Boat Registration

Swedish boats must be registered in the ship register with the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen). Boats with a maximum length of at least 15 meters are always subject to registration. Boats used commercially for towing, salvage, cargo transport, passenger transport, fishing, or rental must be registered if they are at least 5 meters long.

Passenger boats designed for more than 12 passengers and commercial sea fishing boats must also be registered regardless of length. Registration involves submitting ownership documentation and technical specifications. Transportstyrelsen issues a certificate of nationality and maintains the public ship register used for ownership verification and maritime safety oversight.

Requirements

  • Length 15 meters or more: All Swedish boats, regardless of use
  • Length 5 meters or more: Boats used commercially for towing, salvage, cargo transport, passenger transport, fishing, or rental
  • Passenger boats: Designed for more than 12 passengers, regardless of length
  • Fishing boats: Used commercially for sea fishing, regardless of length
  • Foreign owners: Boats of at least 15 meters owned by foreign citizens residing in Sweden

Application Procedure

  • Application: Submitted to the Swedish Transport Agency using a form
  • Processing: The Transport Agency maintains the ship register and handles registration
  • Form: Available on the Transport Agency's website