How to register a boat in Spain: Complete step-by-step guide

Introduction to maritime registration in Spain

The registration of boats in Spain is a mandatory procedure that grants the right to fly the Spanish flag and sail legally. It is regulated by the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy (DGMM) and the Maritime Captaincies. Unlike other countries, Spanish legislation is especially rigorous with taxation and safety of recreational boats, so knowing the detailed process will save you time and penalties.

Which boats must be registered and which are exempt?

According to Royal Decree 1435/2010, which regulates the flagging and registration of recreational boats, there are differences depending on length and use:

• Boats of length less than or equal to 12 meters: They are exempt from registration if they sail exclusively in the Spanish territorial sea (List 7). Instead, they undergo a simplified process of Inscription, which assigns a registration number without the need for a role or ordinary navigation license.
• Boats of length greater than 12 meters: They must be mandatorily registered in the DGMM Ship Registry (List 7 for private use).
• Vessels intended for charter or commercial rental (List 6): They must be registered, regardless of their length, even if they measure less than 6 meters.

Essential documentation for the file

To start the procedure before the Maritime Captaincy, you must provide the following original documents:

1. Property accreditation: Purchase invoice with itemized VAT (for new boats) or sales contract signed with the Transfer Tax (ITP - Model 620 or 621) paid.
2. CE Declaration of Conformity: Shipyard document certifying that the design of the boat and engine comply with the safety directives of the European Union.
3. Certificate of Deregistration in the foreign registry: If the vessel previously flew the flag of another country, a consular or registry certificate of deregistration, duly legalized, must be submitted.
4. Owner identification: Copy of the DNI, NIE or CIF of the purchasing company.

Step 1: Payment of Fees and Taxes

Before going to the Captaincy, you must comply with the tax obligations at the Tax Agency (AEAT):

Special Tax on Certain Means of Transportation (Form 576)

This is the well-known 'Registration Tax'. It applies to recreational boats according to their length:

• Under 8 meters in length: Exempt from this tax (you must still submit Form 575 or request an exemption).
• Over 8 meters in length: They pay a general rate of 12% on the value of the ship (11% in the Canary Islands).
• Charter Exemption: The vessels from List 6 intended exclusively for rental are exempt from this tax, regardless of their size, upon prior application of Form 05.

Step 2: Presentation at the Maritime Captaincy

Once the taxes have been settled, the electronic application is submitted to the Captaincy of your district of choice. The maritime official will check that the CE Declaration matches the plates of the boat and engine. If everything is correct, it will proceed to the **Entry Sheet**, granting the registration sign and the number (license plate).

Step 3: Obtaining the Patent and Navigation License

Once registered, the **Navigation Patent** (a document that authorizes flying the flag) and the **Certificate of Seaworthiness** are issued, which certifies that the boat meets the technical conditions and inspections (ITB) necessary to go to sea.