Boat Registration in Dubai

Boat registration in Dubai depends on the type of vessel you own. This means that the authorities with which the registration is made are different. Our law firm in Dubai can offer you support with the documentation needed in order to register your marine craft in this city. 

Who can register a vessel in Dubai?

Only UAE nationals, residents, and companies.

NOTE: As a foreigner, you can open a company in Dubai, acquire the vessel, and then proceed to the boat registration procedure with the help of our law firm.

What are the types of vessels that can be registered in Dubai?

The following:

• commercial vessels, for public transportation, cargo transportation
• pleasure marine craft with engines: jet ski, boats up to 12 m, between 12 and 24 m or over 24 m;
• pleasure marine craft without an engine: rowing or sailing;
• traditional wooden crafts, such as abras.

NOTE: Each category comprises various types of vessels, and our Dubai lawyers will first verify their characteristics to know the type of registration required.

What are the steps to register a boat in Dubai?

The following:

• document drafting and filing with the relevant authority;
• technical inspection;
• transponder installation;
• insurance policy acquisition;
• license issuance.

NOTE: The report issued after the technical inspection has a 30-day validity only, so make sure it is submitted in time with the registration authority.

Which authorities can boat registration be done with in Dubai?

The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (which absorbed the Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime in 2020).

IMPORTANT! Registration with one authority or the other depends on the waters in which the boat will navigate. Our lawyers can advise in this sense.

What licenses do Dubai maritime authorities issue?

They can issue:

• marine vessel licenses;
• pleasure boat licenses.

What are the documents required for boat registration in Dubai?

For natural persons, the valid ID and/or Dubai residence visa (for those who relocated to Dubai and have their own companies here. Businesses must submit copies of their Registration Certificate and Trade License.

Apart from these, the following documents are required:

• the vessel invoice, in original;
• the driving licenses issued by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure or the DMA;
• the insurance policy;
• licensing application form;
• original manufacturing certificate;
• valid technical inspection certificate;
• a copy of the title deed;
• a copy of the cancellation of registration, if the boat was previously owned by somebody else;
• the original bill of sale for the boat and original customs clearance certificate;
• identification documents for the individual or company requesting the registration;
• proof of the transponder deposit, which is AED 7,000.

NOTE: Additional documents will be required based on the type of boat you want to register in Dubai.

IMPORTANT: If the documents are not properly submitted and the procedure is delayed for more than 30 days, the registration is cancelled.

How long does it take to obtain the boat registration certificate in Dubai?

The procedure is completed in about 2 weeks.

What is the validity of a vessel license in Dubai? Can it be renewed?

The validity of the license is as follows:

• 1 year in the case of commercial vessels;
• 1 or 2 years for pleasure boats.

Both types of licenses are renewable.

What are the conditions to renew a boat license in Dubai?

The documents that must be filed are the original marine license, copies of the passport or resident ID, proof of payment for the insurance policy, the trade license, if there is the case, and proof of payment for the renewal tax.

In case you are interested in registering your marine craft in Dubai, you can count on the legal services of our attorneys in Dubai, who can help you gather all needed documents for this procedure. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a simple and fast boat registration in Dubai.