[New] Registration of Imported

As people find Costa Rica an ideal place to live, enjoy or retire, many want to take advantage of the beautiful nature, scenery, oceans and fishing.

You can opt to lease a boat or apply for a chartering license, as we explained in our article published in the October 2022 edition of Howler: Chartering in Costa Rica for International Vessels is Allowed.

For anyone wanting to bring down your own ship and register it here, we’ve prepared this month’s article on the process to be followed.

According to section 60 of Reglamento Organización Registro Público de la Propiedad Mueble (RORPPM), a ship is "any floating device capable of transporting people and things, intended for navigation by water, whatever its class or size."

Before the Registro Público de la Propiedad Mueble, ships, vessels, jet skis, etc., must be registered, as well as any encumbrances or lien that affect them.

Registration of imported ships for the first time

General Requirements

Application for registration

A public deed, signed by the owner, details the boat’s specifications and characteristics: length, beam, strut, hull material, hull number if applicable, net weight, gross weight, brand, year of construction, series if indicated, ship name (which must be different from any other registered), and the activity it will be dedicated to. Also, the engine's characteristics must be described: type, model, serial number, power, and fuel. The estimated contract value must be indicated, including the engine's value. (Section 39 paragraph 2. a RORPPM)

Taxes to be paid

a) Property tax payment is required for recreational class boats, sport fishing, and jet skis. The tax is paid based on the value of motor vehicles, ships, and aircraft in the local market, according to their characteristics, and by the minimum percentages and amount published by the government. (Section 9 Law 7088 Regulation

Property Tax Vehicles, Boats and Aircraft).

Property tax payment is required for recreational class boats, sport fishing boats, and jet skis.