Yacht Charter Glossary
Greek VAT on Yacht Charters
Also known as: Greek Charter VAT · VAT 12% · Greek Yacht Tax
Full explanation
Greece applies a reduced VAT rate of 12% on yacht charters under EU Directive 2006/112/EC, half of the standard 24% Greek VAT.
The reduced rate is one of the most favourable yacht-charter VAT regimes in the Mediterranean - comparable to Croatia's 13% and meaningfully below Italy's 22% (although Italy has historically allowed a French-style reduction for time spent in international waters). What VAT applies to: the base charter fee, the delivery fee, and any extras invoiced through the yacht's operating company. What VAT does NOT apply to: the APA reconciliation (the spend itself carries its own VAT in the captain's receipts), the gratuity, and any direct payments to external vendors (a private chef ashore, a helicopter transfer arranged outside the yacht). Critical rule: the 12% rate only holds if the charter is consumed within Greek territorial waters.
If you cross into Turkish, Italian, or Albanian waters mid-charter, the time spent outside Greece is theoretically not subject to Greek VAT - but the operator must declare the proportionality at the end.
In practice, intra-Greece charters (which is what 95% of Greek charters are) keep the simple 12% calculation.
Compared to: France (10% reduced rate but only on time spent in French waters), Spain (21% standard), Monaco (no VAT on charters embarking Monaco - the major reason luxury fleets repositioning there in shoulder seasons).
Why it matters for UHNW charterers
VAT is a real €15–40k line item on a luxury charter. UHNW buyers compare jurisdictions and Greece is structurally cheaper than France, Spain, and Italy on this single point. A broker who is fuzzy on Greek VAT is signalling either inexperience or laziness - both unacceptable at this price point.
Worked examples
Standard €150,000 charter, all-Greek itinerary
VAT at 12%: €18,000. Total invoice: €168,000 + APA + gratuity.
Same charter, but two days spent in Turkish waters
VAT proportionality: 5/7 days in Greek waters = €12,857 VAT applied to that portion. The remaining 2 days may attract Turkish VAT through the operator's flag arrangement. Most brokers structure itineraries to stay all-Greek for cleaner compliance.
Frequently asked
About greek vat on yacht charters
Is Greek VAT really 12% or is it 13%?
12% as of 2026. The rate is fixed at half the standard Greek VAT (24%), and Greek standard VAT has been 24% since 2016.
Is VAT included in the charter quote?
Some brokers quote pre-VAT (cleaner for comparison), some quote inclusive. Always ask: 'Is this number gross or net of VAT?' The 12% difference matters at scale.
Can I reclaim Greek VAT as a non-EU resident?
Generally no on charter services consumed in Greece. VAT recovery on services for personal consumption is not available under EU rules, regardless of resident status.
Does the APA also get VAT?
The APA itself does not. The expenses paid from APA do - every receipt the captain provides will show local VAT on fuel, food, port fees, all already paid by the time you settle the reconciliation.
Is there a way to legally reduce Greek VAT on a charter?
By structuring the itinerary to include international-waters time you can in theory reduce the VAT-applicable portion. In practice the legal complexity rarely justifies the savings unless the charter is 14+ days. Most clean answer: charter in Greece and accept the 12%.
Related terms
Other definitions worth knowing
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
APA is an upfront sum - typically 25–35% of the base charter fee - paid before embarkation to cover the …
Charter Fee (Base Fee)
The charter fee is the base weekly rate paid for the use of the yacht and its crew. It excludes APA, VAT, de…
Delivery Fee
A delivery fee is a charge billed when the yacht must travel from its home base to your chosen embarkation p…
MYBA Charter Contract
The MYBA Charter Agreement is the industry-standard contract for luxury yacht charters worldwide, published …
Ready to charter in Greece?
George P. Biniaris and the George Yachts team broker yachts in Greek waters under MYBA-standard contracts. Speak with us directly.