Short answer: for a yacht up to 24 m, the Polish flag is clearly cheaper over five years. You pay once — from €320 — and there are no renewals. The San Marino flag costs €1,290 (up to 10 m) or €2,390 (10–24 m) for a five-year all-in package, and is then renewed every five years. San Marino is still the better choice for some owners: those who want a non-EU flag, bareboat charter or MMSI included in the price.
5-year cost: Poland vs San Marino
| Yacht length | Poland (one-time) | San Marino (5-year all-in) | You save with Poland |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 7 m | €320 | €1,290 | €970 |
| 7.1–10 m | €410 | €1,290 | €880 |
| 10–15 m | €410 | €2,390 | €1,980 |
| 15.1–24 m | €490 | €2,390 | €1,900 |
Prices are VesselFlag service packages (2026). The Polish package does not include an MMSI/radio licence — add €149 if you need one. The San Marino five-year all-in package includes the MMSI. After five years, the Polish registration simply continues; San Marino is renewed for about €1,400 per five years.
Beyond price: how the two flags compare
| Poland | San Marino | |
|---|---|---|
| EU flag | Yes | No (non-EU) |
| Renewals | None — lifetime registration | Every 5 years (or yearly option) |
| Survey before registration | Not required up to 15 m | Not required under 24 m |
| Who can register | All nationalities | All nationalities |
| Bareboat charter | — | Allowed |
| MMSI / radio licence | Optional, +€149 | Included in the 5-year all-in package |
| Typical timeline with VesselFlag | 2–5 working days | 2–3 working days |
Choose Poland if…
- you want the lowest total cost for a yacht up to 24 m;
- you prefer an EU flag for cruising in European waters;
- you don’t want to think about renewals ever again;
- your yacht is up to 15 m and you want to avoid a survey.
Choose San Marino if…
- you want a non-EU flag;
- you plan bareboat charter;
- you want the MMSI and radio licence included in one package;
- your yacht is 15–24 m and you want to avoid a survey.
Still not sure? Our guide to choosing a yacht flag compares all six flags we offer, or ask us for a free recommendation. Just bought a yacht? See how to register a yacht bought abroad under the Polish flag.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Polish flag cheaper than San Marino?
Yes, for yachts up to 24 m. Polish registration with VesselFlag is a one-time fee from €320 with no renewals, while San Marino costs €1,290–€2,390 for a five-year all-in package and is renewed every five years.
Does the Polish registration expire?
No. Polish yacht registration is for life — there are no renewals or annual registry fees.
Is the San Marino flag an EU flag?
No. San Marino is not part of the European Union. Owners who want an EU flag usually choose Poland or Malta.
Can I switch from San Marino to Poland later?
Yes. The yacht is deleted from the San Marino register and registered in Poland. VesselFlag prepares the documents for both steps.
Get a fixed-price quote
Tell us your yacht length and how you will use it, and we will recommend the right flag with a fixed price — usually within 24 hours. Get a free quote → · WhatsApp us
VesselFlag (BRN Enterprises Burak Baran) is a private registration consultancy, not a government body or flag registry. Registrations are decided and documents issued by the registry of the chosen flag.
