What is the best country to own a yacht?

Against the backdrop of more and more high net worth individuals incorporating yachts into their asset allocation system, choosing which country to register a yacht in is now not just a matter of a simple process, but involves multiple considerations such as tax, law, operations, asset security, privacy and so on. Unlike buying a house or a car, a yacht, as an asset that can be used across borders, has a direct impact on the yacht owner's future use and management of the country in which it is registered. Yachttrading will bring you to understand the current global 8 yacht registry, to share with you what they have unique advantages that can not be ignored.

1、Malta 

Malta leads the yacht registration market with its stable legal system and European ally status. With VAT rates as low as 5.4% for eligible private yachts, Malta is one of the most attractive countries in the EU. Malta does not have any restrictions on the nationality of the owner, its registration fees and annual inspection costs are relatively low, supporting technical support and 24-hour assistance services are also very complete, is the EU yacht registration countries preferred one.

2、The Cayman Islands 

The Cayman Islands has three major yacht registration harbours. Registering a yacht here, you will be provided with a highly confidential registration system, a flexible ship management policy and tax exemption on shipping income. It has no nationality requirements for registered yacht captains, only need to provide proof of relevant qualifications!

3、Marshall Islands 

The Marshall Islands has attracted a large number of international yacht investors by virtue of its Free Associated State status with the United States, as well as its fast registration process and tax exemption on shipping income. Whether it is a registered company mortgage arrangements, or 24/7 technical service support, here is the world's high-end shipowners trusted registration.

4、Cyprus 

Buying a yacht in Cyprus does not require the payment of VAT on the yacht, and income related to the yacht can be almost completely tax-avoided. The country has also signed double taxation avoidance agreements with more than 40 countries. And it as a member of the European Union status, so that the yacht belonging to the country can travel to Europe so the port, and can enjoy the rights of the port preferential treatment.

5、 Liberia 

Liberia accounts for about 11 per cent of the world's merchant marine registrations, and its efficient registration process, virtually zero-threshold registration criteria and superior loan collateral system have made it the country of choice for a large number of medium to large yachts. Liberia is also a member of the Paris Memorandum ‘white list’.

6、The British Virgin Islands 

As a globally renowned offshore financial centre, the British Virgin Islands has also demonstrated a strong attraction in yacht registration. Its registration fees and annual fees are among the lowest in the world, and the profits and resale proceeds from yachts operating here are tax-free, while yachts registered here enjoy a high degree of confidentiality. If registration costs and privacy are important to you, then the British Virgin Islands should be the perfect country for you to own a yacht.

7、Seychelles 

Seychelles is very friendly to non-citizens and yacht-related business income is exempt from business tax, work permit fees and social security expenses, while registration costs are low and confidentiality is high. There is also a 30 per cent discount on the cost of registering a second yacht with the same owner. It is also as a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth, registered yachts in the country enjoy preferential treatment in many countries.

8、Delaware 

Delaware allows foreign owners to register their yachts without US citizenship and without permanent residence in the US. Delaware has no personal property tax, intangible property tax or stock transfer tax, i.e. if your yacht's income is paid abroad, you do not have to pay income tax. There is also the fact that if your yacht is registered in the name of a limited liability company, the owner is entitled to liability protection from personal liability arising from accidents, and it has a very confidential limited liability company information, which makes it very inexpensive to register!

What is the best country to own a yacht? The answer actually varies from person to person. If you are looking for low taxes and ease of access to the EU, Malta and Cyprus are preferred; if privacy and cost control are important, the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands are worth considering; and if you are more concerned about the speed and flexibility of incorporation, Liberia, the Marshall Islands, or Delaware would be ideal.

As a platform dedicated to providing one-stop services for yacht pricing, trading, transport and maintenance, Yachttrading suggests that you comprehensively evaluate the policies and service quality of these registration places according to your own asset planning and usage scenarios, and make a choice that best meets your personal and business needs.