yacht registration flags

Boat and Yacht Registration

We can register and flag your vessel in poland, san marino, langkawi, united kingdom, panama, holland, delaware, cayman islands, bvi, malta, marshall islands, gibraltar, cyprus and many other jurisdictions.

We register all types of boats in all main jurisdictions

We are the market leader in boat registrations around the world. Our clients want to register boats, jet ski’s or mega yachts. Some clients have an easy choice while others have a complex question as they employ crew or use there vessel for commercial activities. We can help you figure out where the best jurisdiction would be to register your yacht as there are many choices.

Where to register your boat? When you purchase a motor or sailing vessel it is very important to decide on the best suitable country to register your yacht. There are many different countries that offer a favorable registration but each of them has pros and cons. It is important that you understand these before deciding on where to register. When you decide on a country to be registered, the vessel is subject to the laws of the country of registration. It is therefore important that the boat registration country you have registered in, offers the conveniences that you need.

The first thing to understand is that under which flag you sail has nothing to do with your nationality! Most of the registrations we offer are available to any nationality. In some cases we need to put the ownership of your vessel in a new dormant company (that you own) in order to comply with the rules but this is only an advantage, as these companies also offer you protection from liability and have several other advantages.

Private use versus commercial use It is also important to know that some countries have an easy registration for private use vessels but not for commercial vessels. We can currently register your boat for commercial use in Poland, Langkawi, Gibraltar, Panama, Cayman Islands, the United Kingdom, British Virgen Islands (BVI) or Malta.

VAT registration on boats None of the jurisdictions that we register boats in require a VAT payment proof. Clients who wish to pay VAT in the EU can do so thru us. We have contacts with EU tax departments and can handle this for you.

We register boats in many jurisdictions Let us register your boat in the country that is best suited for your vessel. We currently offer registrations in Poland, Holland, Cayman Islands, British Virgen Islands (BVI), Langkawi, Panama, Gibraltar, Belgium, Delaware, Malta, and the United Kingdom. Have a look at our detailed guide to get an idea which country is best for you or if you need advice, contact us by phone, WhatsApp, real time chat or email.

MMSI Radio License – for VHF, AIS, radar and EPIRB As you are probably aware, it is mandatory by law to have a MMSI - radio license onboard your vessel at all times.

It is mandatory by law to have an MMSI license onboard your vessel at all times, so we highly recommend our clients to get this while applying for your boat ownership document. Having an MMSI license onboard avoids problems when you are checked by local authorities.

Every country has different requirements to receive an MMSI radio license so please choose your flag country and check the details for that specific country on the country page.

See here for more information on MMSI / Radio license options

We offer boat registration for all types of boats

Express Service

From 420 EUR

Provisional Registration

From 290 EUR

United Kingdom

From 549 GBP

From 950 USD

From $995 USD

Netherlands

From 1699 EUR

British Virgin Islands

From 1300 USD

From £1150 GBP

From 780 EUR

Cayman Islands

From 1499 USD

Delaware (USA)

From 199 USD

From 275 EUR

From 129 EUR

From 995 EUR

Marshall Islands

From 2250 USD

Cook Islands

From 1225 USD

Register your boat over 100 countries around the world

Explore boat registration services beyond the mentioned popular countries! We facilitate boat registrations in over a hundred countries worldwide. Click on the continent below to choose your flag registration country and access detailed information.

• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Boat Registration Guide - Where To Register You Boat

The first thing to understand is that under which flag you sail has nothing to do with your nationality! Most registrations we offer are available to any nationality. In some cases, we need to put the ownership of your vessel in a new dormant company (that you own) in order to comply with the rules but this is only an advantage, as this company ownership also offers you liability protection as well as other advantages.

The Polish flag is probably our best value flag as the registration process is simple, inexpensive & fast. There are no surveys to be done, if your vessel is under 24 meters. The best part is; you get the registration for life, so no more renewals! Since Poland is a full European Union member, this flag document is accepted anywhere in the world and comes in 4 languages. We can get your provisional registration in 2 days and it is valid immediately. We take care of the whole process for you and translate all your current boat papers into Polish, as part of our fee. Our all-inclusive fee is from €469 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use & bareboat charters) For details read Polish Flag Registration

The Delaware (USA) registration is very straight forward as well with minimal paperwork, inexpensive, no survey needed and can be obtained within 2 to 3 days. It is valid around the world and is highly recommended. Our all-inclusive fee is from $199 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use)

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 27 FEBRUARY 2023 This week the Delaware DNREC and the US Coast Guard announced that they would no longer accept registrations for boats that are not actually based in state of Delaware waters. It is for this reason, we are letting you know that we still have plenty of other options to register your vessel and some are even easier and less expensive than the Delaware registration. We would like to recommend Poland, Langkawi, San Marino and the United Kingdom as an alternative for the Delaware registration. We can register your vessel in any of these jurisdictions and if you need to register a commercial vessel we can also register in Panama, Malta, BVI and the Cayman Islands. The first thing to understand is that under which flag you sail has nothing to do with your nationality! All the registrations we offer are available to any nationality. In some cases we need to put the ownership of your vessel in a new dormant company (that you own) in order to comply with the rules but this is only an advantage, as these companies also offer you protection from liability and have several other advantages. For details read Delaware (USA) Flag Registration

The Langkawi (Malaysia) registration. This registration is quickly becoming one of the most sought after flag registrations. The reason is simple; it is a red ensign flag, inexpensive, no surveys are needed and can be obtained in a couple of days. It is issued as a flag with a good reputation and is becoming the flag of choice for a lot of vessel owners. Our all-inclusive fee is from $950,- and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use, commercial & bareboat charters) For details read Langkawi Flag Registration

The United Kingdom (UK) registration entitles you to fly the red ensign flag which is held in high regard within the maritime community. The paperwork is straight forward and the flag is valid for 5 years and offers a very easy renewal process. The registration is similar in the UK for both private use as well as for commercial use and the fees are the same. The United Kingdom does require a survey but this survey can be done in your own home country. Our all-inclusive fee is from £549 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use, commercial & bareboat charters) For details read our UK Flag Registration

The Dutch (Holland) ZEEBRIEF official registration is a real flag registration that is accepted worldwide. This registration requires a surveyor of the Dutch maritime authority to visit your boat wherever it is located. (You pay for these travel cost separately) However, while you arrange for this survey, we can get you a provisional registration that is fully valid in 1 to 3 weeks. Our all-inclusive fee is €1699 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use & bareboat charters) For details read Dutch (Holland) ZEEBRIEF Registration

The Panama registration is the largest in the world. The paperwork is straight forward and the flag is valid for 2 years with an very easy renewal process. The good news is that Panama does NOT require a survey. Our all-inclusive fee is from $995 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use, commercial & bareboat charters) For details read Panama Flag Registration

The Gibraltar registration entitles you to fly the red ensign flag which is held in high regard within the maritime community. The paperwork is straight forward and the flag is valid for 5 years and offers a very easy renewal process. The registration is similar in Gibraltar for both private use as well as for commercial use and the fees are the same. The Gibraltar registration does require a measurement & tonnage survey (very basic) but this survey can be done in your own home country. Our all-inclusive fee is from £1150 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use, commercial & bareboat charters) For details read Gibraltar Flag Registration

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) registration entitles you to fly the red ensign flag which is held in high regard within the maritime community. The paperwork is straight forward and offers a easy renewal process. The BVI does require a survey & tonnage certificate but this survey can be done in your own home country. Our all-inclusive fee is from $1300 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use, commercial & bareboat charters) For details read BVI Flag Registration

The Cayman Islands registration entitles you to fly the red ensign flag also which is held in high regard within the maritime community. The paperwork does require a survey & tonnage certificate but this survey can be done in your own home country. Our all-inclusive fee is from $1499 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use, commercial & bareboat charters) For details read Cayman Islands Flag Registration

The Belgium registration. As per September 1, 2019 the Belgium registration will only be issued to residents of Belgium or companies owned for at least 50% by Belgium citizens. . All existing licenses that are currently valid for 5 years will not be effected by this new law until they are due for renewal. Our all-inclusive fee is from €699 (available for private use, commercial & bareboat charters) For details read Belgium Flag Registration

The Malta flag is also available for any nationality but is used more by boat owners with larger yachts or for commercial operations as the fees are a bit higher than most other jurisdictions. Our all-inclusive fee is from €780 and it is available for all nationalities (available for private use, commercial & bareboat charters) For details read Malta Flag Registration

YACHT REGISTRATION — CHOOSING YOUR FLAG

Posted November 22, 2019 in Brokerage & New Build by Janine St.Denis

If you’re considering purchasing a yacht , there’s a lot more to contemplate than simply where you’ll be cruising. Your choice of flag state, the nation where your yacht is registered one of the most important decisions you will make as a yacht owner.  Your choice of flag may affect the taxes you pay regarding the purchase and operation of your yacht, how your yacht is crewed, where it may sail and how often authorities may board and inspect your yacht.

Many European nations, and the United States, have onerous and labyrinthine maritime laws and codes. If you choose to charter out your yacht, this may complicate matters further as chartering means the yacht is under commercial vessel regulations; the rules of many ports demand different standards between private and commercial.

For the American yacht owner, there may be a sense of pride to fly Old Glory off the aft of the yacht, but US vessel documentation can cause some issues. Registering your yacht in a non-US jurisdiction can be part of the solution. That being said, there are some benefits to the US flag. If your yacht clocks in at less than 300 Gross Tons (a measurement based on interior volume, not weight), obtaining a US flag is fast and easy, particularly for yachts staying in US waters or cruising The Bahamas or Caribbean; it also is patriotic and cheaper for US-built yachts. But if you’re planning to cruise outside of the aforementioned areas, the benefits to a foreign flag may outweigh your patriotic leanings.

The Foreign Flag — What it means for your yacht registration

Most US and EU yacht owners choose to register their vessels under foreign flags. The flag of the vessel determines who is responsible for regulating and inspecting the vessel. The flag nation also determines under whose laws and jurisdiction the vessel operates (local port state laws may also apply). Due to this, most US and EU yacht owners prefer to register their yachts under jurisdictions that have streamlined taxation and registration procedures and lower tax rates, and also allow for multiple registrations of vessel names and owner anonymity.

British Commonwealth or “Red Ensign” nations are among the most popular flags for yacht registration. These nations are Bermuda, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, Turks and Caicos, Isle of Man, British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands. These jurisdictions are favored for their tax rates, ease of administration, favorable local corporate tax laws, and adherence to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU).  They also allow the yacht to operate under the Temporary Import Regime (which allows a non-European owned vessel to operate for 18 months without the vessel being subject to custom duties or the EU’s Value Added Tax [VAT]).

Some of the other most popular yacht flag designations are listed below.

The Marshall Islands & St Vincent & the Grenadines

Yachts with these flags have advantages similar to the Dutch registry, but these flags are better for pleasure yachting and charters based in the South Pacific. The flags are part of the Paris MOU White List, there are no taxes on operating profits, and they offer strong maritime support from maritime offices around the world.

Malta yacht registration is ideal for those who must remain registered under an EU flag but need relief from onerous VAT calculations. The Maltese flag is one of the most popular flags of registry for superyacht owners in the EU, as it is listed on both the Tokyo and Paris MOUs, the Maltese flag receives preferential treatment regarding port charges and taxes, there are no restrictions as to the nationality of the master, crew and officers of the vessel and the flag offers expedited service for registration and extensive yacht owner support.

Panama is an inexpensive alternative if you plan to sail primarily in and around the Caribbean. Panama has low tax and registration rates and offers corporate structures ideal for running a charter or other commercial related venture.

The Final Choice – Which Flag to Choose?

Each yacht owner’s situation is unique and, as such, you should consult with the appropriate maritime counsel and your yacht broker to ensure that your yacht flies a flag that makes the best sense for how you intend to use your yacht.

Owning a yacht should be fun. Let Northrop & Johnson’s yacht brokers take the complications out of yacht ownership by answering your questions on flag registration and more. Contact our expert team today.

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Where to Register Your Yacht Offshore: the Ultimate Guide

Dateline: Belgrade, Serbia

For the person who has successfully opened an offshore bank account , got a second passport and is living the lifestyle of their dreams traveling the world, the time has come to move on to the next level of flag theory.  This new level is one where the focus shifts from acquisitions that are largely for diversification purposes toward purchases meant purely to improve your lifestyle – like boating.

For many who reach this stage, the next step is to combine travel and leisure by investing in the purchase of a yacht.

Unlike buying a new car – or even a house – buying a yacht is an investment of an international nature, and deciding upon the best country for yacht registration is a decision for which you need professional advice so you do not expose your assets to unnecessary taxes and liabilities. If you go into the process uneducated, your exciting new purchase might just become nothing more than a hole in the water into which you pour unnecessary amounts of money.

As with other international strategies, the country in which you register your yacht can have an enormous effect on the amount of money you will be able to save, as well as your freedom of travel. Some countries keep you from freely traveling to other jurisdictions, others charge high tax percentages or registration fees, and others do none of those things.

Choose Your Flag Wisely

When buying a yacht,  the choice of yacht flags is one of the most important decisions you have to make because it can have a direct effect on your privacy, taxes, and your exposure to liability. Just as you would create a corporate structure to protect your other assets, you should do the same when it comes to yacht registration.

For this reason, many boat owners opt to register their yacht in places like the Cayman Islands to avoid the onerous taxes and regulations of the United States and other western governments. Panama , with its favorable registration policies, is the largest ship registry in the world  with over 9,000 ships flying its flag.

However, it’s also very important to do your due diligence in selecting a country for yacht registration by working with a professional. Once your vessel is registered in a country, all of the country’s laws will apply to your boat. Many countries that have attractive tax structures have other issues that you’ll want to avoid, such as laws that require you to hire a crew completely composed of nationals from that country.

You will also want to register your yacht in a country that is well respected by the US and the EU. If you choose a country with a bad reputation, it can limit where you are allowed to travel, or at the very least, make you subject to more detentions and inspections.

The flag state has the responsibility to enforce regulations over vessels registered under its flag, so yacht registration under countries on the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) on Port State Control’s black or gray list will come under more scrutiny in inspections. Because of this, a large majority of yachts are flagged in British Overseas Territories, known as the ‘Red Ensign Group’ — including Bermuda, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man.

These countries have acceptable safety regulations for travel in EU countries, while also having more attractive tax structures than the UK. In fact, company tax is set at 0% in the Channel Islands , the Isle of Man, the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda .

This is particularly useful for those who wish to spend time in European Union waters, as vessels owned or used by EU residents are subject to the EU’s Value Added Tax (VAT). Private yacht registration with a non-EU flag allows an owner to operate under a “temporary importation structure” which allows for 18 months free of these taxes or customs duties. After the 18 months are over, the boat owner can re-apply for this status.

Bearing this in mind, let’s take a look at some of my favorite countries for yacht registration.

1.The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry is a favorite among people who own both pleasure and commercial yachts worldwide. This ship registry has been at the Port of George Town, Cayman Islands since 1903. There are two other ports in the Cayman Islands as well: The Creek in Canyon Brac and Bloody Bay in Little Cayman.

The Merchant Shipping Law, which was revised in 2016, is the governing legislation for all boats registered in the Cayman Islands. The law offers many different types of yacht registration, including full registration, interim registration, provisional registration, a ship under construction registration, and demise charter/bareboat registration. An owner who is having a vessel built might find this convenient so he or she can register it as a boat under construction and then change to full yacht registration later.

As I mentioned above, the Cayman Islands is a part of the Red Ensign Group. This means that getting your yacht registration in the Cayman Islands flags your vessels as a British Ship, granting it protection by the British Royal Navy.

Because time is crucial for so many people, the Cayman Islands Ship Registry (CISR) can also expedite the registration process for those who need to be registered immediately if they pay their expedition fee. In addition, the CISR has representative offices in Fort Lauderdale, London, Cannes, Athens, Tokyo, and Singapore where you can have ship registry certificates issued immediately if needed.

Yachts that are registered with the Cayman Islands as pleasure yachts and are not engaged in trade are granted a License to Cruise the water of the United States which will allow them to enter, depart, and cruise within U.S. waters. These vessels will only need to report to U.S. customs when entering the country or changing customs districts.

Assuming you meet all of the required qualifications, there are no restrictions or rules concerning the nationality of the master or the crew of your ship.   In addition to the Cayman Islands being a tax neutral environment, the jurisdiction provides vessel owners with banking facilities and directorship services.

Overall, vessels registered in the Cayman Islands benefit from all the privileges of the British flag, while simultaneously having the tax-free and confidentiality perks of the Cayman Islands.

2. The Netherlands

Many people consider Holland to be an ideal location for yacht registration because the country is flexible and straightforward, whereas most other European countries follow stricter rules and regulations. The registration process is fast compared to that of other countries and requirements are minimal.

To register under the Dutch flag, the process is easiest if you are either an EU citizen, Swiss, Norwegian, or own a company registered in the EU.

One of the main advantages of the Netherlands is that you can be registered under the Dutch flag in as little as three days. That is why Holland is typically preferred over countries like Italy, France, and Spain where there is a longboat registration process in addition to high registration fees. A lot of yacht owners solve this problem by registering under the Dutch flag. Taxes and registration requirements in the Netherlands are minimal, allowing the whole process to be completed in three days, assuming you meet the necessary criteria.

Boat owners do not have to be of Dutch nationality, nor do they have to have a residence in the country. The only documents you must have are an ID card or passport and you must provide proof of ownership of your boat. Because so little documentation is needed, renewing your yacht registration is also a fairly simple process.

The process is easiest, however, for people who are Dutch, Swiss, Norwegian or have a company based in the EU. If you are not Dutch, Swiss, or Norwegian, and if you do not have a company registered in the EU, you can still register by paying a fee to have a United Kingdom Ltd. set up in your name.

The Ltd. will cost you 349 EUR upfront and 249 EUR every year after that. Once the Ltd. is set up, you’ll receive your registration within three to five days. The documentation needed is still the same. It only costs about 299 EUR for yacht registration in Holland if you are an EU citizen. It costs 648 EUR for non-EU citizens and your registration license can be delivered overnight anywhere in the world. Those prices include everything from the taxes to the mandatory Dutch address and all the costs for shipping and consultation.

There is also no requirement to have your boat inspected, making the vessel documentation process even simpler.

 Types of yacht registration under the Dutch flag:

     1.  Light registration

Light yacht registration is for people who want fast and easy registration for navigating EU waters. With light registration, you can only sail European Union waters and the length of your yacht may not exceed 24m.

    2.  Global registration

Global yacht registration is for yachts that will navigate outside of European Union waters, sail worldwide, or be engaged in commercial chartering. People with Global registration can sail worldwide. Global registration is also available to Swiss or Norwegian persons regardless of whether or not they have a company in the EU.

 3. The Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands ship registry was formed in 1988. In 2001, it was expanded to allow those with commercial and private yachts to register as well, which has made the Marshall Islands a popular place to register over the last sixteen years.

The jurisdiction has also gained a lot of recognition over the years by having regional offices in major maritime cities around the world, allowing them to provide same day service to anyone, regardless of the location or time zone in which they reside.

The Marshall Islands Registry is the third-largest in the world and you can register under a one or three-year program.

You must be a Marshall Islands citizen, national, or qualified foreign maritime entity to register in the Marshall Islands. The terms “citizen” and “national” refer to Marshall Islands corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and associations of individuals. (You can easily complete the process to have a Marshall Islands company registered in your name so you can register your ship there.)

Assuming you complete all the necessary documents and meet all requirements, you can have your ship registered within 24 hours; you can also register your yacht as a ‘ship under construction’ if needed. You can obtain a U.S. cruising permit as a boat registered in the Marshall Islands and commercially compliant yachts can charter in Europe. In other words, you are not confined to the waters of the Marshall Islands alone, which is convenient for those who want to see more of the world.

As long as you meet proper flag requirements, yachts measuring 18m or longer that weigh less than 500 gross tons can be chartered out for up to 84 days as a private yacht limited charter (PYLC).

In addition to being white-listed under Paris and Tokyo’s MoUs, the Marshall Islands also meets the flag criteria for a low-risk ship under the Paris New Inspection Regime. Additionally, the Marshall Islands has been a part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Qualship 21 roster for 11 consecutive years.

The Marshall Islands Registry is low tax and respected worldwide; the country is a presidential republic in free association with the United States and enjoys similar benefits to its British Overseas Territory counterparts making it a great jurisdiction for yacht registration.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. The country’s ship registry ranks 10th in the world with a gross tonnage of over 21 million pounds.

A ship can be registered in Cyprus if more than 50% of the shares of the registering company are owned by a Cypriot or if your company is registered in the Republic of Cyprus. An offshore company can also be registered in Cyprus if the company’s control is in the hands of Cypriots.

The Republic of Cyprus can easily register your company under their flag so you can register your yacht there. The costs of yacht registration and management are the lowest in Europe , making the jurisdiction an ideal, convenient place for many owners to register their ship.

There are many tax benefits that come with yacht registration under the Cyprus flag. An owner whose ship is registered in Cyprus is fully exempt from income taxes from operations in international waters. Additionally, no tax is payable for the wages of the crew that operates in international waters. No tax is payable on any dividend received from a shipping company in Cyprus.

Cyprus has maritime offices around the world, allowing them to work with anyone anywhere at any time. Some of their main offices are located in New York, London, Rotterdam, Piraeus, Brussels, and Hamburg. Upon registering in one of these offices, you will have the benefits of flying an EU flag, which is respected worldwide. According to the  EU registry, “Sailing under EU flags demonstrates strength and represents a strong reputation.”

Like some of the other countries I have mentioned, Cyprus has been white-listed among the Paris and Tokyo MoUs, meaning it is a high-quality flag with low risk compared to many other countries who have been gray or black-listed.

It should also be noted that Cyprus is excluded from the “list of targeted flag states,” which is kept by the U.S. Coast Guard. Cyprus’s absence from the list means that inspections of the yacht with a Cypriot flag are kept to a minimum and they will experience no unnecessary delays when entering and leaving ports.

Types of yacht registration:

Cyprus offers three types of registration, including provisional registration, permanent registration, and parallel (bareboat) registration.

       1. Provisional remains in effect for 6 months; after expiration, it can only be renewed once more for 3 more months.

       2. Permanent Yacht Registration  goes into effect 6 to 9 months from the date your yacht was provisionally registered.

      3. For Parallel / Bareboat Registration  your ship must hoist the Cyprus flag and “Limassol” must be marked as your port of registry. Parallel-in lasts for two years and is renewable. For parallel-out registration, your ship must hoist the foreign flag rather than the Cyprus flag and your port of registry must be the port of the foreign country. Parallel-out lasts for three years and is also renewable.

Liberia is the oldest democracy in Africa and one of the first offshore, zero tax jurisdictions. The Liberian ship registry is a favorite among owners of large vessels; the country has the second-largest registry in the world and makes up 12% of registered ships worldwide.

One of the perks of The Liberian Yacht Registration is that it is open to any ship-owner in the world and there are absolutely no restrictions on the nationality of your crew or country of construction. This makes Liberia appealing to many ship-owners who either cannot register somewhere because of their nationality or can only register by paying an additional fee.

Liberia has been white-listed on the Paris and Tokyo MoUs and has also been approved by the International Maritime Organization AND the U.S. Coast Guard. This, combined with the country’s other features, means that the Liberian Registry is known as “the world’s largest quality registry, renowned for excellence, efficiency, safety and innovative service”.

The following types of vessels can be registered in Liberia:

Vessels under construction, new buildings, vessels being transferred from other flags, offshore vessels, vessels in lay-up, and vessels involved in international, coastal, or domestic trading. You may also have a dual flag if your ship is bareboat registered.

The Liberian Registry is owned and operated by the United States. Additionally, service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making things very convenient for those wishing to do yacht registration under the Liberian flag. There are over 400 nautical inspectors, so there is always someone available to attend to vessels.

Vessels registered in Liberia are taxed with a fixed fee, which   depends on the tonnage of your ship. The tax is applied yearly, so there should be no surprises. However, t here are no taxes on operations and your profits are not assessed.

The Liberian flag is accepted in many EU countries — the United Kingdom, Germany, and Holland are only a few countries in the European Union that accept the Liberian flag. In addition, Liberia is highly rated for safety and accident prevention, which makes this country even more attractive for your yacht registration.

Liberia is recognized every year for having high standards. The country has an above-average performance in safety and accident prevention as well as in independent statistical reports. Liberia also has a network of 100 security inspectors to inspect ships when necessary; this is something that was implemented post-9/11.

According to information provided by the Liberian Registry website, “The “Maritime Services Award” is for exceptional achievement or contribution to any service sector of the America’s maritime industry by a company, individual, or organization. According to Lloyd’s List criteria for this award, “The winner must be able to demonstrate how they have set themselves apart, going above and beyond best practice to offer the shipping industry something exceptional.”

The Maltese ship registry is the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world; it is one of the most popular countries in the world for pleasure yacht registration. The country has EU compliant legislation, clear laws relating to yacht mortgages, low registration costs and is well respected across the globe.

Malta became a member of the European Union in 2004, so yacht registration here comes with the perks of sailing an EU flag, including protection by the British Royal Navy. Like the other countries I’ve mentioned, Malta has been white-listed, providing ship-owners with a sense of security when you go through the yacht registration process under the Maltese flag.

If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss national, you can hold your vessel in your personal capacity. However, if you’re a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen you must hold your yacht through a Maltese or foreign company.

When it comes to taxes, it is important to note that companies operating commercial yachts out of Malta are exempt from income tax on any income generated by the operation of their yachts. They are also exempt from any VAT tax on the high seas. What   sets Malta apart from many other countries besides tax policy is that there are no restrictions on the nationality of the master, officers, or crew of your ship.

Another perk that Malta shares with Liberia is that there is round-the-clock service, so you can feel safe and secure registering in the country. And, as long as you meet all flag requirements, any type of vessel can be registered — that means pleasure yachts, oil rigs, vessels under construction, and anything in between.

W hen it comes to the age or trading, boats between 10 and 15 years must pass inspection by an authorized inspector within one month of provisional registration and ships over 15 years old must pass inspection before being provisionally registered.

7. The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands is the latest country to join the Red Ensign Group (2014). Now, the British Virgin Islands can register any type of ship and any size. Not only that, yacht registration under the BVI flag grants access to all the ports in the world. There are restrictions with almost all other registries when it comes to this, so the fact that a BVI flag gives you access anywhere sets the country far apart from the rest.

Another advantage that makes the jurisdiction one of the most attractive is that the British Virgin Islands is tax neutral. The islands are outside the scope of the EU value added tax (VAT) laws, meaning that there is no sales tax when purchasing goods or services.

As is the case with the Cayman Islands and Malta, the Red Ensign Group flag grants protection by the British Royal Navy to those vessels registered under the British Virgin Islands flag. Similar to the other countries listed, you can register under the BVI flag even if you are not a citizen and even if you do not own a company there; you will need to register a company in the BVI to do so, but this can be completed in a matter of hours.

When it comes to the registration process, it usually takes two to six months, meaning that it is not as short as some of the other countries, but it’s still not too terribly long.

As I have mentioned in previous articles, the British Virgin Islands has one of the most stable governments and economies in the world, which makes ship owners who register there feel very safe and secure when compared to other countries who have more enemies or corruption within the government.

Panama  is not only a popular place when it comes to offshore banking or getting a second passport, it also holds the largest ship registry in the world, having over 9,000 ships registered under the country’s flag.

Most countries require a minimum amount of weight, but Panama does not. The only exception to this rule is if your ship is older than 20 years, requiring that the ship is inspected in order to be registered.

There is usually some downtime when someone transfers their ship from one flag to another, but that is not the case when you are transferring to Panama. Panama has a very simple transferring process; for example, numerous other countries make you dry dock for inspection and Panama does not. Because their process is so easy, it eliminates the concern that ship and business owners have concerning downtime.

The good news for all the shipping companies, ship owners, and merchant shipping companies is that you can have dual ship registry in Panama, but if you were registered in the other country first, you must have consent from that country to register in Panama, too.

Instead of taking your ship’s size or tonnage into consideration, Panama charges a flat yacht registration fee to keep things simple. If you are not a Panamanian or an owner of a Panamanian business, you’ll pay a flat fee of $1,500 to register your yacht. If you are Panamanian, it costs $1,000 to register your yacht. Once you are registered, you will have access to Panama’s round-the-clock service.

Additionally, once you are assigned provisional yacht registration, you have six months to provide the proper vessel documentation to transfer your provisional yacht registration to permanent registration. Your yacht registration certificate is valid for two years and renewal costs are low.

Many countries require yacht owners to pay taxes when they register their ship, but Panama does not. There are also no taxes on profit that is made through international trade. You do not have to pay taxes on wages for your crew members either. The main reason people choose to register in Panama is this lack of taxes. When registering in Panama, people are legally reducing tax costs and that would not be the case if they were to register in many other jurisdictions.

There is no one best ship registry in the world, but there are many you can choose from to keep your investment safe. Finding the right one for you will depend on what you value when it comes to naval protection, taxes, privacy, and ease of travel.

If you have already registered your vessel, where did you choose to go for your yacht registration and would you recommend it to others? Feel free to comment below.

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Choosing the right flag state for your yacht: the advantage of the Cayman Islands

By Natasha Bunting

10 Nov 2023

The purchase of a yacht is a pinnacle moment. But a yacht is no ordinary luxury asset and, just as with any vehicle, there are a range of factors owners must consider beyond buying and equipping the vessel itself. One of those, the choice of flag state, is one of the final steps in the purchasing journey, but absolutely critical.

The flag determines whose jurisdiction and laws the craft operates under (although local port and state laws may also apply when in dock), and who is therefore responsible for regulating and inspecting it.

Various jurisdictions have different benefits and drawbacks, and since every yacht owner’s situation is unique, selecting the right one is a decision that should be made carefully, based on appropriate advice.

Understandably, most yacht owners prefer to register their vessels in jurisdictions that have streamlined registration and taxation procedures, to minimise bureaucracy, as well as mitigate potential taxation exposure. Those that allow for multiple registrations of vessel names and owner anonymity are also popular, in order to maintain privacy.

The appeal of the Red Ensign Group

The constituent members of the “ Red Ensign Group ” (made up of the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories) are among the top choices for yacht registration.

By flying the Red Ensign flag from one of these countries, vessels are provided most of the rights and privileges that the UK merchant fleet enjoys. This can include additional help with port inspections and detentions, consular support, and even protection by the Royal Navy.

Furthermore, these jurisdictions are appealing for their ease of administration, their tax rates (including favourable local corporate tax laws), and their adherence to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control ( Paris MoU ).

The Paris MoU is an international agreement for managing port access by ships, to which a total of 27 countries are signatories. It governs safety rules and inspections and standardises port procedures across member states. Other MoUs around the world cover different regions and countries.

Every vessel has a risk profile, which determines what inspections are required on arrival at a foreign port, and the flag the vessel is flying forms a major part of that risk profile.

It is therefore best to flag in a low-risk country which has good standing with the Paris and other MoUs, not least because, effectively, the lower the risk profile accorded to a yacht, the fewer inspections that are needed.

Another important factor is that flag registers for states signed up to MoUs allow yachts to operate under the Temporary Import Regime. This enables non-European-owned vessels to operate for 18 months without being subject to custom duties or the EU’s Value Added Tax (VAT).

Spotlight on the Cayman Islands – why register your yacht there?

Within the REG, there are a number of advantages to registering a vessel in the Cayman Islands.

• First and foremost it is a neutral, politically-stable and highly-regarded jurisdiction that has been white-listed under both the Paris and Tokyo MOUs, an REG member, and is as a transparent and well-regulated offshore finance centre. Vessels benefit from being marked with a neutral port of registry, and one which enjoys a strong reputation for quality that is familiar with port authorities around the world.
• A wide range of global citizens are entitled to register their vessels under the Cayman Islands flag, which can help to avoid the need for company formation (which otherwise can be a useful mechanism for accessing flag registries which have certain restrictions such as nationality, but which can also add complexity for owners). If the owner of the vessel is not a Cayman resident, or the owning company is not incorporated in the Cayman Islands, then a Cayman Representative Person must be appointed to represent the owning party with respect to the serving of required documents and/or instructions under Cayman law.
• Cayman Island-registered yachts are not required to physically visit the Cayman Islands – ever. It has a network of international offices to facilitate transactions across different time zones, and Cayman Islands registration is valid worldwide. Documentation is issued in English, and is widely understood and accessible – reducing friction when dealing with port authorities.
• The Cayman Islands Register of Ships provides proof of title and enables the owner to register a mortgage on the vessel. Yachts can be coded and operated as commercial charter yachts. ‘Ship Under Construction’ registration is also available, allowing yachts to be registered while they are still being built, to provide owners with greater security during the construction process.
• The Cayman Islands’ ship registry is funded, operated, backed and staffed by the government. It therefore has excellent levels of service, driven by a customer-first ethos, resulting in a quick turnaround of applications. With so many yachts on the register, its staff have a wealth of experience. Registry fees are competitive, while the Cayman Islands does not levy insurance premium tax (which, for example, stands at 6% in the UK).

In summary, there are several material considerations which all have a bearing on the ease with which yacht owners can enjoy their craft, and the administrative and financial burden they might incur along the way. Selecting the most appropriate flag state, in consultation with suitable maritime counsel and your yacht broker, is fundamental to this.

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Natasha Bunting

Associate Director, Corporate and Yachts

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Basics a Buyer Should Know Regarding Yacht Registration

by Danielle Butler, Luxury Law Group

(Reprinted with permission from IYBA. Originally published in Compass Magazine , 2019)

The single most important decision a Buyer must make before closing on a yacht is where the yacht will be registered, as the Buyer should understand the benefits and drawbacks of each registry before making this decision. Presently, the most well-known yacht registrations are United States, Marshall Islands, Cayman Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the British Virgin Islands.

Let’s start with the “grand old flag” of the United States. Concerning documenting in the U.S. with the National Vessel Documentation Center (“NVDC”), the advantages of flying a U.S. flag are as follows: 1. There is an affordable documentation fee. 2. The renewal each year is free, as long as you renew within 30 days of the expiration date. 3. The yacht ownership may be via an individual, a partnership or a company. 4. Lenders may record mortgages or debt on the yachts abstract, meaning that, anyone will have access to this information. 5. Duplicative names are allowed. 6. The Certificate of Documentation (“COD”) notes all important yacht information and is internationally recognized. 7. Yachts can proudly fly the U.S. flag.

The disadvantages to documenting in U.S. are as follows: 1. The U.S. Coast Guard reports all newly documented yachts at the end of each month to each State’s Department of Revenue. 2. In most cases, the owner must be a U.S. citizen. 3. Depending on the State in which the company is formed, almost all U.S. companies are now required to list directors, officers, and sometimes shareholders, to the State in which the company was formed, diminishing the confidentiality. 4. Only U.S.-built yachts may charter in the U.S., unless the yacht owner has obtained a MARAD waiver to overcome this requirement. 5. For the most part, when chartering the yacht’s crew must be U.S. citizens. 6. Anyone can easily record a debt against the yacht with little or no verification necessary. 7. The COD is only valid for one year and must be renewed yearly. 8. The NVDC is usually always behind, so obtaining the COD takes, on average, two months.

Let’s turn to the good, the bad and the ugly regarding registering with the State of Florida. The advantages of registering in Florida are as follows: 1. Any person or company, domestic or international, can register a yacht in Florida. 2. There is an affordable registration fee after paying the sales tax and quick turn-around time to receive the registration. 3. Assuming all Federal issues are met, yachts registered in Florida may also charter in Florida without concern of taxation on the charter. 4. If the sales tax was paid, then the owner may list the yacht for sale without needing to give care, custody and control over to a licensed Florida Yacht Broker.

Concerning registering in Florida, the disadvantages are as follows: 1. If not documented with USCG, then Owner must display Florida numbers on the bow of the boat. 2. If the yacht is not also documented with the U.S., then the yacht may not be a U.S. flagged boat, as the nationality of the yacht is the same as the nationality of its owners. 3. Regardless of being registered in Florida, if the yacht is flying a foreign flag, then the yacht is still subjected to U.S. Customs regulations. 4. If the yacht is only registered in Florida, then it is not recommended for use outside of the U.S., except perhaps the Bahamas. 5. Although a mortgage can be recorded on the Florida Title, the mortgage is only considered a lien and does not afford the protections of a recorded mortgage.

Now, how does this all compare with registering with a foreign jurisdiction? Listed below are the advantages of foreign registration: 1. In most of the foreign jurisdictions common to yachting, any citizenship of that jurisdiction is not a requirement to form a company in that jurisdiction. 2. Most foreign jurisdictions provide better anonymity and asset protection. 3. Crew nationality is not an issue. 4. It is more difficult to record a maritime lien with foreign jurisdictions. 5. Foreign registered yachts may still opt to pay Florida sales tax and register in Florida. 6. There are more options for chartering, particularly in the Mediterranean.

The disadvantages to foreign registration are as follows: 1. It is more costly to obtain and maintain than documenting in the U.S. and/or registering with Florida. 2. In most jurisdictions, only one name can be used on a yacht per hailing port. 3. When cruising within the U.S., the yacht must either clear in and out of each Custom’s port or obtain a Cruising License which must be renewed each year. 4. When cruising within the U.S. even with a Cruising License, the yacht must call and report into each USCG district she enters.

The pros and cons listed above are not an exhaustive list; only a snapshot of what a Buyer must consider when selecting a registration for the yacht. Choosing a registration jurisdiction is a critical decision and will ensure that the Buyer enjoys the yacht and is not burdened with administrative issues post-closing. Lastly, if you don’t have the expertise to make these comparisons, or if the Buyer does not have a firm understanding of WHY they are going with a certain registry, then refer the Buyer to someone who does.

*The information offered in this column is a summary in nature and should not be considered a legal opinion.

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Yacht Registration

Oceanskies specialises in the registration of yachts of all sizes and all types in high quality ‘yacht friendly’ jurisdictions such as the British & Maltese Registers of Ships.

We believe that our success results from understanding that the circumstances of every yacht owner and every yacht are unique.

Choice of registry is one of the most important decisions that a yacht owner has to make.

The chosen port of registry will determine the nationality of the vessel and the laws and regulations that will apply to its operation.

The flag flown and the port of registry inscribed on the stern of the vessel provides the vessel with an identity – a strong well-founded flag will suggest a lot about the owner and the standards to which the vessel is operated.

We endeavour to provide clear advice to owners on the best flag to choose based on their individual circumstances and provide fully inclusive fixed fee yacht registration packages to relieve yacht owners of the administrative burden of the registration process.

There are many flags internationally promoting themselves as the ‘go to’ flag of choice, but we’re here to provide an unbiased opinion on the best flag for you taking into account many parameters including; navigational rights, VAT and US cruising permit eligibility.

We work for all of the yacht friendly flag states and through our experience can outline why one may suit your requirements better than another.

To help simplify the choice process we have created the following yacht registry selector, which you can complete in order to receive further information on our recommended flag for your yacht.

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What is the best country to Register Your Yacht Offshore?

Many yacht owners choose to flag their vessels in countries other than where they live. But why do they do that, and what countries do they pick instead of their own? The list of advantages is long – from taxes and financial reasons to ease of crew hiring and easier port clearances.

If you’re thinking about buying a large yacht for personal or business use, you can find some powerful advantages by registering your boat in the right country.

What is the advantage of registering a yacht offshore?

Every country in the world has its own laws, rules, regulations, taxes and fees. Some look at boats and ships as a revenue stream for fees and taxes, and some set themselves up to be very yacht friendly. Some advantages you can find in some countries over others include:

Is foreign registry for you?

On the surface, flagging in the best country possible seems to make sense for anyone. But it makes little sense for most small, private pleasure craft owners who own and operate their own boats.

The enormous advantages come into play if you do any of the following with your boat:

Most foreign registries require a legal entity in the registration country. This is often a corporation or partnership, if a private citizen can not do it. You’ll have to create the company to own the boat, and often you need a lawyer or an agent for this. Though many popular registry countries have offices in other countries to handle registrations, they’re usually dealing with larger boats and passenger and cargo ships.

For the private boat operator, this adds complexity and expense that rarely pays off. Every time you clear your vessel into a country, your passport won’t match your boat and your name isn’t on the vessel documentation. This may cause confusion or delays.

Before you decide, consult your accountant and attorney to see if it makes sense for you. And they may recommend discussing the topic with a specialist.

What makes a country a good place to flag your vessel?

There are a lot of variables that go into choosing a country to register your vessel, and you need to know what works for you and what is most important.

Low Taxes and Fees

Registration fees for large vessels are big, and these offshore registries have relatively inexpensive pricing. This can save substantial money, but the variables of ship size, required legal structures, and inspection and documentation costs make exact figures difficult. Look beyond just the registration fee at any legal entities and agencies you might need.

Taxes are also a prime consideration, whether it’s taxes due on crew payrolls, vessel profits, goods and services purchased for the yacht, or capital gains from selling it. Some owners only use their crewed yachts for a few weeks annually, and charter them for the idle time. The right flag makes an enormous difference for them.

Easy Accessibility

Quick registration turnaround and access to prompt support if there is a problem is crucial. Registries with offices throughout the world can deal with paperwork in your home country or in places you may be visiting.

An internationally compatible system for legal transactions and banking is crucial. Recording mortgages and transferring ownership should be easy.

Paris MoU, IMO and other recognitions

The Paris MoU (Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control) is an international agreement for the managing port access by ships. It governs safety rules and inspections, and standardizes port procedures across member states. Twenty-seven countries are signatories, and other MoUs around the world cover different regions and countries. Every vessel has a “Risk Profile” under the MoU. This profile controls inspection rates on arrival at a foreign port. The lower the risk, the fewer inspections are needed. A big part of risk is the country of the flag. It’s best to flag in a low-risk country in good standing with the Paris and other MoUs to avoid frequent inspections.

Membership and participation United Nations International Maritime Organization is another good sign that a country’s flag is well regarded and accepted globally.

Red Ensign Group

The Red Ensign group is a list of national registries which fall under the United Kingdom. By flying the red ensign from one of these countries, your vessel has most of the rights and privileges of vessels in the U.K. merchant fleet. This can include additional help with port inspections and detentions, consular support, and even protection by the Royal Navy.

Port Access

Not every country gets along with every other country, and some countries don’t have the best global reputation. If you pick the wrong country, you may find your boat unable to visit some ports in the world. It’s best to pick a flag country with no current international restrictions.

The British Virgin Islands: a very popular offshore flag in the Caribbean

If you’re buying a charter boat in the British Virgin Islands , a BVI registration may make the most sense for you. It’s a stable, tax-neutral country with no corporate income tax, no VAT on yacht purchases, no restrictions on any port worldwide, and it’s part of the Red Ensign Group.

You will need to register a company in the BVIs to own the boat, and registration can take several months, so it’s not the fasted registry and requires planning.

Fees for Yachts

Pleasure, Under 24 meters: New registration: $600.00, Annual fees: $100.00

Pleasure, 24 meters and above: New registration: $750.00, Annual fees: $300.00

Commercial, under 24 meters: New registration: $750.00, Annual fees: $250.00

Commercial, under 500 GT: New registrations: $750.00, Annual fees: $300.00

Read also:BVI Yacht Registration: Should You Do it? Pros and Cons

The Cayman Islands: good tax laws and privacy

The Cayman Islands is another Red Ensign Group country with favorable tax laws. There are also no limits on the country of origin for the crew and captain, though proof of qualifications for the vessel’s master is required. Pleasure craft under the Cayman Islands flag can cruise the U.S. with minimal hassles. You may qualify for direct registry without a corporation if you’re from a list of qualified countries , though you will need a local agent in the Caymans.

Registry offices in fifteen countries turn around registrations quickly, and your vessel can have a registration almost immediately if you pay to expedite it. Vessels under construction may be registered, then converted to a full registration while covered by local tax laws through the construction.

The base registration fee is about $700 USD, with annual fees for private yachts of $500, so it is more expensive than some.

Read also: Buying a Yacht : The Frequently Asked Question

The Seychelles: tax-friendly with quick registration

Though you will need an IBC (International Business Company) legal entity for Seychelles registration, it’s a tax-friendly registration country. There are no taxes on the sale or operation of yachts, including on salaries of employed crew operating internationally. Ownership can be 100% foreign and private.

An initial 90 day provisional registry is quick to get. Then a permanent registration is available at no extra charge. Registration for limited chartering is available, and vessels have no troubles visiting other countries.

The vessel age limit is fifteen years, and a survey may be required for older vessels. It may not be the most suitable registry for historic vessels.

Read also: SEYCHELLES VS. CARIBBEAN: WHICH OPTION IS GOOD FOR YOU?

The Netherlands: an overlooked European flag with efficient registry

The Netherlands has one of the most streamlined registration process in the EU. It’s also among the least expensive, and they can register your vessel in three days. Other EU countries may take weeks or months. This is easiest for residents of the Netherlands, Norway, or Switzerland, but is also easy for anyone with an EU based corporation. There is no nationality requirement.

The Global Netherlands registration gives full access to all waters, requires minimal paperwork, and taxation, and there’s no inspection requirement. A light registration with access only to EU waters is even quick to get and costs less.

Registration fees start at €399 for Dutch and EU citizens, and €648 for non-EU citizens.

Malta: a popular yacht registration in the Mediterranean

Malta is one of the most popular registries in the world. It’s part of the EU and registry shares those benefits, but it also has a quick turnaround and a simplified application process. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can directly register their boats. All other nationalities need a foreign or Maltese corporation.

The VAT in Malta is lower than most of Europe, and income from shipping activities is tax free. There are no limitations on the nationality of crew members. The Maltese flag is whitelisted with the Paris MoU.

Yachts over ten years old must be inspected within a month of provisional registration, and boats over fifteen years old must be inspected prior to registration.

Registration Fees

Pleasure yachts under 24 meters and 50 gross tons (new/annual): €115/€200 Pleasure yachts over 24 meters (new/annual): €.25 per ton, minimum €187.050/€.40 per ton, €400 minimum

Read also: CAN OWNING A YACHT TO CHARTER (REALLY) BE PROFITABLE?

Cyprus: a great yacht registration country and upcoming destination

Not only is Cyprus a delightful place to cruise, it’s becoming one of the better places to flag your yacht. Registration exempts boats from income taxes in international waters, crew taxes outside Cyprus, and taxes on dividends from the ownership company.

Cyprus is white listed with the Paris MoU and is a low-risk flag globally. Individuals with Cyprus, EU, or EEA citizenship, or a Cypress corporation may register boats. Foreign corporations can also register yachts, but they must have a controlling interest by Cypriot, EU or EEA nationals.

If you’re planning to charter your boat, different registration options make this easy.

Annual registration fees start at €300.

Gibraltar: a European jurisdiction with advantages

Gibraltar is another tax-friendly registrar, with no VAT charges, taxes on sales of vessels, or importation charges. It’s also part of the Red Ensign Group, but under European jurisdiction without the EU tariff rules.

Registration costs start at €225 for pleasure yachts under 24m, and €400 for yachts over 24m. Other documentation and registration fees may apply for the first time.

Liberia: a well managed registry with affordable tax structures

A U.S. owned and operated company handles from U.S. the yacht registration in Liberia. It also maintains offices around the world with 24 hour support and a sizeable force of inspectors. It is one of the most popular registries for commercial shipping, and is known for efficiency and capability.

Taxation is low and flat-rate based on tonnage, and treaties prevent double taxation with most countries. There are no nationality restrictions on crews and captains, though they must be qualified. It’s whitelisted on the Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU, and the IMO. The flag is low risk and accepted in most countries.

Vessels must be less than twenty years old. And the owner must be a Liberian entity or a company qualified as a Foreign Maritime Entity in Liberia. The registry can help establish this.

Registration for smaller vessels starts at $2,500. Annual tonnage fees are based on a minimum of 2,200 tons,

Read also: RENT TO OWN YACHTS: SHOULD YOU DO IT? BOAT LEASING EXPLAINED

Delaware, USA: the popular state to register a yacht corporation.

Delaware is not actually a popular state for boat registration. But it is the most popular state in the U.S. for registering companies. If you own your boat with a company and flag it in the United States, Delaware. Incorporation is quick, easy, and inexpensive. And the state offers good taxation and legal benefits to companies.

U.S. state registration is separate from U.S. documentation and flagging and is not needed for international travel if a vessel spends no time in the state waters. Delaware collects sales tax on registration, so this can be costly. But there is no annual property tax on locally registered boats.

Vessels flagged in the U.S. are welcome in almost every port in the world, but there is no special federal tax treatment. Your boat will be subject to U.S. specific laws for crew hiring, taxation, inspections, and other regulations that many flag elsewhere to avoid.

Marshall Islands: a great offshore jurisdiction for yacht owners

Like the Liberian Registry, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) handles registry through a U.S. based corporation International Registries . They have offices around the world. Yachts must be owned by an RMI legal entity or a qualified foreign maritime entity. Registration for a “Dual Use” private yacht allows for up to 84 days of charter per year.

The Marshall Islands registry is low tax, meets the low-risk criteria for the Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU, and is on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Qualship21 registry. The RMI has a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which is similar in benefit to the Red Ensign Fleet in terms of protections and help offered by the U.S. diplomatic and military services.

Registry costs for private yachts under 24 meters (79 feet) start at $1,600, including an annual $750 tonnage tax. The minimum registration length is 12 meters (39 feet).

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Flag register of the Netherlands or Britain

Home » Flag register of The Netherlands, Poland, Gibraltar or Britain

It’s possible to register your yacht under the flag of the country you live in. However, the procedure could be complicated and might involve a substantial amount of bureaucratic red tape. Each country has its own procedure to enter a yacht into its flag register. The procedures in the Netherlands and Britain keep the amount of bureaucracy to a minimum. Furthermore, you’ll be sailing under the proud Dutch or British flag, which are both widely respected worldwide.

This British, Polish, Gibraltar or Dutch flag registration is also open to yacht owners outside these countries, thanks to BlueWater Registration Services. The procedures are quick, easy and completely compliant with international maritime laws and standards. We offer registrations that are accepted in the EU and all other countries worldwide.

Summary of our yacht registration services

• Sail proudly under the Dutch or British flag
• Valid in the EU or worldwide
• Cheap EU ICP Light registration with Dutch domicile provided by us
• Dutch and British worldwide registrations
• Dutch worldwide registration bundled with microdots and a radio license
• Quick service at attractive prices
• Completely legal service

Do you wish your yacht to be entered into the renowned Polish, Gibraltar, Dutch or British flag register? Contact BlueWater Registration Services for more information or start the registration procedure online.

A Dutch flag registration, with Amsterdam as your home port

Registering your ship with a Dutch flag registration at BlueWater Registration Services will result in your ship having Amsterdam as its home port. Combined with proudly flying the Dutch flag will earn you a lot of respect on the open sea and in ports worldwide. We’re able to offer you our office address as your legal Dutch domicile.

Are you looking for a more comprehensive registration, that’s guaranteed to be accepted regardless of where you set sail in the world? The Dutch worldwide zeebrief registration is accepted worldwide. During the inspection of your yacht, the inspector can optionally apply microdots to the hull of your boat. These invisible little dots are a powerful anti-theft measure. They are impossible to remove and your ownership of your yacht is easily verified. They will also get you a discount on your insurance fee at many yacht insurance companies. The worldwide registration is also bundled with an MMSI & AIS radio license .

An entry into the British flag register

In some cases, a British yacht registration can be preferred to a Dutch one. A British registration is also valid worldwide ans is also valid for commercial use. It comes at an attractive price. No renewal fee is required for the British rergistration. If you’re going to use your boat as a bareboat charter yacht, the UK Part One Registration is right for you.

We offer multiple methods of entry into the Dutch or British flag register. We understand you might have questions about which type of yacht registration is most suitable for you. For that reason, we have a comparison page for you to provide some assistance. Also our home page let’s you answer a few simple questions to find a the most suitable type of yacht registration to you. If you need further information, please feel free to contact us about your situation and needs.

Online yacht registration

You can easily apply for your yacht registration online. The video below briefly explains how this works. For more information, please look at the ‘ Online registration portal ‘ page.

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Choosing the right yacht register

Gabriel Gonzalez, Register-a-Yacht, explains how buyers should choose where to register their yacht.

Registering a newly acquired yacht is often one of the last steps that yacht owners will need to complete before they can actually sail and enjoy the vessel. Registering a yacht is like obtaining a passport. You are effectively choosing the yacht’s nationality, with all the advantages and responsibilities that this entails: not least good functionality, constructive legislation, fiscal efficiency, well-recognised legal system, political stability and diplomatic clout. A yacht owner will want a flag that is competitive, accessible and enjoys a good reputation.

“Registering a yacht is like obtaining a passport. You are effectively choosing the yacht’s nationality, with all the advantages and responsibilities that this entails”

From a private law perspective, too, your choice of Flag State can be critical. Protecting the legal title of the registered owner or the interests of mortgagees is of great importance. In fact, many financial institutions may make it a condition that a yacht is registered in a particular Flag State when providing marine finance to yacht owners. Similarly, a yacht’s Flag State may affect the ability of the owner to secure competitive insurance cover.

So while yacht registration is simply a licensing procedure, involving broadly similar requirements in most jurisdictions, it is one that yacht owners should give very careful consideration to in order to ensure the best fit for their particular circumstances.

Many countries, including some that are landlocked, maintain their own yacht registries, but only a very few attract the majority of superyacht registrations worldwide. Their popularity is based upon careful analysis of the advantages that they offer to owners and their vessels.

There are three principal factors that will undoubtedly influence an owner’s choice of flag.

Getting the right legal and administrative framework

Firstly, a Flag State’s legal and administrative framework. By conferring nationality on a yacht, a Flag State acquires certain rights as well as certain responsibilities over it. The public law functions of registration give rights to diplomatic (and naval) protection and consular assistance by the Flag State. It might also offer other privileges, such as neutrality or access to particular waters, ports, activities or services. The private law functions of registration are to protect the title of the registered owner and persons holding security interests over the vessel.

“By conferring nationality on a yacht, a Flag State acquires certain rights as well as certain responsibilities over it.”

It is essential that a Flag State Registration is a key element to a yacht’s operation because there may also be specific yacht-related legislative, fiscal and other advantages (or disadvantages) attached to a particular kind of registration regime. For instance EU-flagged yachts will encounter fewer obstacles when obtaining permits and licenses to operate commercially within EU waters in comparison to non-EU flagged yachts. There are always exceptions to the rule and flags such as the Isle of Man, while remaining outside the EU, offer very similar benefits to EU flags when operating commercially. The Marshall Islands’ flag is also exempted for having to change from private to commercial status when operating commercially in France and Monaco.

VAT and other taxes

“The question of VAT liability is open to wide interpretation and should always be considered on a case-by-case basis.”

Secondly, the VAT status of the jurisdiction in which the yacht is to be domiciled. The question of VAT liability is open to wide interpretation and should always be considered on a case-by-case basis. Yet this is generally a matter of great concern to yacht owners and is often the main criterion in deciding where to register a yacht. The EU’s Temporary Admission (often referred to as Temporary Importation) rules are a mechanism that enables non-EU resident yacht owners to bring their yachts into Europe for a limited time, such as a holiday, and under certain conditions without having to pay VAT on the value of their yachts.

International rules and conventions

“Through registration and technical control procedures, the Flag State monitors the legality of the vessel’s condition and activities throughout its life”

Lastly, given the freedom that Flag States have to formulate their registration requirements, they are obliged to exercise administrative, technical and social controls – applying the international rules and conventions that govern navigation, usage, safety and crewing. Through registration and technical control procedures, the Flag State monitors the legality of the vessel’s condition and activities throughout its life, and intervenes through inspections and financial concessions.

As a back up to Flag State implementation, many of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) most important technical conventions contain provisions for ships to be inspected when they visit foreign ports to ensure that they meet IMO requirements, a procedure known as Port State Control.

The IMO has encouraged the establishment of regional agreements on Port State Control – Memoranda of Understanding or MOUs – covering all of the world’s oceans, of which the best known are the Paris MOU (Europe and the North Atlantic) and Tokyo MOU (Asia and the Pacific). It is therefore of great importance that a Flag State can demonstrate a good track record on its performance under such MOUs. There is scope for a flexible approach and the expertise of a Flag State’s surveyors will be crucial for prudent assessment, good support on technical issues and to guarantee safety and seaworthiness.

In addition to these three main aspects, there may be many other reasons for choosing a Flag State. These could relate to: a yacht’s age, size or type; any ownership nationality restrictions; the size of registration fees and ongoing costs; the speed and ease of registration; the accessibility and availability of technical or administrative support. In some cases, it may simply be a matter of prestige.

“It is unquestionably the Red Ensign Group that lead the rankings of most popular flags”

Of all the Flag States available worldwide, it is unquestionably the British shipping registers, collectively known as the Red Ensign Group (REG), that lead the rankings of most popular flags. British law has enacted legislation that is specific to yachting and is a familiar, popular and workable system that is well known to practitioners, captains, brokers, bankers, builders, classification societies and service providers within the yachting industry. As well as having a reputation for efficient management and administration, they also benefit from British Consular support.

Within the REG, the following are the most common flags for yacht registration purposes – the UK itself, the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey and Gibraltar. These seven jurisdictions offer five different tax scenarios, with the UK – as a full EU Member state and part of the EU Customs Union and VAT area – lying at one extreme, with the Cayman Islands and BVI – which are wholly outside the EU – at the other.

In between lie the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar, which have differing relationships with the EU. The latter in particular, being part of the EU territory but outside the EU Customs Union and VAT area, can offer a less bureaucratic procedure for obtaining chartering licences in Europe while at the same be of use to non-EU residents in benefitting from the Temporary Admission regime.

“Flying the British flag is not always the solution and other Flag States, such as Malta or the Marshall Islands for example, have been very successful in providing yacht registration”

Notwithstanding all the benefits that the REG may offer, flying the British flag is not always the solution and other Flag States, such as Malta or the Marshall Islands for example, have been very successful in providing yacht registration to yacht owners and yacht management companies.

The pragmatic approach of Malta with tax advantages for commercial yachts and a leasing scheme for pleasure yachts has made it a very attractive alternative to the UK for those wishing to flag a yacht within the EU. Marshall Islands-registered yachts have automatic rights to a cruising permit for sailing in US territorial waters and qualifying private yachts are permitted to charter up to 84 days a year, subject to detailed surveys when on charter. Together with the new Yacht Engage in Trade (YET) regime, the Marshall Islands is taking a lead in facilitating the mixed use of yachts. Other flags to be considered, within and without the EU, are Madeira, Italy, Luxembourg, Cyprus, the Cook Islands, St Vincent & the Grenadines and The Bahamas.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the use of a company for yacht ownership purposes may also facilitate legitimate tax and estate planning scenarios, provide access to certain flags by circumventing nationality restrictions and offer enhanced levels of confidentiality. Using a company to own and operate a yacht not only provides privacy, but will also limit the owner’s liability in the event of a claim. Contracting with third parties through an entity provides legal security and may often simplify sale and purchase processes.

For more details please contact: [email protected]

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Yacht Registration & Flag State Compliance 

The choice of registry is important when considering under which flag to register a vessel. The state chosen determines how a vessel will be treated in the countries and ports it visits, therefore a number of factors require significant consideration.  

Registering a vessel can therefore feel like a daunting and complex task however, with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and years of experience assisting owners and their representatives understanding the diverse requirements associated with ownership, registration and management, there are members of Isle of Man Maritime that can both guide and assist you on the registration of your vessel as well as its flag state compliance.  

At the core of the Island’s maritime industry is an award-winning ship registry, home to a portfolio of clients including many of the world’s blue-chip ship owners and prestigious superyachts.  

A member of the red ensign group the Isle of Man Ship Registry is one of the world’s leading registers and often a flag of choice for owners looking for quality flag administration and the very best in client service  

The register is run by a dedicated team of professionals and backed by sophisticated electronic systems, making it quick and efficient to register a vessel. Its on-line systems also provide for a smooth process.  

With 24/7 response and a growing network of surveyors in key locations, the Ship Registry provides a swift response to allow owners and managers to keep their ships operating in a competitive global industry.  

An ISO 9001 and 14000 certified organisation, the Ship Registry operates efficiently and consistently to exceed the standards expected of a modern Flag State.  

With its in-house technical expertise, the register provides advice and regulatory oversight for the ships and yachts on the register, in a pragmatic and commercially sensitive manner.  

Backed by a Government which strongly supports the maritime sector, the Registry is operated on a cost-neutral platform, allowing its fee structure to be extremely competitive.  

Services include:    

• International Yacht Registration
• Flag Administration
• Certification
• Flag State Inspections
• Flag State Compliance
• 24/7 Emergency Response
• Out of Hours Registration
• Ship Representative Person

There are also a large number of vessel management and administration businesses among our members that can cater for the growing demand for Manx registered vessels. They can assist with ensuring local management and control remains in place, VAT administration, insurance and brokerage arrangements, chartering and all manner of registration and structure maintenance.  

The Island boasts a number of benefits for those who choose to register their vessel there. This together with the support, technical knowledge and experience of our members, it really does offer high quality and superb service at a low cost. Why would you want to register anywhere else?  

For more information, please speak to one of our members below:  

	: Sarah Lisy : :
	Kate Shaw
	Oscar Brown
	Rachael Hughes
	Lesley-Anne Walker

ISLE OF MAN MARITIME  

Isle of Man Maritime Limited is a not-for-profit organisation, which was formed to develop, support and promote the Isle of Man’s growing maritime sector.  

For more information on Isle of Man Maritime or our Membership, contact [email protected].

Recent Posts

• Isle of Man Registry Welcomes World’s Most Powerful Sailing Cargo Ship
• Setting Sail into a New Era: The Inaugural Journey of Our New Flagship Vessel
• Isle of Man Ship Registry Becomes Member of Seafarer Welfare Charity ISWAN
• Isle of Man Maritime Joins LISW 2023 as Bronze Sponsor 
• Flag Flying Guidance for Isle of Man Ships & Yachts Following the Death of Her Majesty The Queen

• How to chose the best flag for a yacht
• Key elements to consider regarding the choice of flag for a yacht
• Key elements to consider regarding the owner, their yacht and her future use
• How to operate a yacht: private versus commercial
• Yacht services
• Yacht registration

Current flag trends for yachts

• Main EU jurisdictions : UK, Malta, Madeira, France, Italy, Cyprus, Monaco  
• Main non EU jurisdictions : Isle of Man, BVI, Cayman Island, Hong Kong, Marshall Island, Panama, St Vincent, Jersey, Guernsey
• The United Kingdom;
• The Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey) and;
• The UK Overseas Territories (including Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Monserrat, St Helena and Turks & Caicos Islands.
• Category 1 – Registries for ships of unlimited tonnage and type
• Category 2 – Registries of commercial ships and yachts of up to 150 gross registered  tons (GRT) and non-commercially operated ships and yachts of up to 400 GRT dependent on signing Memorandum of Understanding with the MCA.
• Category 1 – BVI, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, UK, Gibraltar, Bermuda;
• Category 2 – Anguilla, Flakland Island, Guernsey, Jersey, Montserrat, St Helena, Turk & Caicos Islands.

Technical documentation

• Registration form for Monaco flag

flag of Chelyabinsk Oblast (Q2635320)

• Chelyabinsk Oblast flag

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