In principle, you are not obligated to register pleasure craft less than 24m owned and operated in the Netherlands. Only if you plan to navigate international waters or cross the border of the Netherlands is it then wise – and necessary – to register your yacht.
There is, however, an exception for motorboats owned and operated in the Netherlands. Motor yachts shorter than 20m with an engine powerful enough to reach a speed of 20 km/h on the water are obliged to obtain an RDW registration. The RDW is the Netherlands Vehicle Authority, which also registers all other types of motor vehicles like cars, buses, and trucks.
Can a foreigner register a motor yacht with the RDW?
This is a question that’s often asked when a foreign person or entity purchases a motorboat with an RDW registration from a Dutch individual or entity. It is not uncommon for the Dutch owner to forget to delete the RDW registration. We are then asked if the RDW registration can be transferred to the new foreign owner who does not live in the Netherlands.
Yes, it’s possible for an individual to do this. However, the new foreign owner will have to physically travel to the Netherlands and present themselves at one of the RDW offices before the title can be transferred.
Because it’s much easier and more efficient – and has a positive impact on your CO₂ footprint – it is often wiser to cancel the RDW registration outright. Then, register the vessel elsewhere: that is, if the vessel isn’t being permanently operated in Dutch waters.
Can a vessel owned by a non-Dutch company register with the RDW?
No, this isn’t possible. Only entities registered in the Netherlands can register a vessel with the RDW to the name of the company.
What is needed to register a motor yacht with the RDW?
If you do wish to register your motor yacht with the RDW as a non-Dutch citizen, the following is needed:
- The year, make and type of vessel
- Colour, measurements, and name of the vessel
- Engine make and type
- Engine power
- Photographs of the HIN and engine number(s)
- Purchase contract
- ID card/passport
These documents will have to be presented, together with an application form, at one of the offices of the RDW, after which it will issue the Certificate of Registration.
Can an RDW registration be deleted?
Yes, an RDW registration can be deleted at any time, even if the registration has expired and/or the vessel is no longer owned by a Dutch citizen. It is very common that a vessel is no longer physically in the Netherlands, has been sold to a non-Dutch citizen, and is still registered with the RDW in the name of the previous Dutch owner.
In that case, we can apply for an RDW Withdrawal on behalf of the non-Dutch owner.
What documentation is required to apply for an RDW deletion?
The required documentation is pretty basic but does need to be sent to our office physically. The application for withdrawal has to be accompanied by:
- The original Certificate of Registration
- Power of Attorney with a wet signature
- Copy ID card/passport
- Copy purchase contract, stating the name of the previous Dutch owner, as stated on the RDW Certificate of Registration
How long does it take to delete an RDW registration?
Depending on the time of the year, it takes about 10 working days after the RDW physically received the application.
The RDW withdrawal is then sent to us by mail. However, it is a document issued in the Dutch language. You can either choose to translate it using AI translation tools, like DeepL, or have us arrange an authorised translation.
