Introduction to maritime registration in Spain
The procedure for registering a leisure boat in Spain depends on its length, CE marking and use. Before preparing the application, distinguish the general flagging and registration system from the special simplified registration system.
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: The special system requires CE marking on both the boat and its propulsion equipment and excludes high-speed craft. A registration certificate is required before sailing, within Spanish territorial waters and the limits of the design category. The owner may request flagging and registration under the general system.
- 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): Commercial activity requires checking the applicable registration and operating conditions. The procedure should not be determined solely by length, and boat registration should not be confused with authorisation for the activity.
Essential documentation for the file
To start the procedure before the Maritime Captaincy, you must provide the following original documents:
- Property accreditation: Purchase invoice with itemized VAT (for new boats) or sales contract signed with the Transfer Tax (ITP - Model 620 or 621) paid.
- CE Declaration of Conformity: Shipyard document certifying that the design of the boat and engine comply with the safety directives of the European Union.
- 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.
- 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:
- Up to and including 8 metres in length: Leisure boats fall outside the scope of the tax under this criterion; this is not a tax exemption. The AEAT provides for declaration using form 06, code NS8. Personal watercraft are treated differently, regardless of length.
- Over 8 meters in length: First registration is subject to the tax unless an exemption applies. Check the taxable base, territory and current rate before calculating the amount due.
- Charter Exemption: An exemption may apply to boats genuinely and exclusively used for rental if the legal requirements are met and the required prior approval is obtained. Registration on List 6 does not itself grant an exemption.
Step 2: Presentation at the Maritime Captaincy
Submit the application and supporting documents required by the applicable system. The maritime district checks the documents and processes flagging and registration or simplified registration, depending on the application.
Step 3: Navigation documents for the applicable system
For registered and flagged boats with non-professional crews, Royal Decree 1435/2010 provides for the Spanish registration certificate-navigation permit. The special system for boats up to 12 metres requires a certificate of simplified registration. Also check the technical documents, insurance and inspections that apply.