Skip to main content
ForbesAs Featured · 1 May 2026How The Wealthy Are Hedging For InstabilityAs Featured · May 2026Read the feature →

TEPAI Tax 2026

TEPAI Tax Greece 2026: Complete Yacht Charter Breakdown

Greece's annual hull-length-based yacht tax. Who pays, when, how much, and what charterers should know.

What TEPAI is and who pays it in 2026

TEPAI (Tέλος Πλοίων Aναψυχής και Iστιοπλοϊκών, the Greek 'Recreational and Sailing Vessels Fee') is an annual hull-length-based tax that applies to most yachts cruising or moored in Greek waters. Introduced in 2018, modified several times, and stable in current form since 2024. For charterers, the most important point: TEPAI is the responsibility of the yacht owner, not the charterer. Any broker who tries to pass TEPAI cost through to the charterer is operating outside Greek charter regulations. The fee is paid annually by the yacht's commercial-charter operator; it's part of the operator's cost structure, not a per-charter line item. When TEPAI matters for charterers: rarely directly. But it appears in three places: (a) yacht owners use TEPAI status to demonstrate the boat is legitimately registered for Greek charter, (b) some unscrupulous brokers try to charge it separately and you should refuse, (c) the rate matters because it affects what owners charge for the base charter (an owner with a 30-metre yacht pays TEPAI of approximately €30,000+ per year, which factors into their pricing).

2026 TEPAI rates by yacht length

Rates are annual, paid by the yacht owner. Charterers should NEVER be billed directly. 7 to 8 metres: €16 per metre per month, payable for the months the vessel is in Greek waters. Typical annual: €1,000-€1,500 for a year-round vessel. 8 to 10 metres: €16/metre/month. Typical annual: €1,500-€2,000. 10 to 12 metres: €25/metre/month. Typical annual: €3,000-€3,600. 12 to 14 metres: €33/metre/month. Typical annual: €5,000-€5,600. 14 to 16 metres: €40/metre/month. Typical annual: €6,800-€7,800. 16 to 20 metres: €60/metre/month. Typical annual: €11,500-€14,400. 20 to 25 metres: €80/metre/month. Typical annual: €19,200-€24,000. 25 to 30 metres: €100/metre/month. Typical annual: €30,000-€36,000. Above 30 metres: €110/metre/month. Typical annual: €40,000-€80,000+ depending on hull length. Specific yacht-length rates are subject to annual revision via Greek Ministerial Decree. The 2026 schedule above reflects current published rates as of May 2026. Yacht owners pay TEPAI quarterly or annually; charter operations document compliance via TEPAI receipts.

Notes from George

  • If a broker tries to add TEPAI to your charter invoice as a separate line, refuse. The owner pays this; it's not a charterer cost.
  • TEPAI compliance is verifiable. We can confirm any yacht's TEPAI status on request as part of pre-booking due diligence.
  • Charterers do NOT pay TEPAI on a personal yacht they bring into Greek waters for a non-commercial visit; that's a different fee structure (foreign-flagged private yachts).
  • Above 30 metres, TEPAI is a meaningful operating cost (€40K+/year). It contributes to the higher base rates on Greek-flagged superyachts vs equivalent foreign-flagged.
  • TEPAI exemptions exist for very small commercial vessels and certain non-recreational uses. Doesn't apply to standard luxury yacht charter.

Frequently asked

About tepai tax greece 2026: complete yacht charter breakdown

Do I pay TEPAI as a charterer?

No. TEPAI is the yacht owner's responsibility. Any broker attempting to bill TEPAI to a charterer is operating outside Greek charter regulations.

What's TEPAI for a 25-metre motor yacht in 2026?

€100 per metre per month for the months in Greek waters. For a year-round Greek-charter operation: €100 × 25 metres × 12 months = €30,000/year. Paid by the owner.

Is TEPAI included in Greek charter VAT?

No. TEPAI is a separate annual fee paid by the owner. Greek charter VAT (12% or 24%) is paid by the charterer and goes to a different government revenue line.

How does TEPAI affect charter pricing?

Owners factor TEPAI into their charter rate structure. A 30-metre yacht's owner pays ~€36K/year in TEPAI; that's part of what determines their minimum acceptable weekly rate. Indirectly, charterers pay through the base rate, but not as a direct charge.

Can a yacht legally operate in Greek waters without TEPAI?

Commercial charter yachts must be TEPAI-compliant to operate legally. Foreign-flagged private (non-commercial) yachts have different rules; they pay a separate annual fee called 'PROEMP' or similar depending on the year. Charter clients should only book TEPAI-compliant vessels.

Continue exploring

Closely related to this page

Planning tool

Charter Cost Calculator

Planning tool

Itinerary Builder

Planning tool

Charter Calendar Heat Map

Planning tool

Sailing Distance Calculator

Planning tool

Charter Cost Estimator

Planning tool

Smart Match Quiz

Charter in Greek waters with peace of mind.

Find a yachtOr write to George
Message George