Vaia Legal

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Vaia is a boutique law firm led by Katrina Abela, delivering specialised legal services in Malta across the marine, aviation, immigration, and corporate sectors.

 In addition to our legal expertise, we are a licensed Corporate Service Provider authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority and accredited to handle permanent residency applications.

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Aviation

Vaia brings with it a wealth of experience in the Aviation Industry. At present Katrina Abela has assisted over 18 operators who have decided to base themselves in Malta, ranging from business jet operators to ACMI operators and traditional commercial airlines amongst other licensable undertakings.

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Maritime

Malta is historically tied to the maritime industry, most notably due to its unique location within the Mediterranean. The island is well recognised as a worldwide acknowledged center that offers yacht owners and managers a comprehensive range of support services. At Vaia, our team is highly specialised in the yachting sector and offers its clients a tailor-made solution for their yachts.

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Corporate

We assist clients in the setting up of Maltese-based structures as well as a general advisory for corporate structures. Vaia also advises and assists its clients with implementing and maintaining high levels of corporate governance and adherence to applicable regulations.

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Immigration

Vaia Legal, licensed by Agenzija Komunita (license code AKM-ABEL), offers tailored immigration solutions for Malta. Our services include the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), Digital Nomad Permit, Single Permit for non-EU nationals, and Family Reunification. Our expert team provides personalised support to ensure a smooth immigration process.

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our clientele

“Katrina Abela and her team at Vaia Legal combine deep expertise in corporate and maritime law with personal, efficient service. Their client-focused approach makes them stand out. I highly recommend them for top-tier legal advice. Claudio A. Frick, LL.M., Attorney at Law.”

— Claudio Frick (Fricklaw)

our clientele

“Vaia legal has been an important part of Air Charter’s journey in Malta.  What stands out is not just their legal expertise, but their genuine commitment to understanding our goals and helping us grow. Their advice has always been practical, timely, and tailored to our needs. It’s refreshing to find a firm that combines professionalism with such a personal touch—we truly see them as an extension of our team.”

— Air Charter Scotland

our clientele

“I cannot recommend Katrina and the team at Vaia Legal highly enough. Their expertise, dedication, and personalised approach have been invaluable to our Company over the years. Katrina’s deep understanding of the legal landscape and her ability to navigate complex issues with ease have provided us with the confidence and support we needed. Vaia Legal’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction is evident in every interaction. They have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our legal needs are met, and their proactive approach has helped us deliver aircraft and services quickly and avoid potential pitfalls. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

— TAG Aviation

our clientele

“The team at Vaia Legal is very responsive, reliable, and committed to their clients. Vaia’s pro-active approach and attention to detail, gave us confidence and peace of mind throughout the different projects we are dealing with together”

— Dhamma Blue

our clientele

“We recently entrusted two very high-profile clients to Katrina and Vaia Legal for advice and to set up ownership structures.  The extremely professional, no-nonsense approach has made this process both efficient, in time and cost, and enjoyable.  Katrina and her team are great to work with, and we highly recommend them.”

— Dean&Waters

trusted by

Our key clients – spanning industry frontrunners and innovative
ventures – choose Vaia Legal for our expertise and commitment
to their success.

hyperion aviation
Place Concierge
Sparfell
Tag Aviation
Aberton Yachts

trusted by

Our key clients – spanning industry frontrunners and innovative
ventures – choose Vaia Legal for our expertise and commitment
to their success.

hyperion aviation
Place Concierge
Sparfell
Tag Aviation
Aberton Yachts
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Yanika Ciantar-Barbara

Lawyer

Dr. Ciantar-Barbara is an experienced lawyer specialising in corporate and commercial law. She graduated with a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta in 2012 and went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate and Commercial Law from Queen Mary, University of London in 2014.

With over a decade of experience at a leading Big Four firm, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has advised a wide range of local and international clients on complex company law matters. Her practice covers all stages of a company’s lifecycle, including formation, continuation, restructuring, cross-border mergers and divisions, acquisitions, and liquidations. She also assists clients with their day-to-day corporate governance and compliance obligations, including beneficial ownership requirements and statutory reporting.

In addition to her core focus on corporate law, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has handled various employment law matters, offering guidance on issues such as employment contracts and
workplace policies.

Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates and the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners.

Yanika Ciantar-Barbara

Legal Consultant

Dr. Ciantar-Barbara is an experienced lawyer specialising in corporate and commercial law. She graduated with a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta in 2012 and went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate and Commercial Law from Queen Mary, University of London in 2014.

With over a decade of experience at a leading Big Four firm, Dr. Ciantar-Barbara has advised a wide range of local and international clients on complex company law matters. Her practice covers all stages of a company’s lifecycle, including formation, continuation, restructuring, cross-border mergers and divisions, acquisitions, and liquidations. She also assists clients with their day-to-day corporate governance and compliance obligations, including beneficial ownership requirements and statutory reporting.

In addition to her core focus on corporate law, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has handled various employment law matters, offering guidance on issues such as employment contracts and workplace policies.

Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates and the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners.

Valeriia Simutina

Valeriia Simutina

Office Administrator

As the Office Administrator at Vaia Legal, Valeriia ensures that the firm’s operations run smoothly and efficiently. She specializes in administrative coordination, office management, and business support, allowing the legal team to focus on delivering top-tier services to clients.

Holding a degree in Marketing from Kyiv University, she brings strong organizational and communication skills to her role. Since moving to Malta in 2022, she has been actively involved in office administration, supporting the firm with structured processes and strategic planning. Her ability to anticipate operational needs and implement effective solutions makes her an invaluable part of the Vaia Legal team.

Giovana Cauchioli

Legal Administrator

Giovana Cauchioli joined Vaia Legal as a Legal Administrator, bringing a strong background in legal operations and compliance. She graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie in 2019 and was admitted to the Brazilian bar in the same year. With several years of experience in litigation and general contracts, Giovana has developed a solid understanding of legal frameworks and regulatory processes.

Her professional experience covers various legal sectors, allowing her to provide valuable support in legal administration, contract management, and compliance-related matters. Throughout her career, she has refined her ability to assist in structuring efficient legal processes and ensuring that regulatory requirements are met.

At Vaia Legal, Giovana plays a key role in facilitating legal operations, ensuring that the firm’s work is carried out smoothly and efficiently. Her analytical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence contribute to the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality legal services to its clients.

Dr. Katrina Abela

Founder

Seasoned Lawyer, specializing in Maritime and Aviation Law, having graduated from the University of Malta in 2013. Experienced in yacht and aircraft sale and purchase transactions as well as ownership structures, customs importations, and registration. Successfully assisted several companies in acquiring a Maltese Air Operator’s Certificate, as the key link between the applicant and local authorities, while also consulting on regulatory matters.


Specialties: Commercial Agreements, Sale and Purchase Transactions for Vessels and Aircrafts, Regulation of Aircraft Customs and VAT Status, Importation and Registration matters, AOC applications, Ownership structures and others



Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates, Malta Business Aviation Association, Malta Maritime Law Association and the Advocacy Committee of the European Business Aviation Association.