Germany Boat Registration
From995 EUR
  • Valid Worldwide
  • Available for all nationalities
  • No inspection needed (under 24 Meters)
  • Expedited 3-5 week service
  • No annual boat taxes
  • Official Flag Registration
  • Includes all translations
  • No hidden fees – all-inclusive price
  • Ranked 11th on MOU list
  • Registration Valid for Life!
  • For private, bareboat & commercial

Germany Boat Registration

For All Nationalities

Germany Boat Registration – Register your Yacht under German Flag

The Germany boat registry is considered one of the best in the world and ranked #11under the Paris memorandum of understanding of vessel port state control (MOU). The average age of merchant ships under the German flag is amongst the lowest worldwide.

We can register any EU private citizen or EU company owning a boat to register their vessel yacht under German flag. In order to register a yacht in the German Maritime Register of Shipping under German flag law, it is required that either a EU private individual or EU company with its residence in any EU member state would need to appoint an regional flag agent in Germany. The regional flag agent who will need to become appointed, has to be a German citizen with residence in the jurisdiction and district of the ship register and has to be a so called honest person.

We take care of this for you!

Germany Boat Registration Advantages:

There are several advantages to registering a boat in Germany. Here are some of the most notable ones:

  1. Access to European waterways: Germany is located in the heart of Europe, and its waterways connect to numerous other European countries, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. As a result, owning a registered boat in Germany can provide access to an extensive network of waterways and travel opportunities.
  2. Safety and compliance: Registering your boat with the German authorities ensures that it complies with all necessary safety regulations, and that it has all the required safety equipment on board. This helps to ensure the safety of the vessel and its passengers.
  3. Resale value: A boat that is registered in Germany may have a higher resale value than one that is not. This is because buyers may be more likely to purchase a boat that has been registered and well-maintained.
  4. Insurance discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to boat owners who have registered their vessels with the relevant authorities. This is because registered boats are seen as less of a risk, and therefore less likely to require a payout in the event of an accident.
  5. Tax benefits: In some cases, boat owners in Germany may be eligible for tax benefits or exemptions, such as reduced VAT rates or exemptions from import duties.
  6. Overall, registering a boat in Germany can provide a range of benefits, from improved safety and compliance to increased travel opportunities and financial advantages.
What type of boat can be registered under German Flag?
You can register your vessel in Germany for private, bareboat or commercial use.

How long is a German flag registration valid?
The German flag registration is valid for the life of the boat!

How much does it cost to register your boat under German flag?

  • Registration in register of seagoing yachts € 393,-
  • Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) for the preparation of the ship's tonnage certificate € 250,-
  • Ship register - Fee Maritime Register of Shipping, which is calculated according to the ship's value ____ + € 25,-
  • We handle all paperwork, filling of documents and provide you with a local registered German law firm to be your local agent for a one-time fee of €995,- You will pay the above government fees in addition to our service fee.

How much does it cost to get a German MMSI radio license?
We can handle all the (German) documents for requesting a Radio, MMSI license. We charge a fee of € 250,- (including all government fees) and can provide the MMSI license with your boat registration or just by itself.

What are the annual renewal fees after registering my boat in Germany? There are no annual fees after registering your boat under German flag!

How long does it take to register under German flag?
Usually, the time for obtaining the Ship certificate takes about 3-5 weeks, but in urgent cases there is the possibility in Hamburg to have an English provisional registration certificate issued by the court immediately, confirming that application for the ship registration has been orderly filed and that the yacht will be registered in the ship register shortly. This certificate enables the our clients to already use his yacht on the basis of a deemed provisional registration.

Are there any safety requirements for vessels under German flag?
The safety requirements that a recreational vessel flying the German flag needs, depends on the use of the vessel:

  • If used privately - no certificate is required
  • If hiring out as bareboat charter then a Boat Certificate ("Bootszeugnis") is required
  • If commercially used then a “Safety Certificate for Recreational Craft” and “Safe Manning Certificate” are required

Which Documents are needed for the German Boat registration?

  • Copy of the UBO’s identity card (UBO= Ultimate owner of the boat)
  • Copy of an utility bill from the UBO. The invoice or letter should indicate the address that is also indicated on your identity card.
  • Current ship registration documents and cancellation certificate from the pre-registration or non-registration certificate in relation to the Yacht;
  • A Power of attorney for us to take care of the registration (we provide this to you)
  • Declaration of Conformity and CE Certificate for the yacht (copy is ok)
  • Builder's Certificate (copy is ok)
  • 2 x photos of the yacht:1 x side and 1 x stern view of the Yacht (real photos)
  • the value of the Yacht (last purchase price paid).
  • Our application form with client details, boat details like: manufacturer, type, power, year of construction, engine number, length etc.
  • Our KYC form (know your client) questionnaire (we provide this to you)
  • In case of EU company owning the vessel: notarized and apostilled corporate documentation of the foreign company (Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Article of Association, Certificate of Good Standing)