Boat import as part of residency to spain

[ColleyV8]

A quick question, I know I can bring my cars in when I get residency to spain without paying tax and vat, is it the same for my beneteau yacht, normally any boat vat paid in the UK if imported would be liable for EU vat but wondered if the same exemption for moving to Spain would apply.

 

[Tranona]

The short answer is yes as the EU has a transfer of residence exemption in its VAT rules. However it also has a local tax or assets for incoming residents, but this can be avoided if the boat is declared on your application for residence. best to instruct a local gestor to deal with such things for you.

 

[wallacebob]

That’s an interesting question. I understood that personal , household goods can be imported. Vehicle re registration involves paying a small tax. But boats are different???

 

[dunedin]

I may no expert but somebody I knew recently took their UK based Beneteau when they moved to Spain, without VAT or certification issues. Don’t know details but needed to be all above board as shipped by road on a truck so needed all relevant paperwork. I hadn’t realised it was possible until then.

 

[Tranona]

That’s an interesting question. I understood that personal , household goods can be imported. Vehicle re registration involves paying a small tax. But boats are different???

Private pleasure boats are specifically included in chattels that qualify for transfer of residence relief, subject to certain conditions such as they must be owned before applying , used only by the individual and not sold for a period after importation. guidance for the UK is here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transfer-of-residence-to-great-britain#transfer-of-residence-

I believe this is a cut and paste from the EU rules as there was no intention to change it after Brexit, but clearly important to check with Spanish customs about how they apply the rules.

 

[ColleyV8]

Thanks, that's was my understanding buy thought it may have been missed out as part of the withdrawal agreement, will check with spanish lawyer