Yachts for Sale Greece

The process typically begins with a search and initial inspection, where you visit the yacht, review its specifications and carry out a visual and technical check. Once satisfied, you make an offer, usually subject to a survey and sea trial, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement drafted by a maritime lawyer, covering price, conditions and included equipment. A due diligence phase covers ownership history, VAT status, any liens or debts and registration validity. An independent survey and sea trial then take place, and you retain the right to walk away if significant issues are found. On completion, funds are transferred and a Bill of Sale is issued, after which the yacht is registered under your chosen flag, requiring a Greek tax number. The process concludes with formal delivery and handover, at which point insurance is activated.

Yes, buying a yacht in Greece without being a resident is very common. You will generally need a Greek tax number, a local legal representative such as a lawyer or accountant, and a bank account is often recommended. Ownership can be structured in several ways personal ownership, a Greek or offshore company, or a charter and commercial structure depending on your intended use.

The core documents include the Bill of Sale, previous registration certificate, a deletion certificate if changing the flag, proof of VAT payment or exemption, CE conformity certificate, builder's certificate for new yachts, insurance certificate, and a radio licence alongside safety equipment certificates. Legal checks should confirm the ownership chain, verify there are no mortgages or liens on the vessel, and establish that VAT status is valid.

Initial one-time costs include the purchase price, VAT at 24% where applicable, legal and registration fees typically in the range of 1 to 2%, and any setup or refit costs. As a rule of thumb, annual running costs tend to represent around 10% of the yacht's value. Maintenance generally accounts for 6 to 12% per year; mooring and marina fees range from roughly €3,000 to €10,000 annually for smaller yachts and exceed €20,000 for larger vessels; insurance is typically 0.5 to 1.5% of value per year. Ongoing taxes include VAT if not already settled and the TEPAI cruising tax, charged as a monthly fee in Greece.