Seychelles Yacht Registration

Ideally situated between the major trade and manufacturing centers of Asia, Europe and Africa Seychelles comprises a group of 115 of the most scenic islands in the world. Victoria is the capital of Seychelles.
As an independent democratic republic, with a stable political environment Seychelles benefits from government policies which actively foster local and foreign investment. Seychelles became an established and reputable offshore jurisdiction.

Registration of yachts is governed by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992. The present law also makes provision for consular and diplomatic representatives of Seychelles abroad to issue provisional certificates of registration to vessels satisfying the ownership and registration criteria. The attractive registration laws lures luxury yacht registrations.

Things to consider when registering a boat under the Seychelles flag using a Seychelles International Business Company (“IBC”).

Please note that:

• The boat must be registered before it reaches Seychelles or it will be liable to pay taxes.
• The boat must not be more than 15 years of age or else a request will have to be made to the Seychelles Ports Authority for a Seychelles based surveyor to inspect the boat at client’s expense.
• The boat cannot be used for any activities in Seychelles other than private use/leisure. This means no charter business in Seychelles etc.
• The boat cannot stay in Seychelles for more that 1 year – Permission to enter and be exempt from GST taxes in Seychelles will have to be sought beforehand from the Seychelles Revenue Commission and a Guarantee/Surety provided.

Guidelines to Yacht Registration Under Seychelles Flag

 A. Eligibility

Yachts eligible for the registration under the Seychelles flag must be wholly owned by:

1. Either a Seychelles citizen
2. A Seychelles Body Corporate established either as an International Business Company (IBC) with the Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA)
3. As a Domestic company with the Registrar of Companies.

B. Registration Procedures

1. Application for Registry. Click here to download this form.
   If the yacht is registered under a body corporate, a certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation is required. Such incorporation can either be done as an IBC or as a domestic company from whom the necessary documents can be procured.
2. Recognized Classification Societies
   The present recognised and authorised Classification societies by the Seychelles Ship Registrar are: Lloyd’s register of Shipping (UK), Bureau Veritas (France), Nippon Kaiji Ryokai (Japan), Det Norske Veritas (Norway), America Bureau of Shipping (USA), and Germanischer Lloyd (Germany).
3. Particulars required for the prescribed application regarding the Provisional Registration of Vessels under Seychelles Flag
   1. A certificate signed by the builder of the ship and containing: i) a description of the ship; ii) the estimated tonnage of the ship; iii) the date and place of construction of the ship; and iv) the name of the person, if any, on whose account the ship was built.
   2. Where the yacht has been registered under the law of a foreign country, a Certificate of Deletion as evidence that registration in that country has ceased.
   3. Evidence that the applicant is the owner of the ship
   4. A list of not less than three alternative names, numbered and order of performance, under which the ship is proposed to be registered.
   5. A declaration of ownership (RS02)
   6. Radio license, which requires to be approved by the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications, and which is licensed by the Seychelles Licensing Authority

C. The forms that are required for Provisional registration of the Yacht are as follows:

1. Application for Registration of Ship as Seychelles Ship, Official Number and Call Sign. Click here to download this form
2. Declaration of Ownership. Click here to download this form
3. Application for a Telecoms/Radio License. Click here to download this form
4. Application for Activation of Maritime Mobile Earth Station. Click here to download this form

Note: Please print and complete all sections of these forms before submitting it to us either by mail or fax.

List of supplemental documents for the Permanent Registration of a Vessel under
Seychelles Flag
After the period of 90 days, or the expiry of the extension of the registration certificate, the Yacht can be permanently registered at no extra cost. The Yacht owner must submit the following documents.

• Application for permanent registration under Section 23 of the Merchant Shipping Act signed by the attorney of the Seychelles company.
• Bill of Sale
• Statutory Certificates issued by the Classification Society
• Carving and Marking Note which is used by the Registrar of Shipping on deposit of documents 2 and 3 above duly signed and sealed by the ship’s classification society.

Registration Fees for Yachts
Initial Registration, Annual Fee, Certificate US$ 1650.00

Registration Fees for offshore IBC Companies

Key features of the Seychelles IBC:

• Competitive License fees fixed for life
• No requirement to disclose the identity of the shareholders of an IBC without a court order
• Directors may be elected at the first company board meeting
• No minimum capital stipulation
• Only one director or shareholder is required
• All civil proceedings in respect of IBCs may be heard by a judge in Chambers
• An IBC may own or manage a vessel or aircraft registered in Seychelles
• No need to file accounts with the Registrar

Incorporation (Certificate of Incorporation, Original Memorandum and Articles of Association, Original subscriber’s Resolution appointing the first director, First minutes of resolution, Share Register, Share certificate, Director’s Register- apostilled set by courier), Government charges , registered agent with registered office. US$ 1450.00

 International Business Companies Guidelines on Procedures