Registering a Yacht In the BVI can reduce tax burdens and protect your assets.
Calculate costs, tax savings, and connect with a certified, local agent in the BVI to Register your ship.
Sign up to start your BVI Ship Registration
Complete our guided application, we’ll review your documents prior to delivering to our Local Representative Agent. Save and continue, if you need more time or ask our Live Chat for assistance!
Welcome to BVI Ship Registration.
The British Virgin Islands is the mecca of Caribbean yachting. Proudly possessing a modern yacht registry system, yacht registration in the BVI is quick, secure, and globally recognized.
Registration, discharge of mortgages, change/transfer of ownership can be conducted quickly and efficiently with our network of registered agents.
What are the Advantages of Registering a Yacht in the British Virgin Islands?
Firstly, there is no sales tax, no VAT, no corporate tax on yachts registered in the British Virgin Islands.
If you decide to purchase a yacht in the BVI, it will be a tax-free experience, making it easy to resell yachts. Apart from sailing under one of the most prestigious flags in the world, your yacht will be entitled to British Diplomatic and Consular support from bodies like Royal Navy Protection. Acquiring the red ensign, you have granted entrance to all ports in the world. While a US Registration might cause unnecessary attention in some waters, the Red Ensign could ensure a much safer journey. In the case you want to own your boat anonymously, the BVI yacht registration procedures make it possible.
Additionally, you will not have to undergo official procedures or pay for cruising permits when sailing the BVI. Our Registered Agents for BVI ship registration offers an ideal structure for owning a yacht.
Why we’re the Best Option?
We have built a system to expedite the entire ship registration process. What this means is we can complete a BVI Ship Registration for any sized vessel, for any purpose of use taking less time and money than the alternatives.
Live Support
Private Use
Commercial Use
Instant Name Search
Register Any Size
Company Formation
Local Agent
Online ID Verfication
Platform Fee
Live Support
Private Use
Commercial Use
Instant Name Search
Register Any Size
Company Formation
Local Agent
Online ID Verfication
Platform Fee
Live Support
Private Use
Commercial Use
Instant Name Search
Register Any Size
Company Formation
Local Agent
Online ID Verfication
Platform Fee
Live Support
Private Use
Commercial Use
Instant Name Search
Register Any Size
Company Formation
Local Agent
Online ID Verfication
Platform Fee
All of our local partners are members of the Association of Registered Agents in the BVI. In addition to providing excellent ship registration service, they can also provide advice and assist with corporate structures, additional tax optimization, and asset protection for your ship.
Why Register a ship in the BVI?
The British Virgin Islands is the mecca of Caribbean yachting. Proudly possessing a modern yacht registry system, yacht registration in the BVI is quick, secure, and globally recognized.
Registration, discharge of mortgages, change/transfer of ownership can be conducted quickly and efficiently with our network of registered agents.
Asset protection
BVI assets are protected from the reach of foreign threats.
Anonymous ownership
While being on the OECD white list, yacht ownership in the BVI can be anonymous.
Red Ensign Group
Get Diplomatic Support; granted entrance to all ports in the world.
Royal Navy Protection
UK Navy vessels would provide protection in case of danger, for example pirates – highest security.
Prestigious BVI Harbour
BVI flag is considered to be one of the most prestigious harbors in the world; the right match for your yacht or ship.
How long does it take to register a yacht in the BVI?
Although the transfer itself can be done within 24 hours, it is necessary to prepare the required documents. In any case, if you have the proof of ownership, certificate of survey, and confirmation of marking it can take as little as 1 week up to 2 months depending on whether a company needs to be registered or if any other complications arise.
Find a Local Representative Agent
In order to Register a ship in the British Virgin Islands, the owners will need to assign a local representative person or agency to assist with the filing of documents.
Complete Paperwork
Depending on the ship classification, you will need to fill out and provide the necessary documents required by the registry. Our application process will ensure the correct documents are prepared based on the answers you provide.
Forming a BVI Company
Oftentimes, individuals register a ship in the BVI as foreigners, in order to gain tax benefits and Royal Navy protection. For this reason, it is required that the ship be registered under a body corporate BVI IBC within a UK overseas Territory.
Verification and Delivery
The local Representative Agent will review documents to verify that accurate information has been provided prior to submitting the application to the Registry. After a successful application is delivered, the Registry will issue a case number and your agent will provide regular updates on the status.
What is the process of registering a yacht in the BVI?
Your yacht can be located anywhere in the world. There is no need for you or your yacht to ever visit the British Virgin Islands.
To begin with, you will need proof of ownership, a certificate of survey, and confirmation of marking. The suggested approach is selecting your representative in the British Virgin Islands. Generally, most clients choose the scenario of incorporating with a BVI international business company. You might require nominee directors that will formally represent you owning the yacht.
Note that if a BVI IBC owns your yacht, you will not be able to charter your yacht with BVI residents.
Your representative will be appointed a director or will hold the power of attorney. The beneficial owner will therefore be able to take possession of the yacht in the respective country on behalf of the company. At the same time, the representative will prepare the necessary documents and register the yacht with the Registrar of Shipping. After successful completion of the yacht registration process, the chosen representative will remain a director or a power holder to officially represent the company.
What Classification of Ships can be Registered in the BVI?
BVI offers category 1 registrations, allowing registration for all yachts and megayachts below 3000 tons or unlimited tonnage for cargo vessels. Notably, the BVI Shipping Registry is not connected to the UK Register.
No Yacht is too Big or too Small to Register in the British Virgin Islands.
Commercial Yachts
Commercial Yacht less than 24m
Large Passenger Vessels
Merchant Ships of all sizes
Small Commercial Vessels
Pleasure Vessel under 24m
Cargo Vessels
Charter Yachts
Small Passenger Vessels
Large Commercial Yachts
Pleasure Vessel 24m and above
