All your yacht's paperwork, in order
Buying, selling, registering or chartering a yacht in Spain involves dealing with the Harbour Master's office (Capitanía Marítima), the Tax Agency, the regional government and other bodies. A mistake or a delay can keep your yacht tied up in port.
Global Nautica has been handling pleasure-yacht files in Spain and other registries since 1999. We know the deadlines, the documents each authority requires and the alternatives when things get complicated.
Our nautical consultancy services
Registration and flagging
- Yacht registration in Spain, in other EU countries and under non-EU flags
- Change of list, name and home port
- Bringing the yacht's documentation up to date
Buying, selling and change of ownership
- Advice on buying and selling yachts
- Change of ownership and registration in the new owner's name
- Transfer tax (ITP) and matriculation tax (IEDMT)
Certificates and licences
- Certificate of Seaworthiness and Navigation Permit
- Technical Inspection of Vessels (ITB)
- Ship Station Licence (LEB) and MMSI number
- Recreational fishing licences for the yacht
- Renewal of boating licences
- High-speed craft operator registration with the Spanish Tax Agency
Charter and commercial activity
- Charter structures and List 6 registration
- Charter authorisations in Spain for foreign-flagged yachts
- Commercial and tourist activity licences in Andalusian ports
- Crew management: sign-on, sign-off and minimum crew
List 6 or List 7: private use or charter
In Spain, pleasure yachts are registered on List 7 for private, non-commercial use, and on List 6 when used commercially, for example for charter. The list determines different obligations regarding safety, crew and tax. We help you choose the structure that best fits how you will use your yacht.
Foreign flags and non-resident owners
We work every day with owners from other countries. The Spanish flag is not reserved for Spanish nationals, and we also handle registration under other EU and non-EU flags. If your yacht will be chartered in Spain under a foreign flag, we process the necessary authorisations under current regulations.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to change the ownership of a yacht?
Usually the bill of sale, the yacht's documents, identification of buyer and seller and payment of the relevant tax (generally the transfer tax in the buyer's region). The file is then submitted to the Harbour Master's office. We prepare and submit it for you.
Can I register a yacht in Spain if I am not resident?
Yes. People of any nationality can register under the Spanish flag, although you need a representative and an address for notifications in Spain. We can help with both.
How long does it take?
It depends on the procedure and the authority. A simple change of ownership can be completed in a few weeks; re-flagging from another registry involves more steps. We will give you a realistic estimate once we review your case.
Do I need to come to the office?
No. Much of the paperwork can be handled remotely. Even so, you are always welcome at our office in Estepona.
Which marinas do you cover?
From our office in Estepona we work with yachts berthed at any marina on the Costa del Sol: Sotogrande, La Duquesa (Manilva), Estepona, Puerto Banús, Marbella, La Bajadilla, Cabopino, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Málaga and Caleta de Vélez. For yachts elsewhere in Spain, we handle the paperwork remotely.