Seychelles Yacht & Vessel Registration

Registration of ships and Yachts is governed by the Merchant Shipping Act 1992. Seychelles has become an obvious choice for luxury vessel registration due to its attractive registration laws and stable weather conditions.

Only Seychelles citizens and/or Seychelles companies are allowed to request the registration of a vessel or yacht under the Seychelles flag.

Advantages of the Seychelles Ship Registry:

  • Exempt from all taxes for earnings or profits from the operation of the vessel.
  • No tax on the sale or transfer of a Seychelles vessel or of the shares in its own company.
  • No tax payable on the salaries of crew while operating international waters.
  • One of the most attractive yacht registration jurisdictions.
  • Provides maximum confidentiality.
  • Being a member of the Commonwealth as well as the United Nations, all vessels under the Seychelles flag profit from a friendly treatment worldwide.
  • Ownership of the ship can be 100% foreign.
  • High quality perception and low fees.

Documents required for Permanent Registration and other Statutory Certificates, as applicable

  • Complete Application Form RS01
  • Copy of Passport or National Identity Card
  • If owner is a non-resident, letter appointing Resident Agent (when applicable)
  • Declaration of Ownership (must be notarized and stamped of the Notary) RS02
  • Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum and Articles of Association and Particulars of Directors (for corporations)
  • Business Registration Certificate (for locally registered business)
  • Proof of Authorization person to sign on behalf of the owner (where applicable)
  • Copy Bill of sale
  • Copy of Builder’s Certificate
  • Copy of valid Insurance Policy (and will not expire in the following three months)
  • Deletion Certificate from previous Flag State (not applicable for newly built)
  • Copy of International Tonnage Certificate (if vessel is over 24m and applying for international registration)
  • Copy of all statutory and Class certificates (where applicable)
  • Complete form for call sign/MMSI number
  • Complete the 406 MHz EPIRB Registration Form (if there is any onboard)
  • Mortgage(s) Agreements (if any)
  • Vessel to be surveyed for its seaworthiness certificate by an approved SMSA surveyor* or an approved Recognized Organization**
  • Copy of Minimum Safe Manning Certificate ***
  • An A4 photo of vessel (colour)
  • Provide copy of Import Permit (where applicable)
  • For fishing vessels, written approval from SFA
  • Complete the Radio Application Form and bring to Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA). Note: Vessels need to be complete the registration process before SLA can issue the Radio license.
  • Certificates of two qualified GMDSS operators (only for fishing vessels and any vessel 300GT and above)
  • For SOLAS vessels, copy of last Continuous Synopsis Record issued by previous maritime administration;
*    We may assist you with the contact details of the correct person at the Registry.  
**   -Bureau veritas (BV),                                      Det Norske Veritas (DNV),       -American Bureau of Shipping (ABS),       Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NKK),       -China Classification Society (CCS),           Lloyd’s Register (LR)  
*** Minimum Safe Manning Certificate is required when: 1.      The vessel is above 24m in length; 2.      The vessel is below 24m in length but is operating / intends to operate internationally; 3.      It is a fishing vessel that has applied for a Certificate of Authorization by SFA.

Upon Registering under the Seychelles Flag, there is an Annual Tonnage Fee payment to be made. After which a yearly payment should be made before the 31st of January of every calendar year.

Shall you require additional information or assistance please contact us at quijano@quijano.com.