Greece to allow non-EU-flagged luxury yachts to charter in Greek waters
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The Greek government has recently introduced the “e-Charter Permission” system, enabling non-EU-flagged yachts to engage in charter activities in Greek waters. This policy marks a significant departure from previous regulations, which mandated that foreign-flagged yachts be owned by a company with a Greek branch to gain a charter license in Greece.
The new e-Charter permit enables foreign-flagged yachts over 35 meters in length to conduct charters in Greece for up to 28 days annually.
The Greek Ministry of Shipping has specified two types of permissions, namely Charter Permission and Charter Permission Plus, to cater to different chartering scenarios that may involve Greece as a starting or ending point.
This enhanced flexibility offers a wider range of options for yacht charters, accommodating diverse itineraries and preferences.
It is important to note that wooden-hulled yachts are ineligible, and the yacht’s owner or operator must not have a permanent establishment in Greece but must be VAT registered.
The new legislation also introduces a Special Charter Fee, which is calculated based on the number of days the yacht will be in Greek waters.
After receiving feedback from yachting agents in Greece and abroad, the Greek government decided to review the existing restrictions. Subsequently, a bill was passed on April 19, 2022, allowing superyachts to apply for a temporary charter license.
