All types of vessels, from pleasure yachts to oil rigs may be registered, provided that, inter alia, they are wholly owned by Maltese citizens or Maltese Bodies Corporate.

The formation of a Maltese company is a straight forward operation; there are no nationality requirements as to both the shareholders and directors.

Ships of 20 years and over but under 25 years must pass an inspection by an authorised flag state inspector before or within one month of provisional registration.

Ships of 25 years and over must pass an inspection by an authorised flag state inspector prior to being provisionally registered. The cost of the pre-registration inspection is a one-time only Lm1000 (USD2700 approx) paid before the inspection is carried out.