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colombo · 03-05-2023, 06:38

Hi all,

I've had my boat outside the EU VAT zone in Melilla over Winter.

She's up for sale and won't sell there, so I'm thinking of moving her to Gibraltar and finding a broker there.

I think that avoids any potential VAT disasters, and I just need to check out of Melilla and head over there. Given its a UK flag I wanted to check there wasn't going to be a need to pay UK VAT (or any other surprises) on arrival in Gib?

Thanks!

**boatman61** · 03-05-2023, 07:04

How long have you owned it and were you in the EU VAT zone at the time of final exit of the UK on 31st Jan 2020.
If the boat was in the EU then no VAT is due to the EU..
While Gibraltar is part of the European Union, it is outside of the European Common Customs and VAT area.

VAT (sales tax) is not charged on anything in Gibraltar, additionally the import duty charged (when people import things to sell) in Gibraltar for many items is significantly lower than the UK and many other countries and there are not punitive high taxes on petrol, perfumes, tobacco, etc.

colombo · 03-05-2023, 07:08

Thanks Boatman.

Bought in Greece post 2020. Ex charter eu vat unpaid. Reflagged to British flag. Taken out of eu vat zone within 18 months of purchase/reflagging.

Sounds like I should be fine to take it there, sell it and that be that?

**boatman61** · 03-05-2023, 07:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by colombo

Thanks Boatman.

Bought in Greece post 2020. Ex charter eu vat unpaid. Reflagged to British flag. Taken out of eu vat zone within 18 months of purchase/reflagging.

Sounds like I should be fine to take it there, sell it and that be that?

Pretty much, but you could find a Gib broker and ask for more info.. just to be certain, and save his reply..