Yacht Registration

Yachts may be registered in Curaçao if the owner is either a natural person residing, or a corporation established in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or in the European Union. The following documents are required for registration of the yacht:

• An international tonnage certificate issued by the administration
• A bill of sale
• A statement of ownership
• A judge’s declaration that the vessel qualifies as an Antillean vessel

In addition, information concerning the VHF radio installation must be submitted for issuance of a ship VHF radio license. A provisional Certificate of Registry may first be issued for a period of three months.

The nationality requirements mentioned above may be met by engaging the services of a local trust company or a notary office, which consequently establishes a limited liability company (NV). The most important licenses when incorporating an NV, are the business license from the Island Executive Council, permitting the corporation to act in Curaçao, a manager’s license for a non-Antillean Managing Director and a work and residence permit for the Managing Director, even though the individual lives on the yacht. The notary will also take care of registering the company at the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce & Industry. For more information on establishing companies, visit the Chamber of Commerce website at www.curacao-chamber.cw

Carving

Carving of the official number must take place under supervision of an official from the shipping administration or a surveyor from one of the classification societies. Application for a permanent registration certificate can be made when the carving has been completed. Call-signs are issued together with the (provisional) Certificate of Registry. For more information, contact the CPO offices.