How to pay EU VAT in Greece

[boatinspain]

Whats the process to pay EU VAT on a boat in Greece?

Currently the boat is non-EU owned, and in under a TA. We plan to complete the sale in international waters, as TA rules state the boat cannot be sold while in the EU under a TA.

(Buyer is a EU citizen.)

 

[Irish Rover]

I replied to your pm - I'm surprised you were able to send it as you're a new member. As I said there citizenship is not an issue so first question is are you resident in the EU.
When I bought my VAT not paid boat in Preveza in 2017 it was in Greece on TA. I had some doubts about the procedure so I went to see the local Customs and I found them very helpful. There was no need to complete the sale offshore - the boat was in a boatyard "in bond" meaning the transit log etc was lodged with customs while the boat was not in use. This is a mechanism under which the 18 month TA can be prolonged. My advice would be talk to the local Customs Office where the boat is currently. If possible visit, in person. My experience then and on subsequent visits to Greece on TA is that Customs are helpful and easy to deal with.

 

[Tranona]

Am I right in thinking you are an EU resident buying a boat that is currently non EU for use in the EU. If that is the case it is the seller who has to import it and pay the VAT, although in reality you are paying. Better to do as suggested and both parties go to customs - they will have to value the boat anyway and take the payment. If you are non EU resident then there is no need to import it as you can rely on TA to keep it in the EU, independent of your citizenship. Equally even if you are EU resident you can still avoid VAT if you keep it outside the EU. You will still be able to visit the EU under TA.

 

[boatinspain]

Yes I'm EU resident now, will visit local customs for advice. Thank you both for the advice.

This boats currently afloat so i assume the transit log is active so offshore is the only option to complete the sale unless customs says otherwise.

 

[Irish Rover]

Yes I'm EU resident now, will visit local customs for advice. Thank you both for the advice.

This boats currently afloat so i assume the transit log is active so offshore is the only option to complete the sale unless customs says otherwise.

Talk to customs. If you're lucky and meet a practical minded officer I doubt they'll care about offshore or onshore as long as the VAT is paid and the situation is regularised.

 

[Tranona]

Yes, that is quite normal if the seller is selling to an EU resident rather than retaining its Non EU VAT paid status. The Bill of Sale can be done at the same time so giving a clean set of papers.