Skip to main content
Transport and Communications Agency

Register a watercraft imported from abroad

Check the documents required to register a watercraft imported to Finland from abroad and complete the first registration online. If you bring the watercraft to Finland by driving or sailing it here, you must register it within seven days of its arrival in Finland.

On this page

Check that you have the correct documents

The required documents depend on the country from which you have brought your boat to Finland. We do not require a registration certificate from the country of origin, as not all countries maintain a boat register.

Used watercraft from the EU or EEA

When you bring a used watercraft from a country in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you need the following documents:

  • A bill of sale or equivalent certificate of transfer of ownership for both the watercraft and its engine. Make sure the document includes the seller’s and buyer’s details and the identification details of the watercraft and its engine
  • A declaration of conformity if the watercraft has not been used for recreational purposes in the country of origin..

New watercraft from the EU or EEA

When you bring a new watercraft from the EU or EEA, you need the following documents:

  • A bill of sale or equivalent certificate of transfer of ownership for both the watercraft and its engine. Make sure the document includes the seller’s and buyer’s details and the identification details of the watercraft and its engine
  • A declaration of conformity for the watercraft and also for the engine if the engine is new.

Watercraft from outside the EU or EEA

When you bring a watercraft into the EU or EEA for the first time, it must be CE-marked and have a declaration of conformity issued by the manufacturer.

You need the following documents regardless of whether the watercraft is new or used:

  • A bill of sale or equivalent certificate of transfer of ownership for both the watercraft and its engine. Make sure the document includes the seller’s and buyer’s details and the identification details of the watercraft and its engine.
  • A declaration of conformity for the watercraft and its engine.

Do the following

  1. Step 1

    Scan or photograph the required documents

    Attach all required documents directly to the service. Documents cannot be submitted later.

    You can save your application as incomplete and continue later. You can find your unfinished application in My transactions for two weeks.

  2. Step 2

    Be prepared to provide the details of the watercraft and its engine

    You can check the information required for the notification in advance on the registration notification form. Information marked with an asterisk (*) on the form is also mandatory when submitting the notification electronically.

  3. Step 3

    Log in to my e-service and select Watercraft and vessels

    Identification is required. You must be at least 15 years old.

    Select the Carry out first registration service. 

  4. Step 4

    Fill in the information and upload the required attachments

    Fill in the technical specifications of the watercraft and its engine.

    You can search for the engine by entering its brand first, followed by its serial number. If the engine cannot be found, enter the engine's information manually.

    Add the owners and holders. As the person logged into the service, you are automatically designated as the owner of the boat, and this cannot be changed.

  5. Step 5

    Check the details of your notification and pay the registration fee

    Pay for the order. Return to My e-Services before closing your browser. This way, you will receive confirmation and can print the receipt.

    Once registration is complete, your new registration certificate will be sent to your home address by post. You may use the watercraft before the certificate arrives. If necessary, the authorities can check the validity of the registration in the system.

    At the end of the service, select Return to the seller’s service to receive confirmation and print a receipt.

Processing time for the notification

We usually process the notification within one to two weeks. We will contact you if we need more information.

Watch the instruction video

(only in Finnish or Swedish)

If you are unable to submit your registration electronically, you may visit any registration office of your choice. Remember to bring proof of identity with you, in addition to the necessary documents.

  1. See where the most suitable registration service point for you is located.
  2. Fill in the notification form in advance. All mandatory information on the form is marked with an asterisk (*). Remember to check this information before your visit.

When can you fly the Finnish flag?

You may fly the Finnish flag on a watercraft if more than 60 per cent of the watercraft is under Finnish ownership. The nationality of a watercraft and the right to fly the Finnish flag are governed by Chapter 1, section 1 of the Maritime Act.

Page was last updated