The International Ship Register of Madeira – MAR, created within the scope of the International Business Centre, offers Madeira an important role in the maritime sector.
Because operating costs are a critical factor in the profitability of the maritime industry, MAR is a credible competitive alternative compared to other international registrations, in full compliance with the technical rigour of the safety requirements of EU registration.
The following Commercial Vessels can be registered with MAR:
Fishing vessels are not accepted.
The following yachts can be registered with MAR:
Any entity (companies, branch offices, agencies, legal representations or other legal forms), with or without a head office in Madeira, involved in maritime transport, with its own ships or within a charter framework, can register ships with MAR. Non-resident entities in Madeira must appoint a local legal representative.
Shipowners opting for an entity that operates within the scope of the IBC will have full access to its favourable tax regime.
As any other Portuguese company, a Madeira company may transfer its head office to another country as long as the law of said country allows such re-domiciliation. In order to re-domicile a company to Madeira, the following documents are requested.
Partners or shareholders of a Company in Madeira are subject to the same legislation and principles applicable to any other Portuguese Company. There are however some differences at the level of the tax treatment of non-resident partners or shareholders of companies licensed to operate in the IBCM.