Buying a new 6.8 M RIB in Greece and seeking advice re registering and VAT

[jtoon58]

Hello everyone and possibly a topic already discussed but I would appreciate some advice. Situation is we are UK citizens and want to buy a new 6.8m RIB, which we will keep and use in Greece. We do not want to register the boat under Greek registration, and ideally want to register it under the UK SSR- or do we not even have to register the boat as it is less than 7m? Has anyone anny experience of owning and keeping a <7m UK registered boat in Greece, and are there any hidden issues or costs I need to be aware of. Particularly concerning VAT. I would be most gtrateful for any advice and thank you. John

 

[Tranona]

If you buy in the EU you will pay VAT there and the goods will have EU goods status and free to move around the EU and be sold there without any further VAT. If you buy in the UK you will pay UK VAT and the boat can be used for up to 18 months in the EU after which it must either be removed from the EU or be imported and VAT paid on the value of the boat when it first entered. The 18 months may be renewed on re-entry after a period outside.

With regard to registration there is no minimum size for the SSR, but a maximum of 24m.. A UK boat must be registered to use outside the UK. Eligibility is related to residence NOT citizenship - see here ukshipregister.co.uk/about-us/uk-ship-register-eligibility While there are no formal requirements for skipper qualifications for a UK registered boat you would be wise to have an appropriate ICC (Certificate of competence). You are likely to find that a UK registered RIB will attract attention from Greek coastguards and Port Police!

Hope this helps.