Annual Fee
< 20 seats	€1,397.62	€465.87
20–48 seats	€2,329.37	€1,397.62
49–98 seats	€3,494.06	€2,329.37
99–198 seats	€5,823.43	€3,494.06
199+ seats	€8,152.81	€5,823.43

📄 What Appears in the Aircraft Register?

• Aircraft & engine details
• Registrant’s name and legal capacity
• Mortgages and other financial interests
• IDERA and deregistration authority
• Lessor/lessee rights
• Ownership structures (including fractional and trust-based ownership)