Greece Continues to Tax Visiting Yachts

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-05-18 09:56:44
Topic: European Union
Countries: Greece

Greece is once again the main topic of conversation among cruising sailors in the Mediterranean as both EU and non-EU boat owners are irritated by the Greek authorities insistence on ignoring EU regulations and imposing both unnecessary formalities and unjustified fees and taxes. Noonsite Roving Editors Doug and Judy Decker of the yacht Limerence have now taken matters in hand and have launched a campaign to have these taxes abolished. Noonsite fully supports the efforts being made to have these regulations rescinded which have only managed to tarnish Greece's image among sailors worldwide. We still consider Greece one of the most attractive cruising destinations in the world, but the authorities in Athens need to be reminded that the European Union was created precisely in order to encourage the free movement of people and goods within the European Union. And that includes sailors on their yachts!

Doug and Judy Decker write:

The Greek Government continues to impose a series of punitive and discriminatory taxes and regulations on both EU Flagged and non-EU Flagged Yachts. The actions appear to contravene EU regulations for uniform treatment and free travel within EU countries. A petition was filed with the EU Commission in 2003 regarding this group of taxes. The Commission found that Greece was not in compliance with the EU regulations and laws. The Greek government modified the law but did not completely comply with the court's rulings.

The Law as Enforced by Greece:

(1) EU flagged Yachts entering Greek waters must purchase a "Private Pleasure Maritime Traffic Document" in the customs office which costs €30. This document must be stamped at each port by Port Police for a fee of €15.

(2) All Non-EU yachts are required to carry a similar document called a "Yacht Transit Log" with similar fees and procedures. When entering the country, Non-EU Yachts are required to have their passport stamped at the immigration office.

(3) All Non-EU yachts in Greece over ninety days, regardless whether "in or out of the water" or "under bond", are imposed a customs tax. This tax is calculated monthly at €14.67 plus 19% VAT per meter every three months. The tax is collected when the Yacht departs Greek waters. There is no written document explaining this tax.

(3) Greece is the only EU country imposing these time consuming taxes and regulations which are administered unevenly throughout the country.

The strategy for dealing with these taxes is to limit your visit and not keep your yacht in Greece over ninety days. You should also write your MP or elected representative complaining of Greece's punitive and discriminatory taxes and regulations.

May 17, 2006

Doug and Judy Decker, S/V LIMERENCE