VAT on a new boat purchase in the EU with a non EU citizen

[Crossie]

We are purchasing a new Beneteau which will be delivered to Greece (Athens) in the new year. We have been informed (by a Greek solicitor) that as long as we stay as a non EU citizen (that is do not spend more than 6 months in the EU) we do not have to pay VAT? Our challenge is we were planning to spend more than 6 months in the EU!!

Thanks Very Much in Advance
Crossie

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Crossie

We are purchasing a new Beneteau which will be delivered to Greece (Athens) in the new year. We have been informed (by a Greek solicitor) that as long as we stay as a non EU citizen (that is do not spend more than 6 months in the EU) we do not have to pay VAT? Our challenge is we were planning to spend more than 6 months in the EU!!



Thanks Very Much in Advance

Crossie

No you can’t have it both ways. If you stay longer then 6 months you be evaluated as a resident and loose the vat concession

The 90 days in 180 applies the sum of all EU /Schengen countries.

Be aware you will need a Greek transist log if you prove your non residency status you will be given a 18 month validity log. If you are treated as a resident ( ie long stay visa etc ) you’ll only get a 30 day transit log. Vat is due on expiry of you stay over the 90 days they will not issue the full 18 month transist log.

As of June 2022. You will need the transit log stamped in each port you arrive at. This can be a real pain.

Also the Greek cruising tax €8 per metre per month will need to be paid and proof carried ( TEPKAI )

Every 18 month you can sail out of the Eu and get a coffee receipt in a non eu port and reapply for the next period transit log

Be careful not to allow the yacht to overstay the 18 months.

[letsgetsailing3]

What model boat? Where are you going?

C'mon, it's almost winter and we need specifics to follow other people's journeys!

You can also post in another thread if you want!

[Crossie]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

No you can’t have it both ways. If you stay longer then 6 months you be evaluated as a resident and loose the vat concession

The 90 days in 180 applies the sum of all EU /Schengen countries.

Be aware you will need a Greek transist log if you prove your non residency status you will be given a 18 month validity log. If you are treated as a resident ( ie long stay visa etc ) you’ll only get a 30 day transit log. Vat is due on expiry of you stay over the 90 days they will not issue the full 18 month transist log.

As of June 2022. You will need the transit log stamped in each port you arrive at. This can be a real pain.

Also the Greek cruising tax €8 per metre per month will need to be paid and proof carried ( TEPKAI )

Every 18 month you can sail out of the Eu and get a coffee receipt in a non eu port and reapply for the next period transit log

Be careful not to allow the yacht to overstay the 18 months.

Thank you for your reply........

I thought as much but just wanted to see if anyone has any tips/advice!
What about if we put the ownership of the boat in my daughters name who will be definitely staying in the UK for more than 6 months? Would that work if we were the users of the boat?

Many Thanks
Crossie

[Crossie]

Originally Posted by Crossie

We are purchasing a new Beneteau which will be delivered to Greece (Athens) in the new year. We have been informed (by a Greek solicitor) that as long as we stay as a non EU citizen (that is do not spend more than 6 months in the EU) we do not have to pay VAT? Our challenge is we were planning to spend more than 6 months in the EU!!

Thanks Very Much in Advance
Crossie

p.s how do you prove your non EU residency?

Thanks
Crossie

[Crossie]

Originally Posted by letsgetsailing3

What model boat? Where are you going?

C'mon, it's almost winter and we need specifics to follow other people's journeys!

You can also post in another thread if you want!

We're buying a 40.1 Oceanis and the plan is to sail from Athens, through the Corinth (if it's open) over Corfu to start with. It's the start of our retirement plan!

I'm new to the forum but so far I have found some very interesting information!!

[Anders]

Your solicitor is wrong.
You cannot become an EU citizen or resident by staying 6 months in the EU.
You become an EU resident by staying for 6 months in an EU country.
Your challenge is the 90/180 in Schengen.
Keep in mind that if you buy the boat sailaway it has to leave the EU within a certain time frame which I believe is 6 months. After that you can return and use the 18 months temporary import.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Anders

Your solicitor is wrong.
You cannot become an EU citizen or resident by staying 6 months in the EU.
You become an EU resident by staying for 6 months in an EU country.
Your challenge is the 90/180 in Schengen.
Keep in mind that if you buy the boat sailaway it has to leave the EU within a certain time frame which I believe is 6 months. After that you can return and use the 18 months temporary import.

Ignore this post it’s utterly wrong

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Crossie

Thank you for your reply........

I thought as much but just wanted to see if anyone has any tips/advice!
What about if we put the ownership of the boat in my daughters name who will be definitely staying in the UK for more than 6 months? Would that work if we were the users of the boat?

Many Thanks
Crossie

No your are the “ beneficial owners “ under eu vat. This is not an area you pay fast and loose with

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Crossie

p.s how do you prove your non EU residency?

Thanks
Crossie

Typically you bring prof of your non eu residency , utility bills , bank statements to your non eu address etc.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Ignore this post it’s utterly wrong

Almost every sentence

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Ignore this post it’s utterly wrong

Firstly you can’t be legally in the EU for 6 months without a visa.

Secondly you don’t have to export the boat as long as there is “ vat time on the clock “

Thirdly you are not eligible for vat as long as there is tine on the vat clock and you as the buyer are legally entities to buy it vat feee.

Note ensure when you check with the seller that you have time remaining on the vat clock from the previous seller ( unless that seller is a registered for vat ) if the boat has overstayed its vat clock you assume the liability. ( in any country within the EU )

Once you complete thf purchase go to the port police with the documents and get a transit log issued and stamp fir 19 months ( bring proof of non eu residency ) you can then apply for the Greek cruising tax ( TEPKAI) as long as you remain in Greece

Note as of June the transit must be stamped in each port in Greece you visa and surrendered when you leave or the 18 month is up

Pm me if any particular questions

[Anders]

Originally Posted by Crossie

We are purchasing a new Beneteau which will be delivered to Greece (Athens) in the new year. We have been informed (by a Greek solicitor) that as long as we stay as a non EU citizen (that is do not spend more than 6 months in the EU) we do not have to pay VAT? Our challenge is we were planning to spend more than 6 months in the EU!!

Thanks Very Much in Advance
Crossie

I suggest you ask EU directly here https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/write-us_en instead of relying on this forum. It will take more than the 3 days they state but in my experience their answers are accurate and very detailed.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Anders

I suggest you ask EU directly here https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/write-us_en instead of relying on this forum. It will take more than the 3 days they state but in my experience their answers are accurate and very detailed.

The information I have given is current To Greece and accurate. It has been validated again recently


Again if the boat has time remaining on its vat clock. You only need to ensure that 18 month clock doesn’t run out

If it had run out you will need to remove it , hand in its transit log within the allocated time and then return . To the EU and if Greece apply for a new transit log. If you are non resident then that will be 18 month log.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Anders

I suggest you ask EU directly here https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/write-us_en instead of relying on this forum. It will take more than the 3 days they state but in my experience their answers are accurate and very detailed.

It’s not good as you get Eu wide opinion. The situation. In Greece is a little different