01 REGISTRATION PATHWAYS
There are three primary pathways for registration under the Cyprus flag. The correct pathway depends on the availability of title documentation, the vessel's current registr y status, and the nature of the operating arrangement.
Provisional registration
At the time of her provisional registration under the Cyprus flag a ship must be at a port so that she can be surveyed and certified on behalf of the Cyprus government. The presence of the ship at the port or place where the provisional registration will take place is not necessary. The duration of the provisional registration lasts for six (6) months from the date of the issuance of the Provisional Certificate of Registry, with the option to be extended for three months.
Permanent registration
The permanent registration of a provisionally registered vessel must be effected within six (6) months (or nine (9) months if the three (3) months extension has been granted) from the date on which the vessel was provisionally registered. The port of registry marked on the stern of the ship must be the port of the foreign country.
Parallel-in registration
(Bareboat Charter): Assuming the law of the country where the vessel is registered allows for the parallel-in registration, the vessel can be registered in parallel under the Cyprus flag. This registration is for two years and renewable.
Parallel-out registration
(Bareboat Charter): Cyprus ship can be bareboat chartered to a foreign individual or corporation and register parallel in a foreign register for the duration of the charter party.
02 STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
Eligibility and Ownership Check
Before starting, ensure the vessel meets the ownership requirements:
- Individuals: More than 50% of shares must be owned by Cypriot or EU/EEA citizens. If they are not residents, an Authorized Representative in Cyprus must be appointed.
- Corporations: 100% of shares must be owned by a company established in the EEA or a company outside the EEA controlled by EU citizens (with a local representative or manager).
Appoint Cyprus Advocate
By law, only practicing lawyers in Cyprus can draft the necessary documents and carry out registry transactions. They will be your primary point of contact with the Registrar.
Choose the Type of Registration
Most owners follow this sequence:
- Provisional Registration: Valid for 6 months (can be extended by 3 months). This is the fast-track way to get the vessel under the Cyprus flag while you gather permanent documents.
- Permanent Registration: Must be completed before the provisional certificate expires.
- Parallel Registration: Used for bareboat charters (Parallel-in/Parallel-out).
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Phase I: Provisional Registration
This can be done in Cyprus or at any Cyprus Consular office abroad.
- Application: Your lawyer submits the formal application to the Registrar of Cyprus Ships.
- Name Approval: You must submit three potential names for the vessel to ensure there is no duplication.
- Necessary Documentation (among others):
- Bill of Sale or Builder's Certificate (duly notarized/legalized).
- Certificate of Deletion from the previous registry (or a Certificate of Ownership and Freedom of Encumbrances).
- Corporate Documents including the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the owning company.
- Resolutions: Board resolutions authorizing the purchase and registration.
- Fees: Pay the registration fees and the annual tonnage tax (calculated based on the ship's net tonnage).
Phase II: During the Provisional Period
While the ship is provisionally registered, you must finalize technical requirements:
- Survey: The vessel must be surveyed by an approved Classification Society (e.g., ABS, DNV, Lloyd's) or a government surveyor.
- Tonnage Measurement: Obtain a Cyprus Tonnage Certificate.
- Carving and Marking: The Registrar issues a "Carving and Marking Note." You must mark the ship with its name, port of registry (Limassol), official number, and net tonnage. A surveyor then verifies this.
Phase III: Permanent Registration
To flip from provisional to permanent, you must submit the following originals among others to the Cyprus Shipping Debuty:
- Certificate of Survey.
- International Tonnage Certificate.
- Verification of Marking: The signed Carving and Marking Note.
- Radio License: Confirmation of the Radio Traffic Accounting Authority.
- Safe Manning Document: Application for the minimum safe manning levels.
03 DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
The following documents are required for a standard permanent registration. Requirements vary depending on vessel type, ownership structure, and pathway. The registry will confirm exact requirements on enquiry.
OWNERSHIP & IDENTITY
Technical / Other Documents
04 INDICATIVE TIMEFRAMES
The following documents are required for a standard permanent registration. Requirements vary depending on vessel type, ownership structure, and pathway. The registry will confirm exact requirements on enquiry.
24-48 Hours
from Submission
Subject to submission of the minimum required documents and payment of provisional fees.
5-10 Working Days
from Submission
Subject to a complete documentation package and payment of all registration fees in full
2-4 Weeks
from Submission
Additional time required to obtain confirmation of suspension from the underlying registry.
05 FORMS & DOWNLOADS
All forms are provided in WORD format — complete and submit as instructed
EN08F02-V.04-1 (Application for issuance delcaration of compliance)
EN11F01A.02 (Application for issuance of blue cards)
EN11F25-v.01-M.S.34 (Registration of mobile maritime radio station)
EN11F24v.01-M.S.45 (Registration of SAR particulars)
EN11F23B-v.01-MS-57 (Appointment of authorised representative - owners)
EN11F23A-v.01-MS-57 (Appointment of authorised representative - charterers)
EN11F22A-v.01-MS-3A (Delcaration on behalf of body corporate vessels below 24m)
EN11F22B-v.01-MS-3 (Declaration on behalf of body corporate)
EN11F22C-v.01-MS-2A (Decllaration of ownership by individual owner or transferee)
EN11F22D-v.01-MS-2 (Delcaration ownership individual owners or transferee vessels below 24m)
EN11F21A-v.01-MS-35A1 (Bill of Sale body corporate)
EN11F21C-v.01-MS-351-1 (Bill of Sale indivuals or joint owners)
EN11F21B-v.01-MS-35A (Bill of Sale body corporate vessels below 24m)
EN11F21D-v.01-MS-35 (Bill of Sale individuals or joint owners below 24m)
06 CONTACT & NEXT STEPS
All forms provided must be submitted to the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
If you require assistance the Cyprus Union Of Shipowners team will be more than happy to assist.
Contact us using the below information: