Yacht / Flag Registration Procedures

Why is flag selection important?

A boat's flag is not just a piece of cloth waving on the sternpost. Flag; It determines which country's law the boat is subject to, which certificates it must carry, which ports it can enter without any problems, and how much tax it will pay annually.

Choosing the wrong flag could mean being held up in a Greek island port mid-season due to lack of paperwork or facing an unexpected tax burden. The right choice will both secure your boat legally and reduce your operating costs.

Four questions determine the choice

How big is the boat? Some registries only accept boats under a certain tonnage. For example, the Jersey registry accepts yachts up to 399 GT, while the UK and Cayman registries accept boats of all sizes.
Will it be used privately or commercially? A boat for charter needs a much more comprehensive set of certificates than a boat for private use. Some flag states cannot issue these certificates.
Where to sail? While documents for some flags are accepted without any problems in Greek islands and European ports, others may face additional document requests.
Who will be registered? Most international registries only accept registration in the name of citizens of certain countries or companies established in those countries. If you are not on this list, a company must be established before registration.

Are you not on the list?

If you are not among the citizens of the countries accepted by the flag state you have chosen and you do not have an active company established in those countries, we can establish the company that will allow you to register.

Company Establishment Procedures

What do we do during the registration process?

Determining the most suitable flag state for your boat and intended use
If necessary, establishing a company abroad and registering the boat with this company
Organizing the tonnage measurement survey and sending it to the registry
Preventing the boat from being left without a flag with Provisional Registration
Obtaining a permanent registration certificate
Retrieval of call sign, MMSI number and IMO number if necessary
Carving & Marking Note, tonnage plate and flag supply and delivery to the boat
Annual tax and fee tracking, renewal of expired documents
Name, owner and share change transactions
Transfer and Bill of Sale transactions in case of sale

Let's decide together which flag is right for you

Let us know the length, tonnage, purpose of use and cruising area of your boat — let us compare the flag options, durations and approximate costs suitable for you.

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