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Following amendments to legislation and regulations, the Dutch ICP Light registration is no longer accepted as a boat registration. Until recently, the very popular Dutch ICP Light registration was valid in almost every country in the EU. Since October 2020, this type of registration has no longer been accepted in Italy and since 2021 it’s unfortunately no longer accepted in whole Europe.
The Dutch ICP Light registration was only a property registration, without a flag. A flag makes the registration known and valid for the (European) authorities.
In some cases, it has happened that a yacht was detained and was only allowed to leave the marina after the owner switched over to a boat registration with a flag. To prevent this, it is essential to choose a boat registration that suits your needs and includes a valid flag. Several alternatives are available, such as the Dutch Worldwide Zeebrief registration, which is valid for life and accepted worldwide.
What is the Dutch Zeebrief?
The Dutch Zeebrief is a full flag-state registration issued by the Netherlands Cadastre (Kadaster). Unlike the ICP Light, it provides a genuine nationality and is recognized by authorities worldwide. It is available to any nationality, with no residency requirement. If you hold an EU passport, you can register directly in your personal name; otherwise, ownership via an EU company is possible.
The registration process includes a mandatory non-technical inspection (costing on average between €1,500 and €3,500 within Europe, excluding VAT) and takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks after inspection. The Zeebrief is valid for life with no annual technical inspections, though yearly obligations apply. An optional provisional certificate (valid 6 months, renewable once) is available for €450.
Why choose the Dutch Zeebrief?
For boat owners who previously relied on ICP Light, the Zeebrief offers a seamless upgrade to a fully compliant flag. It is particularly suitable for yachts up to 24 meters; for larger vessels, an ITC69 certificate is required. Documents needed include a notarized passport copy, original Bill of Sale, and deletion certificate from previous registry if applicable. VAT status and CE certification are not required.
Annual recurring costs are €350 per year (excluding VAT). A Dutch address is included for the first year; thereafter it costs €250 per year. This makes the Zeebrief a cost-effective long-term solution compared to other registrations that require periodic renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Dutch ICP Light registration? No, it is no longer accepted in Europe since 2021. Authorities may detain your vessel if you attempt to use it.
How long does the Zeebrief process take? After inspection, the full registration takes about 4–6 weeks. The optional provisional certificate takes around 10 weeks on average.
Do I need a Dutch address? Not necessarily. Service providers can offer a Dutch address for the first year at no extra cost; thereafter it is €250 per year.
Is the Zeebrief valid worldwide? Yes, it is accepted globally as a valid flag-state registration.
For more information on boat registration options, compare different registrations or contact our service team for personalized advice.