Yacht Sale and Purchase Lawyers in Spain
Specialist legal advice on new build construction contracts, yacht sale and purchase agreements, due diligence, financing and transaction risk management — from our office in Palma de Mallorca, for clients across the Balearic Islands and Spain.
Yacht transactions in Spain
Legal advice for buying and selling a yacht in Spain
Buying or selling a yacht in Spain is a significant transaction that combines contract law, tax, registration formalities and practical marine industry issues. A well-drafted sale and purchase agreement, proper legal due diligence and a clear view of the VAT and registration implications are essential to protect the buyer, the seller and the value of the asset.
At Tomás-Verdera Lawyers we advise national and international clients on yacht and superyacht transactions of all sizes: from the purchase of a pre-owned yacht through a broker to complex new build construction projects with foreign shipyards. We review and negotiate contracts, coordinate due diligence, manage completion and deal with any issue arising before, during or after the transaction.
Our office in Palma de Mallorca — one of Europe's leading yachting hubs — allows us to work side by side with brokers, surveyors, shipyards, banks and yacht managers involved in the deal, providing practical, commercially minded legal support under Spanish law.
What we do
Our yacht construction, sale and purchase services
New build & construction contracts
We advise on yacht construction contracts with Spanish and foreign shipyards: technical specifications, stage payments, refund guarantees, variations, delays, sea trials, delivery and acceptance, warranties and dispute resolution clauses. Our goal is to protect the owner's investment throughout the build.
Yacht sale & purchase agreements
We draft, review and negotiate yacht sale and purchase agreements, including MYBA Memoranda of Agreement and bespoke contracts, acting for buyers or sellers. We adapt the terms to the specific deal, the survey results and the requirements of Spanish law.
Legal due diligence
Before completion we verify title and ownership, flag and registration status, mortgages and encumbrances, the yacht's VAT status and supporting documents, charter history and any compliance issue that could affect the value or future use of the yacht in Spain and the EU.
Financing & financial agreements
We assist with financial agreements connected to the transaction: loan documentation, ship mortgages and related security, escrow arrangements and coordination with lenders, brokers and registries so funds and title move safely at completion.
Ownership structures, registration & tax
We advise on the most suitable ownership structure for the yacht, post-completion registration and flagging, and the VAT, matriculation tax and customs implications of the purchase — in coordination with our tax and customs practice.
Transaction disputes
Where a deal goes wrong — deposit disputes, defects discovered after delivery, shipyard delays or breach of contract — we act for our clients in negotiation, mediation and maritime litigation in Spain.
How we work
A clear process for a safe yacht transaction
Initial review
We assess the deal, the parties, the yacht's documentation and the key legal and tax issues before you commit.
Contract & negotiation
We draft or review the sale and purchase or construction contract and negotiate terms that protect your position.
Due diligence
We verify title, encumbrances, VAT status and registration, coordinating with surveyors, brokers and banks.
Completion & after
We manage completion, delivery and registration formalities, and remain at your side for any post-sale issue.
FAQ
Yacht sale and purchase in Spain — frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to buy a yacht in Spain?
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It is not legally mandatory, but yacht transactions involve significant sums, complex contracts, tax exposure and registration formalities. Independent legal advice helps buyers and sellers identify risks, negotiate protective terms and complete safely.
Do you review and negotiate MYBA agreements?
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Yes. We regularly advise buyers and sellers on MYBA Memorandum of Agreement terms as well as bespoke sale and purchase contracts, adapting the standard forms to the specific transaction and to Spanish law requirements.
What does legal due diligence on a yacht cover?
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Typically: title and ownership, registration and flag status, mortgages and encumbrances, VAT status and supporting documentation, charter history, and compliance issues that may affect the value or use of the yacht.
Can you advise on new build and refit contracts?
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Yes. We advise on shipbuilding and refit contracts, including specifications, stage payments, refund guarantees, delivery and acceptance, warranty terms and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Do you assist with yacht financing and mortgages?
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Yes. We advise on financial agreements connected to the transaction, including loan documentation, ship mortgages and related security, coordinating with lenders, brokers and registries.
Do you act for international buyers and sellers?
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Yes. Most of our transactional work involves international clients, foreign owning companies and cross-border elements. We work in English and coordinate with advisers in other jurisdictions where needed.
Related services
Other maritime and yacht law services
Get in touch
Buying, selling or building a yacht in Spain?
Tell us about your transaction and our yacht sale and purchase team in Palma de Mallorca will get back to you promptly with a clear view of the legal steps, risks and costs involved.
- (+34) 971 57 50 63
- [email protected]
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Trivium Abogados · Yacht Lawyers Spain – Maritime Law Division
Plaza Rey Juan Carlos I nº 3, 2º-2ª
07012 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Contact us
Send us a brief description of your matter and we will reply as soon as possible.
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