Charter regulation in Spain: licenses, taxes and rules 2026

Spain's charter legal framework

Nautical charter in Spain is regulated by the Directorate General of the Merchant Navy (DGMM) and autonomous communities. Understanding the regulation is important for crew because it determines which certifications are mandatory and what working conditions apply.

List 6: the charter registry

Every vessel conducting commercial charter activity in Spanish waters must be registered on List 6 of the Ship Registry. This implies:

• Annual safety inspection
• Mandatory civil liability insurance
• Maritime Authority dispatch before each season
• Crew with professional (not recreational) certification

What does it mean for crew?

If a yacht is on List 6, all crew performing navigation duties must have professional certification (PPER, not PER). This includes the skipper, second skipper and deckhands with watch duties. On Yemplea each offer specifies the required certifications so there's no ambiguity.

Interior staff (stewardess, chef) don't need professional nautical certification, but do need STCW Basic and ISM medical certificate.

Charter taxation

• VAT: Charter in Spanish waters is taxed at 21% VAT
• Registration tax: 12% of vessel value (exemptions for professional charter)
• Social Security: Special maritime regime for all crew

Flags of convenience

Many yachts operating in Spanish waters fly foreign flags (Malta, Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands). This doesn't exempt them from local regulation, but adds complexity. As crew, always verify that your contract complies with Spanish law even if the yacht flies a foreign flag.

Mandatory insurance

• Third-party civil liability insurance
• Crew accident insurance
• P&I (Protection & Indemnity) for yachts over 24 meters

Your protection as a worker

Regardless of the yacht's flag, if you work in Spanish waters you have the right to:

• Spanish Social Security registration
• Written contract
• Minimum 10 hours daily rest
• ISM healthcare coverage

If an employer asks you to work without a contract or registration, it's illegal. Report it to the Maritime Labour Inspection. On Yemplea all published offers are reviewed to ensure legal working conditions.