VAT & Paperwork for Buying a Used Boat in Greece: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Buying a used boat in Greece is one of the smartest ways to get a well-priced yacht in the Mediterranean — but the VAT and documentation process can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers.

Most listings say “VAT Paid,” but that doesn’t always mean what you think it means.

Paperwork can be incomplete, CE documentation can be missing, and registration or deletion certificates can take longer than expected. A single error can delay your purchase, increase your tax liability, or even prevent you from registering the boat under a new flag.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know in 2025 — in plain English — so you can buy confidently and avoid expensive surprises.

Note: Every buyer’s situation is different. This guide explains the general rules for VAT and paperwork in Greece according to my thorough research, but it is not legal or tax advice. It is meant to replace your time spent researching, not your time spent speaking to lawyers. If you’re unsure about your specific case, speak with a maritime lawyer or tax advisor.

Why VAT Matters So Much When Buying a Boat

VAT (Value Added Tax) is one of the biggest cost components when buying or importing a used boat in Europe.
If VAT isn’t properly accounted for, you could:

• be liable for 24% Greek VAT,
• face issues when registering under another EU flag,
• or run into trouble with customs or insurance.

Understanding VAT status is as important as inspecting the hull.

What “VAT Paid” Actually Means (and Why It’s Often Misunderstood)

Many listings casually state “VAT Paid,” but this phrase can be misleading.

“VAT Paid” means:

• VAT was paid at the time of original sale,
• or VAT was paid when imported into the EU,
• and the boat has remained in free circulation in the EU.

BUT important caveats:

“VAT Paid” is not:

• a guarantee that the seller has the correct paperwork
• proof that VAT cannot be claimed back
• protection for you if documents are missing
• a fixed status

Always request:

• original VAT invoice
• customs clearance document
• proof of EU import (if non-EU build)
• ownership chain
• prior registration certificates

If the seller “can’t find the VAT invoice,” assume red flag until proven otherwise.

VAT Rates in Greece (2025)

Standard VAT rate: 24%

Applies when:

• a business sells a boat to a private buyer
• a boat is imported into the EU from a non-EU country

Often does not apply when:

• private seller → private buyer
• boat already in free EU circulation
• buyer is non-EU and exporting the boat out of EU

Always confirm with a tax professional if unsure — VAT mistakes are painful.

When VAT Might Become Your Problem

Here are the most common cases where buyers get stuck paying extra:

1. Missing VAT documentation

If the original VAT invoice is missing, it's extremely difficult to prove “VAT Paid” status.

2. Boats formerly used for charter

Some were VAT exempt or received special tax treatment.
Without proof, you may inherit VAT liability.

3. Non-EU built boats imported without proper customs clearance

You may need to pay VAT again.

4. Boats owned by non-EU sellers

If VAT wasn’t settled on entry into the EU, you’ll be the one responsible.

Paperwork You MUST Check Before Buying a Used Boat in Greece

This is where many deals fall apart — or should.

Here’s the essential checklist:

1. Bill of Sale

Proof of ownership and the basis of the transfer.

2. Proof of VAT status

This may include:

• VAT invoice
• customs import document
• EU “free circulation” evidence

3. Registration Certificate (Original Flag)

Shows legal ownership and the boat’s official identity.

4. Deletion Certificate

Needed if you plan to register under a new flag.
This can take days to weeks — don’t leave it to the last minute.

5. Builder’s Certificate

Confirms build year, serial number, and CE category.

6. CE Declaration of Conformity (Post-1998 boats)

Mandatory in the EU. Missing CE docs can block registration.

7. Service Logs & Maintenance Records

Engine maintenance, rigging replacement, antifouling history.

8. Engine Serial Numbers & HIN Verification

Always confirm these match the paperwork.

What if something is missing?

• Missing VAT proof → potential deal-breaker
• Missing CE docs → costly post-construction assessment
• Missing deletion certificate → delays registration
• Missing maintenance logs → not fatal, but negotiate the price

CE Compliance — What Foreign Buyers Often Miss

CE compliance is required for recreational boats used within the EU that were built post 1998 June 16th.

CE Documentation Includes:

• CE Declaration of Conformity
• Builder’s plate on the boat
• Owner’s manual
• Hull Identification Number (HIN)

If any of these are missing:

• insurance may reject coverage
• registration may be delayed
• resale value decreases significantly

Greek Charter Boats & CE

Some older ex-charter boats are missing CE documentation.
This is fixable but often expensive and time-consuming.

Registration & Ownership Transfer in Greece

How Ownership Transfer Works

In most cases:

1. Seller provides Bill of Sale
2. Buyer signs acceptance
3. Broker or legal rep manages registration steps
4. If flag is changing → seller must request deletion certificate (in theory, the buyer can request the deletion, but this opens another can of worms)

No need for Greek notarization in most cases, unless required by the buyer’s new flag state.

Deletion & Re-Registration

Deletion means the boat is removed from its current registry.

Required for:

• registering under another EU flag
• UK, US, or other international registrations

It can take:

• 1–3 weeks for some flags
• same day for others

Registering Under a New Flag

Different flags require different documents.

Cyprus, Poland, UK, and Belgium are popular for ease or cost reasons.

Special Cases Foreign Buyers Should Know

Buying from a Greek Charter Company

Pros:

• Regular maintenance
• Clear service logs
• Great value

Risks:

• Heavy wear on sails and interior
• VAT status may differ
• CE documents may be incomplete
• Title transfer may take longer

Buying a Boat Located in Greece but EU Flagged Elsewhere

Verify import status → VAT documents may be tied to original purchase in another country.

Buying from a Non-EU Owner

Extra paperwork is required.
Always check import documents and VAT history.

Common VAT & Paperwork Mistakes Buyers Make

Here are the big ones:

1. Assuming “VAT Paid” means the paperwork is in order
2. Failing to verify CE documentation for post 1998 boats
3. Overlooking registry deletion certificate timelines
4. Not matching HIN and engine serial numbers for post 1998 boats
5. Relying solely on the broker’s word
6. Not checking import history for non-EU boats
7. Forgetting that VAT liability can “follow the boat”

For more pitfalls, see our guide to 10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Boat in Greece.

When a First Look Inspection Helps (Before You Travel)

A First Look Inspection can help you see:

• Is the boat actually in the condition the listing claims?
• Is there anything clearly wrong that makes this boat a non-starter?
• Has the boat been neglected, abused, or poorly maintained?
• Does it feel like a boat I’d want to own?
• Is this the one you should survey, or should you move on?
• Other deal-breakers before you spend €500+ traveling

It’s a cheap way to ensure the ad isn’t hiding a nasty surprise.

👉 How First Look Inspections Work

When You Need a Full Marine Survey

Get a full survey when:

• paperwork is fine but condition is uncertain
• you're close to buying
• you need insurance
• the boat is >10 years old
• hull moisture issues are a concern
• it’s a higher-value purchase

If unsure, read our guide:
👉 Do I Need a Boat Survey in Greece?

Final Checklist for Buyers (Screenshot This)

• Confirm VAT Paid status with original documents
• Verify registration + deletion (if changing flag)
• Check CE docs (Declaration + builder plate + manual)
• Match HIN & engine serial numbers
• Validate owner history and maintenance logs
• Use a First Look Inspection before traveling
• Get a survey before signing

Final Thoughts

Buying a used boat in Greece is straightforward if your documents are in order.
But VAT mistakes and missing paperwork can cost you thousands — or derail the purchase entirely. Before flying out, you can verify the boat’s documents and condition through a First Look inspection, saving time, money, and frustration. 👉 Book a First Look in Greece and buy with confidence.