Spain rules and regulations



  • BERTHING

    - Berth reservations require advance booking, especially in high-demand marinas like Marina Ibiza, Port Adriano, or IGY Málaga Marina


    - G5 tax (for use of waters/harbor facilities) and T0 tax (maritime signals) may apply, often included in berthing fees but can vary by region.

  • CUSTOMS

    - Spain is part of the EU customs territory; no routine checks for intra-EU travel, but non-EU arrivals require customs clearance at ports of entry.


    - Non-EU yachts can apply for Temporary Admission (TPA) for VAT exemption, managed by agents like Evolution.


    - Personal items imported must have proof of prior ownership (e.g., purchase invoices) to avoid duties; new items may incur 21% IVA (VAT).

  • VAT

    - Standard IVA is 21% on goods/services in mainland Spain and Balearics; Canary Islands use IGIC (7% standard rate) instead.


    - Non-EU visitors can claim IVA refunds on purchases via Tax-Free forms (DER) or DIVA electronic system, validated at customs within 3 months.


    - Superyachts under TPA may be exempt from IVA on certain services.

  • VISAS

    - Schengen rules apply: Non-EU crew/passengers can stay 90 days in 180 without a visa (e.g., US, Canada, Australia).


    - As of January 2024, non-EU crew in Palma de Mallorca need a seaman’s discharge book for stamping outside Schengen; other ports may follow.


    - Crew without seaman books face 90-day Schengen limits; residency visas required for longer stays.

  • ANCHORING

    - Anchoring within 200–500m of swimming areas is prohibited (08:30–sunset); buoyed zones mark limits, and tenders must use access corridors at 3 knots max.


    - Local councils (e.g., Balearics) enforce strict rules on public drinking/activities on beaches, with on-the-spot fines possible.


    - Orca incidents reported along Spanish coasts; mariners advised to stay vigilant.

  • OTHER RULES

    - Third-party insurance is mandatory in Spanish waters.


    - Balearic Islands restrict alcohol sales (9:30pm–8am) and ban happy hours, pub crawls, or party boat trips in designated areas (Magaluf, San Antonio).


    - Crew must carry departure tickets, proof of funds, and accommodation details for disembarkation.