In short. Where you register a jet decides who can own it, how it is maintained and where it can be chartered. The US (N-) register is open to US citizens, permanent residents and qualifying corporations, and to non-citizen corporations if the aircraft is based and primarily used in the US (60% of flight hours); non-US buyers often use an owner trust. Canada (C-) requires a qualified person. In Europe each state runs its own register under EASA rules, and many Asian and Gulf owners use offshore registries such as Bermuda, Cayman or the Isle of Man for private operation.
United States (N-)
The FAA registers aircraft owned by US citizens, permanent residents, US citizen corporations (president and two-thirds of directors US citizens, 75% US voting interest), and non-citizen US corporations when the aircraft is based and primarily used in the US: at least 60% of flight hours in flights between US points, with reports to the Registry. Owner trusts let non-US owners use the N-register through a US citizen trustee, within the 25% control limit in 14 CFR 47.7.
Canada (C-)
Transport Canada registers aircraft to qualified persons under CAR 202.15. Registration is not proof of title. See buying a private jet in Canada.
Europe (EASA states and the UK)
EASA sets common rules for airworthiness and continuing airworthiness, including the management of maintenance through approved organisations. Registers stay national. The UK left EASA and its CAA now runs an equivalent system. Moving an aircraft between the US, Canada and Europe involves certificate validation under bilateral agreements and an export certificate of airworthiness.
Gulf and Asia-Pacific buyers
Family offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Gulf often buy aircraft through a holding company, register offshore for private operation, and place the aircraft with a management company. Others put the aircraft on a local operator's certificate to allow charter. The right answer depends on residency, tax, financing and where the aircraft will be based.
Cross-border deal checklist
- Choose the registry and ownership structure before signing the LOI.
- Run title and lien searches, including the International Registry where it applies.
- Agree the inspection facility, export requirements and delivery location in the APA.
- Plan VAT, GST or import duty where the aircraft is delivered and based.
- Use independent aviation counsel in each relevant country.
AeroSterling's Private Client desk and acquisition research help principals and family offices frame these decisions and find independent specialists. We do not give legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-US citizen register a jet on the FAA N-register?
Yes, in two main ways: a US corporation that is not a US citizen may register if the aircraft is based and primarily used in the US (at least 60% of flight hours in US flights), or a US citizen trustee may hold title in an owner trust, with non-citizens limited to 25% of the power to direct or remove the trustee.
What does EASA do for aircraft owners?
EASA sets common EU rules for airworthiness, continuing airworthiness and operations. Registration itself is national, so an EU-registered jet is on a member state's register, such as Malta, Austria or Germany.
Why do Asian and Middle Eastern owners use offshore registries?
Registries such as Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the Isle of Man are widely used for privately operated jets owned by international families and companies because they are neutral, experienced with business aviation and recognised internationally. Choice depends on ownership, tax, financing and where the aircraft will fly.
Can I charter out an aircraft registered offshore?
Commercial operation needs an air operator certificate, and the aircraft usually has to be on the register of the operator's country or approved by that authority. If charter income matters, decide this before you choose the registry.
General information, not legal, tax or operational advice. Rules, airport procedures and prices change; the operator and your advisers confirm what applies to your trip. Distances are great-circle figures from our airport data; times are indicative.
