Frequently Asked Questions - Croatia Yacht Registration

As Croatia is a member of the European Union, EU citizens have the right to register their boats in Croatia. However, non-EU citizens may face additional requirements and may need to obtain special permits or visas.

The yacht registration process requires that the yacht owner has a permanent residence or an office in Croatia, and that the yacht must comply with Croatian safety regulations and insurance requirements. The yacht must be in compliance with the laws of the country of origin and the laws of the flag state.

The following paperwork is needed to register a boat in Croatia:

• Filled out application.
• Bill of Sale: The brand, model, and identification number of the boat should be listed on this form, which needs to be signed by both the buyer and the seller.
• Evidence of ownership, such as a registration certificate from a prior country of registration or a seller's notarized statement attesting to the ownership transfer.
• The owner must present a personal identification card or passport.
• Technical records, which include the measuring certificate, the CE certificate, and the radio station license.
• A boat insurance policy in good standing that at the very least covers third-party
• responsibility is necessary.

Yes, it is possible to register a commercial or bareboat charter vessel in Croatia.

In Croatia, the official language for all legal and official documents is Croatian. Therefore, all documents submitted for the registration of a ship or boat in the Croatian Ship Registry must be in Croatian. We can also have the translation arranged for you.

The provisional can be provided within 5-6 business days.

The registration document for a ship or boat in the Croatian Ship Registry is typically a certificate of registration. The certificate will contain information such as the name of the ship or boat, the owner's name and contact information, the vessel's official number, the vessel's dimensions and tonnage, and the vessel's propulsion and power.
The certificate will typically have the Croatian coat of arms on it, and it will be issued by the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. The certificate will be in Croatian language, and it may also contain additional information such as the vessel's radio call sign, the expiration date of the registration, and the vessel's IMO number if applicable.

The registration of a ship or boat in the Croatian Ship Registry is typically valid for one year from the date of issuance. The owner or authorized representative of the vessel must renew the registration annually by submitting a renewal application.

For small pleasure craft under 5m, the inspection may not be required as part of the registration process, but the owner is still responsible for ensuring that the vessel is in compliance with the safety and technical regulations of Croatian laws and regulations.
Technical inspection is required for vessels greater than 5 m just for first registration and is often performed by the port captain for vessels smaller than 5 m every five years.
However, for commercially registered boats in Croatia, an inspection may be required as part of the registration process to ensure that the vessel meets the safety and technical requirements of Croatian laws and regulations.

Once your yacht is registered in Croatia, you will be required to fly the Croatian national flag on the vessel.

There is no specific length requirement for boats to register in Croatia. All boats, regardless of length, can be registered in the Croatian Ship Registry.
However, boats built before June 16, 2000 are not permitted to be registered in the Vessel Register, according Croatian Register of Shipping regulations, unless they carry the CE compliance label and meet all other conditions. All boats, including both personal and business ones, are covered by this. The Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) of the European Union, as well as the environmental and safety standards outlined in the directive, are complied with by boats bearing the CE conformity label.
Boats constructed before to June 16, 2000, without the CE compliance marking, will not be eligible for a registration certificate that is valid and will not be permitted to operate in Croatian waters. Boats that are not registered with the Croatian Register of Shipping are also ineligible to receive an MMSI or engage in any commercial activity within the country.

Yes. To apply for an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) in Croatia, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

• A completed application form: This form can usually be obtained from the Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure or from authorized radio communication service providers.
• Proof of ownership: This could be a bill of sale, a purchase contract, or a registration certificate that proves that you are the legal owner of the vessel.
• Radio station license: If your vessel is equipped with a radio station, you will need to provide a valid radio station license that has been issued by the Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure.
• Technical data of the radio station: This should include information such as the make, model, and serial number of the radio equipment, as well as the type of antenna and its location on the vessel.
• Safety inspection certificate: If your vessel is larger than 15 meters in length, you will need to provide a valid safety inspection certificate that has been issued by the Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure.
• Payment of the MMSI fee: You will typically need to pay a fee to apply for an MMSI in Croatia. The amount of the fee may vary depending on the type and size of the vessel and how long the MMSI is valid for.

We accept all payment methods.

In Croatia, a sailing license is required to operate a vessel on the sea or on larger lakes and rivers. The type of license required depends on the size and type of vessel you will be operating, as well as the waters you will be sailing on.
For small boats and personal watercraft, such as motorboats and jet skis, a license known as the "Certificate of Competence for Watercraft Operation" is required.
For larger vessels, such as yachts and commercial ships, a different type of license known as the "Certificate of Competence for Ship's Crew" is required.

To change the ownership of a boat registered in Croatia, you will need to submit the following documents to the Croatian Register of Shipping:

• Original registration certificate: This document must be signed by the current owner and the new owner, and must include the date of transfer of ownership.
• Bill of Sale: A written agreement between the current owner and the new owner that states the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, date of transfer of ownership, and any other relevant details.
• Proof of identity: Both the current owner and the new owner will need to provide a valid ID card or passport.
• Proof of address: Both the current owner and the new owner will need to provide proof of their current address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
• Technical inspection report: If the boat is larger than 5m, the new owner will need to provide a recent technical inspection report that confirms the boat is in good working condition.
• Payment of fees: Fees for the change of ownership will need to be paid to the Croatian Register of Shipping.
• If the new owner is a company, documents that confirm the company's registration and status will also be required.

To cancel the current Croatian registration of a boat, you will need to submit a written request to the Croatian Register of Shipping. The request should include the following information:

• The name and registration number of the boat.
• The reason for canceling the registration.
• The name and contact details of the person making the request.