What is vat & tax services?
VAT and tax planning for a vessel is about matching the structure to the actual use.
A privately used yacht, a yacht on charter and a trading ship are treated differently, and the difference shows up in the effective VAT rate, in whether input VAT can be recovered, and in whether the operator falls under ordinary income tax or the tonnage tax regime. Malta's leasing rules and its use-based approach are what make the planning possible; getting the documentation right is what makes it hold up.
Who is it for?
Owners seeking EU VAT-paid status
Where the vessel needs to circulate freely in EU waters.
Owners using a leasing structure
Where VAT is accounted for over the term of a lease.
Commercial operators
Where tonnage tax may replace ordinary income taxation.
Owners restructuring
Where an existing arrangement no longer matches how the vessel is really used.
What you get
- VAT structuring for private and commercial vessels.
- Guidance on EU VAT-paid status.
- Tonnage tax and income tax efficiency.
- Clear, compliant documentation that stands up to review.
- Support with the annual VAT and tax obligations that follow.
How the process works
Assessment
We review the vessel, the pattern of use and the ownership.
Structure
We design a compliant VAT and tax structure.
Implementation
We put the structure and the documentation in place.
Ongoing
We support the annual VAT and tax obligations.
Requirements
- An honest picture of how and where the vessel is actually used.
- The ownership structure, or a willingness to put one in place.
- VAT registration for the owning or operating entity, where the structure needs it.
- Record keeping through the year, which we can run for you.
Please note. Eligibility is assessed case by case by the Malta flag administration. Send us the vessel details and we will confirm what applies to you before you commit.
Documents you will need
- Vessel particulars and purchase documentation
- Ownership and operating structure
- Charter or lease agreements, where they exist
- Records of use — itineraries, logs and berthing
- Existing VAT registrations and returns
Please note. Indicative list. The exact file the registry asks for depends on the vessel, its age and the regime it is registered under — we confirm your list in writing before anything is filed.