How to Register Your Boat Under the Polish Flag: Costs, Documents & Step-by-Step Guide
If you own a boat in the UK, EU or US and want a fast, affordable and recognised way to register it, the Polish yacht registration has become one of the top choices for 2025. Thanks to low costs, simple paperwork and EU-wide acceptance, thousands of boat owners are switching to the Polish flag for both personal and commercial use.
Below is a complete, keyword-rich guide on how to register your boat under the Polish flag, how much it costs, what documents you need, and how long the process takes.
Why So Many Boat Owners Choose the Polish Flag
The Polish registration is known for being:
1. Affordable and transparent
Registering a boat in Poland is significantly cheaper than flags like Malta, the UK Small Ships Register, the Cayman Islands or the Netherlands. There are no annual renewal fees.
2. Accepted internationally
The Polish flag is an official EU vessel registration. Marinas, insurance companies, harbour authorities and coast guards worldwide recognise it.
3. Fast to obtain
Most applications are processed in 2–5 business days, making it one of the quickest registrations available.
4. No survey required
For recreational boats under 24m, Poland does not require an inspection or survey.
5. Open to all nationalities
UK, US and non-EU passport holders are welcome. You do not need a Polish address or company.
To compare with other flags, see official rules for vessel registration here:
- UK MCA registration guidance: https://www.gov.uk/register-a-boat
- EU recreational boating rules overview: https://transport.ec.europa.eu
What Types of Boats Can Be Registered in Poland?
Poland accepts almost every recreational vessel, including:
- Sailing yachts
- Motorboats
- Catamarans
- RIBs
- Jet skis
- Classic or older boats
- Home-built boats (with supporting documents)
- Boats without previous registration (possible with a declaration)
For more details on vessel eligibility, see the Polish maritime authority:
https://www.gov.pl/web/infrastruktura
How Much Does Polish Yacht Registration Cost?
Costs depend on boat size and documentation. In general:
- Boats up to 24 metres: Low, fixed state fee
- Optional MMSI/Radio licence: Additional small government fee
- Translations: Only required if your documents are not in English or Polish
This makes Poland one of the lowest-cost yacht registrations in Europe.
(On your site you can internally link this to your own pricing page once created.)
Documents You Need for the Polish Flag
The paperwork is simpler than most other flags. You typically need:
- Passport or national ID
- Proof of ownership (Bill of Sale, invoice or notarial confirmation)
- Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Builder’s certificate (new boats only)
- Previous registration (if applicable)
If you have missing documents, in many cases you can still register using a sworn declaration.
(Here you can internally link to your “Document Requirements for Polish Registration” page.)
How Long Does Polish Yacht Registration Take?
Once your documents are approved, the registration is usually completed in:
2–5 business days
You will receive:
- A digital registration certificate by email
- A physical copy by post (if requested)
For many boat owners moored in Spain, Greece, Portugal or the UK, the fast turnaround is a major advantage.
Do You Need an MMSI / Radio Licence?
If your vessel uses VHF, DSC, AIS or EPIRB, you will need an MMSI number. Poland issues radio licences quickly, and it covers:
- VHF
- AIS
- EPIRB
- SART
- Radar
- Handheld radios
Official information on MMSI numbers:
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/fmd/Pages/mid.aspx
You can apply for this at the same time as your registration for maximum convenience.
Can You Keep Your Boat in Spain, the UK or the US With a Polish Flag?
Yes. A Polish registration does not restrict where your yacht can be kept, moored or sailed. Many owners base their boat in:
- Costa Blanca or Costa Brava
- Balearics
- Croatia
- Greece
- The Solent
- Florida
- The Caribbean
Your flag state and your mooring country are independent.
Is the Polish Registration Legal for Non-Residents?
Yes. The registration is fully valid and legal for foreign owners. You do not need to form a company or become a Polish citizen. This is one of the main reasons so many UK owners switched after Brexit.
(You can internally link this to your planned FAQ page.)
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Boat Under the Polish Flag
Step 1 — Collect your documents
Scan or photograph your ID and proof of ownership.
Step 2 — Submit your application
You can start online in minutes through Yacht-Registrations.com.
Step 3 — Approval and issuance
Your registration is normally issued in 2–5 working days.
Step 4 — Receive your official certificate
Delivered by email, with an optional hard copy.
Step 5 — Order your MMSI (optional)
If needed, apply for a radio licence for VHF/AIS equipment.
Why Register Through Yacht-Registrations.com?
We provide a fully handled service for owners worldwide:
- Fast application processing
- Document verification
- Official submissions
- Support with missing paperwork
- Optional MMSI licence setup
- Fixed, transparent pricing
- No hidden fees
- Full customer support
You submit your documents, and we take care of everything else.
Conclusion: Is the Polish Yacht Registration Worth It?
For boat owners who want a low-cost, EU-recognised, fast and reliable registration, the Polish flag is one of the best choices in 2025. With lifetime validity, no surveys, and minimal paperwork, it’s the most straightforward option on the market.
If you’re ready to register your yacht or want to check what documents you need, you can begin the process today.
