It is the purpose of this guide to set out our understanding of the basic rules applicable to the charter of yachts in Greek waters.
On 14th April 2014 a new law was published in Greece titled Law 4256/2014 (G.G. A’ 92) “Touristic Yachts and other provisionsâ€.
The law introduces significant changes to the legal and fiscal treatment of yachts operating for charter in Greek waters.
Highlights of the new law in respect of the charter of yachts include the removal of the requirement for yachts wishing to start and end the same charter in Greece to be in possession of a valid Greek charter licence and the creation of an online “Registry of Touristic Yachts and Small Vessels†.
At the moment our agents in Greece are awaiting further information regarding the implementation of the new rules from a practical perspective. In particular they await confirmation of when the electronic registry is going to be operational. Port authorities and customs have yet to be advised on how they should implement the new rules.
For the time being it is recommended that owners observe the previous rules until such time as the new electronic registry is operational and the implementation of the new rules becomes clear.Â
The previous rules applicable to the charter of a yacht in Greece were determined on whether or not the yacht was in possession of a Greek charter licence:
1. Charter yachts in possession of Greek charter licence
- VAT exemption for the value of the vessel on purchase
- Marina and mooring fees in certain cases discounted
- Fuel in certain cases can be purchased without duty and local taxes
2. Charter yachts not in possession of Greek charter licence
Oceanskies are working closely with a leading firm of fiscal agents in Greece who can handle all necessary fiscal formalities.
These services can be performed on a stand-alone basis for Greece only or as part of the Oceanskies fiscal registration service providing a one stop shop for the fiscal support of yacht charter activities in all of the principal Mediterranean yacht charter jurisdictions.
Our fiscal agency services can be provided on a stand-alone basis to all yacht owners or in conjunction with one of our turn-key commercial yacht charter ownership and registration packages.
For further information concerning fiscal registration for yacht charter and yacht charter purposes please click on the following link to the relevant section of this website: