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VAT Questions About Buying a Boat? Find All the Answers Here!
EU VAT & Import
VAT Questions About Buying a Boat? Find All the Answers Here!
Are you looking for answers to VAT questions related to purchasing a boat? You’re not alone. We receive numerous inquiries every day about VAT regulations for boats in European waters.
The situation has become more complicated since Brexit, but we’re here to help.
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common VAT-related questions we receive, with insights from EU tax authorities. Need assistance from us in arranging your VAT declaration for your yacht in the EU? Just let us know!
EU VAT and Boat Import
Need an EU VAT Certificate for Your Yacht? We Can Assist with EU Boat Imports
EU VAT and Boat Import
Need an EU VAT Certificate for Your Yacht? We Can Assist with EU Boat Imports
If you’ve bought a boat outside the European Union (EU) and want to bring it into an EU country, you must pay VAT. The good news is that once you pay VAT in one EU country, it covers all EU countries. You can use your boat freely across EU waters without paying VAT again.
We make the VAT process easier by importing your vessel through the Netherlands. For a small fee of just 250,- euro, we will handle communication with the Dutch Tax Department to secure your official EU VAT Paid Certificate.
Just provide your boat details, and we’ll give you an estimate for your EU VAT.
Nautical Company
Meet our Crew
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Ingrid
Yacht Registration Specialist
Jeroen Korthuis
Manager
Chanel
Yacht Registration Specialist
Common VAT Questions for Boat Purchases
Common VAT Questions for Boat Purchases
1. What determines the VAT status of a vessel?
2. Can I avoid paying VAT on my boat purchase?
3. Do I need to pay VAT if I buy a boat with BVI registration and I’m an EU citizen?
4. Can a UK citizen use a VAT-unpaid boat in UK waters without paying VAT, using a Marshall/Delaware/BVI flag?
5. Can an EU citizen use a VAT-unpaid boat in EU waters with a non-EU flag?
6. What documents do I need to prove the VAT-paid status of a boat from the previous owner?
7. Can I set up a company outside the EU and register my boat under a non-EU flag to avoid VAT?
8. What should I do to get a VAT exemption for my boat when entering EU waters?
9. How long can I stay in EU waters without paying VAT?
10. How can I check the VAT status of a boat I’m considering purchasing?
11. Are boats made before 1978 exempt from VAT?
12. What documents do I need on board to prove VAT payment to EU authorities?
Keep the seller’s invoice and any official documentation proving VAT payment. In the Netherlands, this can be obtained from the National Yachts Unit in Vlissingen.
13. Is registering a boat with a non-EU flag within the EU considered exportation?
14. Do I need to pay VAT on a boat bought in Croatia if I won’t use it in the EU?
If you export the boat outside the EU, you must submit an export declaration to avoid VAT. If the boat re-enters the EU, it is subject to import VAT.
15. Can I get a VAT refund if I buy a brand-new VAT-paid boat and export it out of the EU?
16. Is there a VAT refund on second-hand boats when exporting out of the EU?
17. If I buy a VAT-paid boat from outside the EU and register it in the EU, do I need to pay VAT again?
18. Can EU authorities check VAT payment if I sail outside my home country in EU waters?
Yes, EU authorities can check if VAT has been paid on your boat, and you’ll need to provide proof, such as an invoice or VAT statement.
By understanding and following VAT regulations, you can enjoy sailing in EU waters without unexpected costs. Always ensure you have the necessary documents to prove VAT compliance.