Change from French to Spanish flag: Requirements and steps

The French market for boats and the change of flag

The French nautical market is one of the largest in Europe, and it is common to find second-hand boats at very good prices. However, in order to sail legally in Spain with complete peace of mind, many buyers prefer to change the original French flag to the Spanish flag. This process requires coordinated binational procedures before the maritime administrations of both countries.

Step 1: Request deregistration in France (Radiation de Pavillon)

The initial and most critical step is to deregister the vessel in the French registry of origin (Affaires Maritimes). International law prohibits the dual registration of a ship. To process the cancellation you must provide:

• The original French navigation title (Acte de Francisation or Carte de Circulation).
• The bilateral sales contract in French and Spanish (or with translation).
• Copy of the Spanish buyer's ID.

The French administration will issue an official document called **Certificat de Radiation de Pavillon**, which certifies that the ship no longer belongs to the French flag.

Step 2: Tax settlement in Spain

When introducing a used ship from the European Union to Spain, territorial tax obligations must be settled:

1. Tax on Property Transfers (ITP - Form 620/621): It is paid at the Tax Agency of your Autonomous Community. The rate varies between 4% and 8% of the value of the boat according to the BOE nautical valuation tables.
2. Special Registration Tax (Form 576): Mandatory if the boat exceeds 8 meters in length (applicable rate of 12%). If it is less than 8 meters, the declaration of non-restraint is processed.

Step 3: Technical Inspection of Ships (ITB) and CE Marking

To register the boat in Spain, the Harbormaster will require a valid Spanish Certificate of Seaworthiness. This involves hiring a Collaborating Inspection Entity to carry out an **import ITB**. The inspector will check:

• The correspondence of the hull number (HIN/CIN) with the EC declaration of conformity.
• The condition of the bottom valves, fire extinguishers, life jackets, and flares.

Step 4: Registration request at the Maritime Captaincy

With the French Radiation Certificate, the ITP receipt, the settled Model 576, and the favorable ITB report, our managers submit the file to the Maritime Captaincy. A new registration number (List 7) will be assigned to you, and the Spanish Navigation Permit will be issued.