Greek Cruising Tax

sunshinesailing

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The following is from the noonsite web site.
Is this tax real?


New Tax for Cruising Boats in Greece


Created by val. Last modified on 2009-10-27 16:24:16
Contributors:
Countries: Greece


Once again Greece has raised it head above the parapet by introducing a new annual tax law for boats which remain in Greek waters for more than 40 days. This tax applies to ALL boats.

Currently the rates are as follows:-

(1) Power boats over 10 metres

First 13m = 300 Euros per metre
Next 4m (14 to 17) = 550 Euros
Next 4m (18 to 21) = 800 Euros
Next 4m (22 to 25) = 1050 Euros
Over 26m = 1300 Euros per metre

Example- 15m power boat would need to pay (13300)+ (2550)= 5000 Euros per year.

(2) Sail boats over 15 metres

First 20m = 200 Euros
Next 5m (21 to 25) = 400 Euros
Over 26m = 600 Euros per metre


At present this new tax has not been consistently collected and Noonsite has been advised that the new government is reviewing the rates.
 
Get your facts right.See law (N)3808/2009 (Goverment Newspaper Issue 227/A/10.12.2009)chapter B article 4,
about Special Contribution Tax and POL 1160/2009.It states who's liable to pay and who's not.In any case all payments till now are not due till April 30,and by that time many changes can take place.Happy New year-Dimitris
 
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Greek cruising tax

Thanks Dimitris.
I would like to find the accurate facts on this tax. Can you tell me where I will find this law, preferably in English. If it is only available in Greek I will copy it and get it translated so I can share it with other interested cruisers.
 
Thanks Dimitris.
I would like to find the accurate facts on this tax. Can you tell me where I will find this law, preferably in English. If it is only available in Greek I will copy it and get it translated so I can share it with other interested cruisers.

Best of luck as we are coming to the greek Islands this Spring for the summer and possibly for the winter if we find a safe place. If you do get the info could you publish it on this site?

Thanks

Peter
 
Greek cruising tax

Below are excerpts from the English translation of the new law referred to by Dimitris earlier in this thread. I sincerely hope there are some of you out there that can contradict the law and give cruisers a chance to avoid paying this hefty tax in Greece. The fiscal situation of Greece is severe and the government is certainly motivated to collect this tax.
According to Dimitris the tax is due on April 30.
The law shows the tax calculated starting 1.1.2009 so the liability already exists. For those with motor boats under 10 meters and sailboats under 15 meters the tax is only 1 euro annually, for the rest the tax is huge and is already a liability. The Port authority have the power to stop you from sailing unless you produce a receipt for payment of the tax.




Greek to English translation:
OFFICIAL OF GOVERNMENT
THE GREEK REPUBLIC
ISSUE ONE Sheet No. 143
August 7, 2009
LAW NO. 3790
Company private pleasure boats, imposing a special
tax and special levy on recreational vessels,
setting tax matters, the legally -
ment Council of State and other provisions.
THE PRESIDENT
THE GREEK REPUBLIC
We publish the following law passed by the House:
CHAPTER A
ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL CORPORATE PRESS PACKS
THE PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF SHIPS LEISURE
SPECIAL TAX AND ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY
LEVY IN PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL
Yachts

6. The fiscal year is twelve (12) Non -
Managing to 31 December each year. The first
fiscal year may be set for a period
not exceeding twenty four (24) months.


Article 2
Excise private and professional
Pleasure boats
1. A special tax to the State of
called "special tax, and private professional
mathematical pleasure boats, which applies to any
professional and private pleasure craft, as
defined in Article 1 of Law 2743/1999, which fair -
risks in Greek territory, registered
a Greek or foreign registry and supply
combed rationing Movement yachts (DE.K.PA.)
Traffic bulletin or yacht (TRANSIT LOG BOOK) or
other such document or licensed professional
pleasure craft. The excise tax levied on
private vessels or pleasure boats professional
only if it remains in the Greek Territory
for a cumulative period of more than forty (40)
days during the calendar year. Hockey
for the first year of law, that
period of forty (40) days should be agreement -
lapsed from 1.1.2009 to 30.9.2009.


3. Excise tax is levied on motor boats
exceeding 10 meters and calculated
the length of the ship as follows:
a) for the first 13 meters, three hundred (300) per
measure
b) for the next four measures (ie 14 to 17 with -
three), five hundred fifty (550) per meter,
c) for the next four measures (from 18 to 21
meters), eight hundred (800) per meter,
d) for the next four measures (ie 22 to 25
meters), one thousand and fifty (1,050) per meter,
e) measures from the 26th and above, one thousand three hundred
(1,300) per meter.
For motor vessels of less than 10 m u -
tavalletai special registration fee of one (1)
euro in accordance with the procedures set out in
this article.



4. Excise tax is levied in sailboats
yachts exceeding 15 meters and calculated
TAI depending on the length of the ship as follows:
a) for the first 20 meters, two hundred (200) per
measure
(b) for the five measures (21 to 25 meters),
four hundred (400) per meter,
(c) the measures by the 26th and up, six hundred (600)
per meter.
For sailing vessels under 15 m u -
tavalletai special registration fee of one (1)
euro in accordance with the procedures set out in
this article


8. If it has not received the statement provided
the previous paragraph, not the
sail and sailing out of yachts
subject to the levy. The port authority granted
fur leave a ship sailing craft only if
submitted a certified true copy of the most
above statement or a certified true copy of
certificate of payment of duty.
 
Well it clearly excludes

those vessels who don't have a DEKPA - there always has been a "tax" on vessels which do have a DEKPA though, until now it's been a derisory €0.88 or thereabouts.

With its enormous budget deficit Greece has to raise taxes, and quickly, to not breach EC and €-area rules, so it's a waste of time getting in a furore because this will be the first of many such imposts.
I'd also advise against Italy, when they get round to it, they too will have to find fast tax-increase methods.
 
So to summarise..have I got this right.....
This will only apply to yachts over 15 Metres,who stay in Greek waters more than 40 days in any one year.
(mobos 10 m)
This should not affect the average punter ,as most are under (in our case well under) 15 m.
The worry is that in the future ,if this tax proves to be fiscally significant ,the limit could be lowered ,thereby affecting the "average" owner in Greece. Could be the thin end of the wedge.
I don't have a problem with paying my way when in Greece ..or for that matter Turkey,However as we live about 12 weeks every year on the boat ,I reckon that we must contribute the best part of £6 or 7 K to their economy annually,much of this spent locally in Tavernas ,shops etc. So any extra tax would mean that our spending was affected.
Multiply this the number of boats and the local economies could suffer.
Lets hope that this is considered .
 
So to summarise..have I got this right.....
This will only apply to yachts over 15 Metres,who stay in Greek waters more than 40 days in any one year.
(mobos 10 m)
This should not affect the average punter ,as most are under (in our case well under) 15 m.
The worry is that in the future ,if this tax proves to be fiscally significant ,the limit could be lowered ,thereby affecting the "average" owner in Greece. Could be the thin end of the wedge.
I don't have a problem with paying my way when in Greece ..or for that matter Turkey,However as we live about 12 weeks every year on the boat ,I reckon that we must contribute the best part of £6 or 7 K to their economy annually,much of this spent locally in Tavernas ,shops etc. So any extra tax would mean that our spending was affected.
Multiply this the number of boats and the local economies could suffer.
Lets hope that this is considered .



Hi as you have pointed out it will not affect the avarage yacht owner it is aimed at the Greek Super yacht and large Mobo owner who pays little if no tax in Greece and own large boat under a foreign flag usually British:rolleyes:

cheers bobt
 
As you say it will not affect the majority of us in Greece under 15m and it`s nice to know that the huge, ( generator running all night stinkpots) will be paying very large amounts for the priviledge!

BUT

I do not think that this tax applies to charter boats and as many v large yachts are in fact chartered will they yet escape tax after all ?
 
Hi sorry for not replying sooner but i was away.Now, the goverment will revise the status of so called profesional boats as the these are tax-exempt according to the review of the original law(see my answer above), and this is not an annual tax but a special tax contribution meaning for now at least.My understanding is that boats or yachts under the above mentioned dimentions won't pay anything at all - that was only in the original law that is for the present time reformed and frozen.As soon as i'll find out more i'll post ASAP. The fact is that somehow i also find it satisfactory that these yachts will finally be paying more and also the re examining of the so called profesional licenses of many yachts in Greece.If somebody is a profesional and really charters ok but i've had it with them that are just using charters as an excuse for their gin palaces not paying a cent.Also vessels that have to stay for repairs either oland or sea should seek a special permit by the port Police authorities as they are also Tax exempt.Greetings to you all.
 
As you say it will not affect the majority of us in Greece under 15m and it`s nice to know that the huge, ( generator running all night stinkpots) will be paying very large amounts for the priviledge!

BUT

I do not think that this tax applies to charter boats and as many v large yachts are in fact chartered will they yet escape tax after all ?

_________________________________________________________


My interpretation of this tax is that it will generate absolutely nothing except for the few privately owned boats that are over 15m.

My understanding is that a commercial yacht's or mobo's have to pay so little, even for berthing,
i.e. they pay pence (cents) where as privateers have pay pounds(€s).

All the big boys are going to do is let their accountants sort it for them using loopholes that are always available to those who know.

I will stand corrected if I am wrong...............

______________________________________________________________________
 
Does this tax mean, as I'm a sailboat of 17.4 meters, I pay 200 a year or is it 200 for every meter up to 20 meters, which is quite a difference!
I may have to re-think my plans, if I have to pay 200 per meter!! in fact I wont be coming to Greece atall! As it would add 3480 to my moorings each year.
 
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Not sailed in Greek waters yet, but intend to pop across at some time next year.We are in Yalikavak, Turkey, so can be in Greek waters in a couple of hours.

What concerns me is how do they determine the the length?
Our boat is 9.99m on the SSR, but I recall seeing 10.02m on my turkish transit log.

I would presume (hopefully) that the SSR would be the document to use, also might be worth having a copy of the manufacturers design spec (sales brochure with dims)

Reminder to self, get Turkish transit log changed, just in case they introduce a new cruising tax.
 
Not sailed in Greek waters yet, but intend to pop across at some time next year.We are in Yalikavak, Turkey, so can be in Greek waters in a couple of hours.

What concerns me is how do they determine the the length?
Our boat is 9.99m on the SSR, but I recall seeing 10.02m on my turkish transit log.

I would presume (hopefully) that the SSR would be the document to use, also might be worth having a copy of the manufacturers design spec (sales brochure with dims)

Reminder to self, get Turkish transit log changed, just in case they introduce a new cruising tax.

No problem......

(4. Excise tax is levied in sailboats
yachts exceeding 15 meters and calculated
TAI depending on the length of the ship as follows:)

So in Greek waters you do not have any worries, but I would change for the sharp shooting Turks.........

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
No problem......

(4. Excise tax is levied in sailboats
yachts exceeding 15 meters and calculated
TAI depending on the length of the ship as follows:)

So in Greek waters you do not have any worries, but I would change for the sharp shooting Turks.........

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's TAI ?
 
No problem......

(4. Excise tax is levied in sailboats
yachts exceeding 15 meters and calculated
TAI depending on the length of the ship as follows:)

So in Greek waters you do not have any worries, but I would change for the sharp shooting Turks.........

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

So if I take my 17.4 meter sailboat to Greece, how much am I liable for?
 
Don't understand you

Hi sorry for not replying sooner but i was away.Now, the goverment will revise the status of so called profesional boats as the these are tax-exempt according to the review of the original law(see my answer above), and this is not an annual tax but a special tax contribution meaning for now at least.My understanding is that boats or yachts under the above mentioned dimentions won't pay anything at all - that was only in the original law that is for the present time reformed and frozen.As soon as i'll find out more i'll post ASAP. The fact is that somehow i also find it satisfactory that these yachts will finally be paying more and also the re examining of the so called profesional licenses of many yachts in Greece.If somebody is a profesional and really charters ok but i've had it with them that are just using charters as an excuse for their gin palaces not paying a cent.Also vessels that have to stay for repairs either oland or sea should seek a special permit by the port Police authorities as they are also Tax exempt.Greetings to you all.

do I take it that you welcome my British neighbour keeping his 54ft yacht in Gouvia Marina being charged nothing more than a state robbery just for being a successful businessman who want's to keep his private motorboat in Greece? Or, do you only want to rob successful Greek businessmen? Please clarify.

Chas
 
do I take it that you welcome my British neighbour keeping his 54ft yacht in Gouvia Marina being charged nothing more than a state robbery just for being a successful businessman who want's to keep his private motorboat in Greece? Or, do you only want to rob successful Greek businessmen? Please clarify.

Chas

Chas
I do not belive that we are talking about state robbery.IMO its the Greek Gov trying to collect a tax from a part of their community that so far has evaded paying it.
Is you look at the size of boat, that they are targeting it should not affect the general charter yacht, or liveaboard people .Ok there are a few with yachts over 15 meters, but the majority are smaller .

I think its the superyacht and gin palaces that there want to include into their tax regime.

Cheers bobt
 
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The above mentioned 'special contribution tax' is applied to all private vessels under any flag. Don't panic though, untill everything is clear many moons will change and so will the legislation.I personally think that they were taught a lesson by what happened with the road taxes for cars where they tried to impose a tax on older cars as green tax plus a penalty for cars above 2000cc.They ended up with a lot less money as 400.000 licenses were returned up untill now instead of an average 8000-10000 that was the yearly number up untill now.What i'm saying is they apologised and they'll reform the tax.They are desperate for taxes and as the former goverment messed up royally with the deficit and budget they'll reform everything.Let's face it these are dire times not only for us but for you britts too.It's just that with the elections coming Brown won't do anything as our former goverment did.Many countries in Europe have exactly the same figures like Greece (Britts French Italians) but they keep it all hush-hush.And when them elephants fight it's us grass that suffers.But enough of politics.As soon as something definite is voted i'll keep you informed.That's why i visit this site i'm not a live aboard i just try to help sailors in my country no matter where they come from.As they say there's no strangers only friends you haven't met yet.
 
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