The Greek maritime landscape has seen significant regulatory shifts in 2026, particularly regarding Value Added Tax (VAT) for commercial leisure craft. If you own or manage a professional yacht with a permanent crew, understanding these updates is crucial for compliance and financial planning.
VAT on Yacht Charters: The 48-Hour Rule
For standard commercial operations (chartering to clients), the VAT rate is determined by the duration of the voyage:
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13% Reduced VAT: Applies to all commercial charters with a duration exceeding 48 hours.
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24% Standard VAT: Applies to short-term charters (under 48 hours) or “static” charters where the vessel remains moored.
Private Use by the Owner (Own-Use) in 2026
A major update this year concerns the “private use” of a commercial vessel by the owner, their family, or business associates. This is now officially categorized as a self-supply of services.
Does the Permanent Crew Affect VAT?
Yes. For vessels with a permanent crew, the Greek tax authorities (AADE) have clarified that private use is subject to the 13% reduced VAT rate.
This tax is calculated based on the fair market value of a similar charter or the actual proportional operating costs for the period of use. If the vessel were used without a crew (bareboat), the rate would climb to 24%.
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