Palau Flag Registration - Professional Flag Services for Yacht Owners Worldwide
Register your boat under the Palau Flag – valid for 1 to 5 years
Continuity
1 to 5 years
Survey Obligation
Not below 24 meter
Registration process
Within 1 day
Validity
Worldwide
Residence requirement in EU/EEA
No
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Choose 1-year or 5-year registration terms.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Choose 1-year or 5-year registration terms.
Boats Under 12 Meters
- Provisional registration in 48 hours
- Official registration certificate
- No survey required
- Worldwide validity
- Private or commercial use
- Local agent not included
- MMSI license included
Boats Under 12 Meters
- Provisional registration in 48 hours
- Official registration certificate
- No survey required
- No yearly renewal fees
- Private or commercial use
- Local agent not included
- MMSI license included
Boats between 10-24 Meters
- Provisional registration in 48 hours
- Official registration certificate
- MMSI radio license included
- Safety certificate included
- No survey required
- Worldwide validity
- Private or commercial use
- Local agent not included
Boats between 10-24 Meters
- Provisional registration in 48 hours
- Official registration certificate
- MMSI radio license included
- Safety certificate included
- No survey required
- Worldwide validity for 5 years
- Private or commercial use
- Local agent not included
Ultra Fast Processing
Get your provisional registration certificate in just 24 hours via email. Full registration follows within 1 week.
Competitive Fees
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Lower annual fees compared to premium European registries. Excellent value for money.
International Recognition
Palau flag is recognized worldwide. Member of international maritime conventions. Access to ports globally without restrictions.
No Residency
Available to all nationalities worldwide. No need to be a Palau resident or have local presence. Simple application process.
Tax Advantages
No VAT on yacht registration. No tonnage tax. Favorable tax regime for both pleasure and commercial yacht operations.
Legal Protection
U.S.-affiliated registry with strong legal framework. Flexible use for private, charter, and commercial operations.
Why Choose Palau Yacht Registration in 2025?

Palau offers a fast and efficient registration process. You complete the steps online without travel. The registry accepts all nationalities. This creates flexible ownership options for private and corporate structures.
You lower annual costs. Fees stay stable and competitive compared to many EU registries.
You work with clear rules. Palau Maritime Authority keeps documentation simple. This reduces delays during inspections or port calls.
You register almost any yacht size. Motor yachts, sailing yachts, and commercial yachts qualify with straightforward technical requirements.
You receive worldwide acceptance. Major marinas and ports recognize Palau documents.
You gain the option for radio licensing and MMSI through one authority. This shortens setup for navigation and safety equipment.
Why Choose Our Palau Registration Service?
Lightning Fast Processing
Best Prices:
Full Support:
Experienced Team:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does Palau yacht registration take?
Palau yacht registration typically takes same day for provisional registration and 1-2 weeks for permanent registration.
Provisional registration is valid for 6 months and allows you to sail under Palau flag immediately while permanent documents are processed.
The timeline depends on:
– Completeness of your documentation
– Type of registration (pleasure vs commercial)
– Vessel size and specifications
– Current workload at PISR (Palau International Ship Registry)
We offer expedited processing for urgent cases. Contact us to discuss your specific timeline needs.
What documents do I need to register my yacht in Palau?
Required documents include:
For Individual Owners:
– Bill of Sale or Builder’s Certificate (notarized)
– Proof of ownership
– Passport copy (certified)
– Current Certificate of Registry (if transferring)
– Deletion certificate from previous registry
– Survey report (size-dependent)
– Insurance certificate
For Corporate Owners (additional):
– Certificate of Incorporation
– Certificate of Good Standing
– Company Articles/Memorandum
– Shareholder register
– Director authorization
We provide a complete checklist and review all documents before submission to ensure nothing is missing.
Can I register my yacht in Palau if I'm not a resident?
Yes! Palau yacht registration has NO residency requirements.
You can register your yacht in Palau regardless of:
– Your nationality
– Where you live
– Where your yacht is located
– Your citizenship status
Palau welcomes yacht owners from all countries. The registration process can be completed entirely remotely – you don’t need to visit Palau.
This makes Palau one of the most accessible flag registries for international yacht owners.
What are the costs of Palau yacht registration?
Palau yacht registration costs vary based on vessel size and type;
Costs include:
✓ Initial registration fee
✓ Certificate of Registry
✓ Flag and documentation kit
✓ Our professional service fee
Additional costs may include:
– Survey fees (if required)
– Document translation/notarization
– Expedited processing (optional)
We provide transparent, all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees. Contact us for a detailed quote for your specific vessel.
Is Palau flag recognized internationally?
Yes, Palau flag is fully recognized internationally.
Palau is:
✓ Member of International Maritime Organization (IMO)
✓ Signatory to major maritime conventions
✓ U.S.-affiliated registry (adds credibility)
✓ Accepted in ports worldwide
✓ Recognized by insurance companies
✓ Approved by major classification societies
Your Palau-registered yacht will have no issues:
– Entering international ports
– Obtaining insurance coverage
– Conducting charter operations
– Traveling to EU, Caribbean, or Asian waters
Palau flag provides the same international access as premium European registries at a fraction of the cost.
Do I need to pay VAT on my yacht in Palau?
No VAT is charged on Palau yacht registration.
Tax advantages include:
✓ No VAT on registration fees
✓ No annual tonnage tax
✓ No import duties (for foreign yachts)
✓ Favorable tax regime for yacht operations
This is a significant advantage over EU flag states where:
– VAT can be 20%+ on purchase price
– Annual tonnage taxes apply
– Complex tax compliance required
Palau offers legitimate tax optimization within international law. However, consult your tax advisor about your specific situation, as your home country’s tax laws may still apply to you personally.
Can I use my Palau-registered yacht for charter?
Yes, Palau allows both private and commercial yacht operations.
Charter Options:
1. Pleasure Yacht Registration: Private use only
2. Commercial Registration: Full charter operations allowed
3. Bareboat Charter Registration: For charter fleets
Requirements for charter operations:
– Commercial yacht registration (3-year validity)
– STCW-certified crew (for crewed charters)
– Commercial insurance coverage
– Safety equipment compliance
– Regular inspections
Palau’s flexible regulations make it attractive for charter businesses, with lower costs than traditional charter-friendly flags like Malta or Cayman Islands.
We can guide you through the commercial registration process and ensure full compliance.
What happens if my yacht is already registered elsewhere?
You can transfer your yacht registration to Palau easily.
Transfer Process:
1. Apply for Palau provisional registration (same day)
2. Sail under provisional Palau flag
3. Request deletion from previous registry
4. Submit deletion certificate to PISR
5. Receive permanent Palau registration
Important notes:
– Provisional registration allows immediate flag change
– You must officially delete from previous registry
– Cannot be registered in two countries simultaneously
– Outstanding mortgages may need registry approval
– Transfer usually takes 1-2 weeks total
Many yacht owners transfer to Palau from:
– European registries (to save VAT/fees)
– Caribbean flags (for better recognition)
– National registries (for tax benefits)
We manage the entire transfer process for you.
Do I need a survey for Palau registration?
Survey requirements depend on your yacht size and type:
No Survey Required:
– New yachts under 24 meters (with builder’s certificate)
– Yachts with recent classification certificateSurvey Required:
– Yachts over 24 meters
– Older vessels (typically 15+ years)
– Commercial yacht registration
– Yachts without recent surveySurvey types:
– Hull and machinery inspection
– Safety equipment check
– Radio survey (if equipped)
– Tonnage measurement (vessels 24m+)Survey costs: €500-€2,000 depending on size/location
We can arrange surveys worldwide through our network of approved surveyors. Surveys typically take 1-2 days.
How do I renew my Palau yacht registration?
Renewal is simple and we handle it for you.
Renewal Schedule:
– Pleasure yachts: Annual renewal
– Commercial yachts: Every 3 years
– Provisional: Upgrade to permanent within 6 months
Renewal Process:
1. We send reminder 60 days before expiration
2. Confirm yacht details unchanged
3. Pay renewal fee
4. Receive renewed Certificate of Registry
5. Update insurance if needed
Renewal fees are typically lower than initial registration.
Required for renewal:
– Current insurance certificate
– Confirmation yacht specifications unchanged
– Payment of annual fee
No survey required for renewal unless:
– Yacht has undergone major modifications
– Change in use (pleasure to commercial)
– Registry requests inspection
We manage all renewal deadlines so you never miss registration expiration.
What's the difference between provisional and permanent registration?
Provisional vs Permanent Registration:
Provisional Registration:
– Valid for 6 months
– Processing time: Same day
– Allows immediate flag sailing
– Used during document processing
– Temporary but fully legal
– Perfect for urgent flag changes
Permanent Registration:
– Valid for 1-5 years (depending on type)
– Processing time: 1-2 weeks
– Full Certificate of Registry
– Can be renewed indefinitely
– Required for long-term operations
Most yacht owners start with provisional registration to begin sailing immediately, then convert to permanent registration once all documents are finalized.
Both registrations are fully legal and recognized internationally. The provisional certificate allows you to sail while we process your permanent documents.
Can I register a commercial vessel in Palau?
Yes, Palau accepts various vessel types:
Eligible Vessels:
✓ Pleasure yachts (private use)
✓ Charter yachts (crewed/bareboat)
✓ Commercial yachts
✓ Fishing vessels
✓ Cargo ships (under certain conditions)
✓ Research vessels
✓ Passenger vessels
Commercial Requirements:
– Commercial yacht registration certificate
– ISM Code compliance (vessels 500+ GT)
– ISPS compliance (if applicable)
– Qualified, certified crew
– Commercial insurance (P&I coverage)
– Safety Management System
Palau International Ship Registry (PISR) handles all commercial registrations professionally.
Commercial registration advantages:
– 3-year validity period
– Lower annual costs compared to pleasure
– Internationally recognized for charter
– Flexible operational requirements
We specialize in commercial yacht registrations and can guide you through all compliance requirements.
Who Can Register a Yacht in Palau?
All Nationalities Welcome
San Marino operates an open registry system. Yacht owners from any country can register their vessels under the San Marino flag.
Individual Owners
- Any nationality accepted
- No residency requirements
- Simple documentation needed
- Passport and boat documents only
Company Ownership Options
Boats owned by companies worldwide can be registered. We can also help establish company ownership if needed.
Corporate Registration
- UK, US, EU companies accepted
- Offshore companies welcome
- Company formation services available
- Tax-efficient structures possible
Special Requirements:
Local Agent Required: All non-San Marino residents need a local agent (included in our service) • No Crew Restrictions: International crew members welcome • No Age Limits: Vintage and classic yachts accepted
Required Documents & Application Process
Essential Documents
For Individual Owners:
- Valid passport copy
- Builder's certificate or bill of sale
- Previous registration deletion certificate (if applicable)
- Boat manual or technical specifications
For Company Owners:
- Company incorporation certificate
- Director's passport copy
- Proof of boat ownership
- Power of attorney (if applicable)
What We Handle For You
Included in Our Service:
- Application form completion
- Document preparation and review
- Local agent appointment
- MMSI radio license application
- Safety certificate processing
- Official submission to SMSR
Expert Support:
Our maritime registration specialists guide you through every step, ensuring fast approval and zero delays.
Our Guarantee to You
✓ 48-Hour Processing: Provisional certificate within 24 hours
✓ Success Guarantee: 100% success rate on properly documented applications
✓ Price Protection: No price increases after quote acceptance
✓ Support Promise: Lifetime assistance for all registered vessels
Register your boat under the Palau Flag - valid for 1 to 5 years
San Marino launched a new yacht registry in 2021, offering quick and easy registration in Europe. The validity of the registration under the San Marino flag is 1 to 5 years, and you can get your temporary registration in just 2 days! The San Marino flag is respected worldwide and is highly regarded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). San Marino has its own representation at IMO and representative offices in various countries. Located in Europe but not a member of the EU, San Marino has an ideal location for ships cruising in the Mediterranean.
In our opinion, San Marino yacht registration will become very popular due to its high speed of setup, generally not requiring surveys, reasonable cost, and efficient employees. These benefits, combined with a prestigious flag like San Marino, will certainly make San Marino yacht registration a popular option for yacht owners worldwide




