Help required: exporting boat to the EU

[MountainGoat]

Hi all,

I think I need to speak to an expert, but I have no idea who.

I own a 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i. She is moored in Gosport.

I am now resident in Portugal, but hold UK citizenship, and wish to move the boat to the Algarve soon. The first leg of this will be sailing to Cherbourg.

I understand I will need to pat VAT immediately upon import, based on the current value of the boat.

This is annoying and financially burdensome, but it is what it is. Is there someone I can talk to, either based in the Solent, or Cherbourg (but English speaking: I speak Portuguese but my French is rusty as hell), who can assist with the bureaucracy and maybe help get a valuation that’s low but believable? Any personal recommendations?

 

[Minerva]

Are you sure you want to do that?

A very quick google shows that your boat commands a stronger price in the UK than in Europe - so you'd be paying tax and reducing its value.

If I were you, I would be thinking strongly about selling in the UK and buying a new boat already in Europe.

 

[MountainGoat]

Are you sure you want to do that?

A very quick google shows that your boat commands a stronger price in the UK than in Europe - so you'd be paying tax and reducing its value.

If I were you, I would be thinking strongly about selling in the UK and buying a new boat already in Europe.

I have put a lot of my heart into that boat. This isn’t purely about the financials.

So yes, I am sure I want to do that.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I think you could get away with sailing it to Portugal and declaring it there where you speak the language and they would appreciate the VAT plus you will get the document in Portuguese where you will be keeping the boat rather than a French one.

 

[MountainGoat]

I think you could get away with sailing it to Portugal and declaring it there where you speak the language and they would appreciate the VAT plus you will get the document in Portuguese where you will be keeping the boat rather than a French one.

Ok. Any idea who I could talk to to help with that?

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Ok. Any idea who I could talk to to help with that?

In what way, you would need to talk to the Portuguese tax authorities and explain you are importing your UK boat and ask them how and where they would like the VAT paid also I suppose a value by a local broker would help in that respect although the tax department may do it. Then of course you will require to register and flag the boat.

 

[MountainGoat]

In what way, you would need to talk to the Portuguese tax authorities and explain you are importing your UK boat and ask them how and where they would like the VAT paid also I suppose a value by a local broker would help in that respect although the tax department may do it. Then of course you will require to register and flag the boat.

Yes. Is there anyone who can help me through this process? I am looking for someone who can help. Like a specialist tax advisor. Does anybody know one?

 

[MountainGoat]

FWIW, “Talking to the Portuguese tax authorities” is like “just walk into Mordor”.

I am looking for a tax advisor. That is all if anyone knows a good one, I’d really appreciate hearing from them.

 

[Wansworth]

Contact a specialized gestoria in maritime affairs…..in Portugal

 

[MountainGoat]

Contact a specialized gestoria in maritime affairs…..in Portugal

Ok. Do you know one?

 

[Wansworth]

Ok. Do you know one?

I can recommend one in Vigo that should cover the law in Portugal……google Lexmar,they speak English ,not everybody but You should be able to communicate

 

[MountainGoat]

I can recommend one in Vigo that should cover the law in Portugal……google Lexmar,they speak English ,not everybody but You should be able to communicate

Thanks. Will definitely talk to them.

I am concerned, however, that as an EU resident, waiting until I get to Portugal will result in the French and Spanish coming after me for tax evasion. My understanding is that the tax is payable at the port of entry into the EU

 

[Wansworth]

Thanks. Will definitely talk to them.

I am concerned, however, that as an EU resident, waiting until I get to Portugal will result in the French and Spanish coming after me for tax evasion. My understanding is that the tax is payable at the port of entry into the EU

Hopefully they will be able to advise you……

 

[MountainGoat]

Hopefully they will be able to advise you……

I mean, yes, but with the caveat that they aren’t French nor, presumably, used to dealing with French authorities.

So really I’m still in need of someone who can definitely tell me what I need to do when we rock up at Cherbourg.

 

[Wansworth]

Sail direct from Uk to Iberia

 

[Deleted member 478]

@Tranona is up to speed on these things, and always very helpful. I'm sure he'll comment on your thread soon

 

[Wansworth]

I live in Galicia and they recommended I buy in Spain although Uk boats are much cheaper and more choice.Depending on your budget you may well find a good boat in Portugal

 

[westernman]

Thanks. Will definitely talk to them.

I am concerned, however, that as an EU resident, waiting until I get to Portugal will result in the French and Spanish coming after me for tax evasion. My understanding is that the tax is payable at the port of entry into the EU

Yes.

I think the best way might be to get the boat exported with a professional transportation company on the back of a lorry. Then you should only have to pay VAT in Portugal and you will get a proper Portuguese certificate.

 

[MountainGoat]

Yes.

I think the best way might be to get the boat exported with a professional transportation company on the back of a lorry. Then you should only have to pay VAT in Portugal and you will get a proper Portuguese certificate.

Kinda looking forward to sailing it there myself.

 

[Wansworth]

Kinda looking forward to sailing it there myself.

I did suggest that……