9H

Jurisdiction profiles

Malta · 9H

A highly active EU/EASA register with an attractive tax regime: an "international registrant" from any OECD country can register through a resident agent, for private or commercial use.

Key facts

Registration prefix
9H
Category
EU / EASA
Commercial use (CAT)
Yes
Weight threshold
No fixed floor
Cape Town
Yes
EASA / FAA crew
EASA licence (FAA converts)

Ownership and the SPV

A very active EU/EASA register, with Cape Town ratified; it accepts private and commercial use, as well as aircraft under construction, engines and fiduciary ownership. For private use, any OECD-country national or undertaking can register as an "international registrant" by appointing a resident agent in Malta; commercial use requires 50% or more EU/EEA/Swiss ownership or control. The typical SPV is a Maltese company, and the full-imputation tax system with refunds can reduce the effective corporate rate for international structures (status to be verified).

Banking

Difficult and slow for non-residents: Maltese bank de-risking is well known and usually calls for local substance and patience.

Crew licensing (EASA / FAA)

As an EU/EASA register, an EASA licence applies directly; an FAA pilot needs a conversion or a limited validation.

When this flag fits

The most agile and tax-efficient EU flag, more bizjet-oriented than Spain; its weak point is banking.

How Flyxchain helps

Flyxchain designs and implements the ownership and operating structure end to end — holding and SPV setup, jurisdiction and registry selection, financing, and the continuing-airworthiness chain (CAMO and maintenance) — independently and always on the buyer's side.

Discuss your structure

General information, current as of 2026. Not legal, tax or financial advice; all requirements must be confirmed with the registry and qualified local advisors.