Types of Ship Registration in Cyprus

Cyprus offers three main types of ship registration:

• Provisional Registration: Valid for 6 months, with the possibility of a one-time extension for an additional 3 months. This allows owners to complete the necessary administrative procedures before applying for permanent registration.
• Permanent Registration: Must be finalized within 6 months after provisional registration, or within 9 months if an extension has been granted.
• Parallel Registration:

• Parallel-in: Allows foreign vessels under bareboat charter by Cypriot companies to be registered under the Cyprus flag for up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension.
• Parallel-out: Allows Cyprus-flagged vessels to be registered in a foreign registry while retaining Cyprus registration, provided the legislation of the foreign country permits it.

Document Requirements

The following documents are typically required for ship or yacht registration in Cyprus:

• Declaration of Ownership, including corporate certificates (for companies) or personal identification documents (for individuals).
• Memorandum and Articles of Association of the owning company.
• Builder’s Certificate or Bill of Sale.
• Certificate of Deletion from a previous registry, or proof of free title.
• Other documents, depending on the specific case.

Documents may be submitted in English, which simplifies the registration process.

Registration Restrictions

The Registrar of Cyprus Ships may refuse to register a vessel in the following cases:

• If the ship has been banned from entering ports of countries under the Port State Control Memoranda of Understanding (PSC MoU) at the time of application.
• If the ship has been detained three or more times in the two years prior to the application under Port State Control regimes.
• If the vessel was built exclusively for inland navigation and is intended solely for use on inland waterways.

Ownership Requirements

A vessel may be registered under the Cyprus flag if one of the following conditions is met:

• More than 50% of the shares are owned by Cypriot citizens or nationals of EU/EEA member states, who, if not permanent residents of Cyprus, have appointed an authorized representative in the Republic of Cyprus.
• 100% of the shares are owned by one or more companies established and operating under the laws of Cyprus or another EU/EEA member state, with a registered office, central administration, or principal place of business within the EEA, and who either:

• Appoint an authorized representative in Cyprus, or
• Delegate management of the vessel to a Cypriot or EU-based shipping company with a place of business in Cyprus.

Registration Procedure

• Appoint a local registered lawyer to act on behalf of the ship owner.
• Pay the required fees and taxes.
• Submit the application and required documentation to the Registrar of Cyprus Ships.
• Provisional registration can be completed abroad through Cypriot consular authorities upon the Registrar’s instructions.
• Permanent registration must be completed within the prescribed deadlines.

If you require further information or assistance with the process of ship or yacht registration in Cyprus, it is strongly recommended to consult with professional advisors or legal firms specializing in maritime law.

Remark: The content of this article was accurate at the time of the first publication. It provides general information on the subject matter and is not intended as legal advice. For specific advice on your situation, we recommend seeking professional counsel. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact our experts at contact@mainpartner.com.

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