Yachting - Yacht Registry

Gibraltar has a separate register for commercial and pleasure vessels - although there is no size limit for pleasure vessels - and offers a professional, efficient and user-friendly service to yacht owners.

Yachts registered in Gibraltar fly the Red Ensign faced with the armorial bearings of Gibraltar and as such are entitled to Royal Navy protection. In addition, because Gibraltar has independent tax status, VAT is not levied, so a company registered there does not have to pay VAT when buying a pleasure yacht, as long as the boat remains in Gibraltar. Gibraltar registered yachts with non-EU owners can apply for VAT-free temporary importation to sail in EU waters for up to six months per year.

Furthermore, thanks to Gibraltar's well established legal and financial institutions, owners can have confidence in the maritime legal system, which follows English law. Over a dozen local companies specialise in ship registrations and maritime law.

How to register
Broadly speaking, any British national, British overseas citizen, EU national or European Economic Area national can register his vessel in the Port of Gibraltar. Those with non-British status can register vessels through a foreign maritime entity, established either in England or in another offshore jurisdiction subject to UK laws.

The procedure is straightforward. Applications should be made direct to the Yacht Registry and include the proposed names, the original builder's certificate for newbuilds and the original Bill of Sale and a copy of the current registration document for pre-registered yachts. In addition, a tonnage survey should be carried out by a recognised classification society.

A declaration of ownership and the appointment of a representative person is also required. However, further information will be required if the yacht is being registered by a corporate body.

Fees and charges for pleasure yachts

Contact Gibraltar Yacht Registry - shipreg@gibraltar.gi