Bringing ships under Estonian flag

The national flag of Estonia may be flown by ships the owner or charterer whereof is an Estonian citizen, the citizens of the Contracting States of the European Economic Area or a legal person in private law registered in Estonia. As well as by ships in shared ownership if the greater share of the ship is owned by an Estonian citizen or a legal person in private law registered in Estonia.

Ship owner can choose between multiple registers. The ship registry comprises the ship register and the register of ships under construction. There are separate registers concerning bareboat chartered ships maintained by the Estonian Transport Administration.

For more information on ship registers, registry fees and the registration process, see here.

Valued quality of the tax system
 

• Competitive business environment – 0% of income tax on retained and reinvested profit
• The Estonian tax code holds the 1st place in the OECD Tax Competitiveness Index
• The tonnage scheme provides more favourable tax conditions for entrepreneurs and the seafarer scheme reduces taxes for both the employee and the employer

Conditions that favour shipping business
 

• Possibility to choose between different ship registers
• Competitive registry fees
• Armed guard on the ship will be allowed from July 2024
• Financing measures to support entrepreneurship

Forward-looking development activities
 

• Fast registration process with easily available contact point.
• More favourable tonnage fees for newer ships.
• Different digital solutions.
• We are one of the most cyber secure countries in the world.
• Support for environmentally friendly ship rebuilding.

A recognized maritime nation
 

• Estonia is a member of the European Union, NATO and the UN.
• Estonia is on the white list of Paris MoU.
• There are several research, development and competence centres in Estonia, which have been the basis for a strong and innovative. maritime industry
• Long maritime history.

EST Flag and shipping state aid

E-mail: estonianflag@transpordiamet.ee

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Certification of seafarers

E-mail: mdb@transpordiamet.ee
Telephone: +372 510 8016, +372 516 6299
Service bureau: Heli tn 6, Tallinn

Ship registration

E-mail: ljo@transpordiamet.ee
Telephone: +372 620 1200