By virtue of Legal Notice 348 of 2003 it is possible for foreign corporate bodies to register vessels under the Malta Flag. It is also possible for individuals (not companies) who are citizens of Member States of the E.U. to register a vessel under the Maltese Flag. The following are the requirements for the Malta Maritime Authority to approve of an International Owner:

Foreign Corporate Bodies

• Original Memorandum and Articles of Association – Articles of Incorporation

• Recent good standing Certificate by the relevant Competent Authority

• Original declaration of appointment of resident agent duly notarized and apostilled

• Powers of Attorney when and if they are required. (An instance of when they are required is when a foreign company appoints a Maltese Company as Resident Agent, and the Maltese Company acts through an intermediary. In this case, the Maltese Company would need to issue a power of attorney to the intermediary empowering him to act on its behalf.)

• Legal opinion duly notarized and apostilled confirming that the corporate records of the corporate body have been examined and giving the details of the directors and holders of office and of persons authorized to represent the corporate body and to bind it with their signature and appoint a resident agent.

• Where applicable – Memorandum and Articles of Resident Agent

• Where applicable – Good Standing Certificate of Resident Agent

• Declaration of Acceptance of Appointment of Resident Agent

Citizens of a Member State of the European Union

• Certified true copy of passport

• Original Declaration of Appointment of Resident Agent duly notarized and apostilled

• Memorandum and Articles or Copy of ID card of resident agent

• Good standing certificate of resident agent if applicable

• Acceptance of appointment by resident agent

It is strongly advised to send copies of all of the above documentation to be vetted and approved by the MMA prior to sending originals.