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Sail Croatia.
we handle your
arrival notification.
The easiest way to register your
boat for sailing in Croatian waters
✔ Official registration for Croatian waters
✔ No paperwork – we take care of everything
✔ Personal support before your trip
What is boat registration / permit for Croatian waters?
The boat registration in Croatia, formerly known as the vignette (Vinjeta) and in some countries referred to as a sailing permit or arrival notification, consists of the vessel safety fee and the lighthouse fee. Until 2015, it also includs a fee for an information card (nautical chart of Croatian waters). These fees apply to all recreational vessels in Croatia, both Croatian-flagged and foreign boats / yachts sailing in Croatian waters. The registration is carried out through the harbor master’s office (official document)
Do I have to register my boat / yacht for Croatian waters?
In Croatia, every foreign watercraft must be registered if it is longer than 2.50 meters and/or has more than 5 kW engine power. This also applies to DINGHIES! By registering your boat online, you save waiting time at the harbor master’s office and conveniently receive all documents by email.
Where and how long is the registration / permit / Vinjeta valid?
The online boat registration is valid for the entire Croatian coastal waters and is not limited to the jurisdiction of the issuing harbor authority.
The boat registration is valid for the current calendar year, always until December 31 of the year in which the registration is issued. The fees do not change if you register your boat later in the year; they always and exclusively apply to the entire calendar year.
What do I need for ONLINE BOAT REGISTRATION - arrival notification?
If you are registering your boat/yacht in Croatia for the first time, we will need international boat certificate, proof of insurance (not required for boats up to 15 kW), valid boatskipper license and copy of your ID/passport a power of attorney (sent via email with your order confirmation). If your boat/yacht has already been registered with same data in the past 5 years, we only need current proof of insurance and a power of attorney (sent via email with your order confirmation).
If your national registration is issued without specifying the length and engine power we require declaration of conformity (CE).
How to pay my arrival notification fees?
You can pay conveniently by bank transfer or credit card. As Croatia is part of the SEPA payment system, no international transfer is required. We also provide a QR code for easy payment with your banking app. If your application is urgent, we recommend paying by credit card or using an instant bank transfer to avoid processing delays. Your registration will be submitted as soon as payment has been received. All payment details will be included in your order confirmation after you have submitted your application or permit renewal request.
How do I receive my arrival notification?
It’s very straightforward with us. You will receive your arrival notification (permit, former Vinjeta) immediately by email as soon as your boat/yacht has been registered with the harbor authorities. We recommend printing the document and keeping it on board with your vessel's documents.
What do I have to pay for the Croatian sailing permit?
Permit renewals are usually processed within one working day (24 hours)/same day after payment has been received, provided your boat has previously been registered in Croatia with the same owner and vessel details. For urgent requests, simply use instand payment from your bank account. New registrations or applications with changed vessel or owner details usually require up to three working days after receipt of payment and all required documents.
I own a boat/yacht and Jetski - do I need a arrival notification for jetski, too?
Yes, a jet ski (which, by the way, requires a coastal skipper license in Croatia, a helmet + appropriate vest must be worn, red imergency stop is obligatory) must be registered and insured separately. The same documents are required for registration as for a boat. Make sure that all measures like length and engine power is shown in your national registration from country of origin.
Do I need to do a arrival notification for my Dinghy?
The dinghy must be marked with “t/t” (= tender to). It does not necessarily have to be registered separately. However, it must remain within sight of the main vessel and must not exceed 2.50 meters in length and/or have more than 5 kW of power. If you wish to use your dinghy independently, it must be registered if it exceeds the specified limits (over 2.50 meters and/or more than 5 kW). Additionally, in this case, it also requires its own insurance if the power exceeds 15 kW.
Do I have to prepare a crewlist for sailing in Croatia?
No, carrying a crew list is not necessary for recreational boats. However, ONLY if you enter Croatia by sea from a third country (non-EU country) with your boat/yacht, you must present a crew list of all persons on board along with their travel documents (ID card or passport) when clearing in at the first “Port of Entry.”
Do I have to pay tourist tax for my boat / yacht?
Tourist tax is only required if your boat or yacht is over 7 metres in length and you stay overnight on board. This applies even if you have also booked an apartment or campsite. The tax is calculated according to your vessel's length and the duration of your stay. You can choose to pay per person and overnight stay or as a lump sum for a selected period.
pay tourist tax now Does anybody check my papers and payments?
Yes, Kapetanija (Harbor Master), police, and customs regularly check whether all fees have been paid. As the payment details are stored in a central system, Kapetanija, Customs, and Police can verify all information online using the boat registration number. They do not need to board your boat/yacht for this. If your boat/yacht is not registered or the tourist tax for overnight stays has not been paid, these amounts must be settled retroactively, and significant fines will be imposed. Additionally, if the Kapetanija or Police stop you for another reason, they will check your documents, and penalties may accumulate.
Is a boat skipper licence neccessary for sailing in Croatia?
Yes, and this applies without exception to all motorized watercraft. Fines for operating without a license are considerably high, up to 400 euros according to the port authority. Caution: In Croatia, there is no “steerer rule” – EVERYONE at the helm must hold a valid boat license. For further violations, fines will accumulate. If you run VHF aboard, you also have to have a VHF Licence.
Is a boat/yacht insurance neccessary for Croatian waters?
In Croatia, all boats with an engine power over 15 kW (20 HP) are required to have insurance (liability insurance). The mandatory minimum coverage is 460,000 euro. If you are sailing on someone else’s boat, it is recommended to also take out a skipper liability insurance.
Take out boat insurance What changes 2027 for Italien flaged boats/yachts?
From 1 January 2027, new regulations will apply in Croatia for unregistered Italian recreational boats. The new rules mainly affect boats up to 10 metres in length that, under Italian law, are not required to be registered.
Find out what is changing We are happy to welcome you at Croatia!
Crystal clear waters, stunning bays and unforgettable moments – we take care of your arrival notification – you enjoy the adventure
