We answer the most common questions about boat sales in Spain: paperwork, licences, taxes, importation and pre-purchase inspection.
On Compra Barcos you can contact the seller directly from the listing. We always recommend requesting a marine surveyor inspection before closing the deal, verifying the certificate of seaworthiness and ensuring flag documentation is up to date.
You will need a valid certificate of seaworthiness (ITB), flag documentation (registration, official list, registry certificate), and the appropriate boating licence for the vessel's length and engine.
In Spain, the most common licences are: Basic Navigation Skipper (PNB) up to 8m and 5 nautical miles, Recreational Boat Skipper (PER) up to 15m and 12 miles, Yacht Skipper up to 24m and 60 miles, and Yacht Captain with no limits.
Sailboat: primary propulsion by sails, usually with an auxiliary diesel engine. Yacht: large recreational vessel (>15m generally) with premium specifications, can be sail or motor. Motor boat: exclusive engine propulsion (petrol or diesel), includes powerboats, cruisers and walkarounds.
Hire an independent marine surveyor (not the seller's). Inspect engine, hull (osmosis, delamination), sails, electronics and paperwork. A full inspection costs between €300 and €1,500 depending on length — a small price compared to the total cost.
Yes. Free movement of goods within the EU applies to boats. You will need to cancel the Spanish flag, register the boat in the new country and pay VAT if applicable (depends on whether it is the first commissioning). Each country has nuances — consult a maritime broker at destination.
In Spain, ITP (Property Transfer Tax) ranges from 4% to 8% depending on the autonomous community for second-hand boats sold between individuals. If the seller is a company, VAT at 21% applies. The Registration Tax (12%) would already be paid on used boats.
Compra Barcos is a marketplace connecting buyers and sellers. Commercial terms are agreed directly between the parties. For more information about publishing listings, please contact the team.
There are three options: 1) Physical delivery at the port where the boat is moored, 2) Transfer to another port at buyer's cost, 3) Charter to destination. Flag transfer can be arranged before or after physical delivery.
Legal warranties for individuals in Spain are 6 months (Consumer Protection Act). For business-to-business sales, 2 years unless otherwise agreed. We always recommend formalising the transaction with a written contract recording the boat's condition at delivery.