Yacht Charter VAT by Country
VAT on a yacht charter is charged on the charter fee at the rate of the country where the charter starts. The main rates are 20 percent in France and Monaco, 22 percent in Italy, 21 percent in Spain, 13 percent in Croatia, 5.2 to 13 percent in Greece for eligible charters and generally zero in Montenegro. The Bahamas charge a 14 percent charter tax.
- France and Monaco
- 20 percent
- Italy
- 22 percent
- Spain
- 21 percent
- Croatia
- 13 percent
- Montenegro
- Generally 0 percent
The rates
Charter VAT and taxes by country
| Country | Rate on the charter fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| France and Monaco | 20 percent | May be reduced for time spent outside EU waters, with documentation |
| Italy | 22 percent | Itinerary and time outside EU waters can affect the final amount |
| Spain | 21 percent | Yacht must hold a Spanish charter licence |
| Croatia | 13 percent | For qualifying charters on licensed yachts |
| Greece | 5.2 to 13 percent | For eligible charters; 24 percent if conditions are not met |
| Montenegro | Generally 0 percent | Croatian VAT applies to days spent in Croatian waters |
| Turkey | 20 percent general rate | Treatment depends on flag, structure and itinerary |
| Bahamas | 14 percent charter tax | Not a VAT; applies to foreign yacht charters |
| Caribbean | Often none | Cruising permits and clearance fees apply |
Rates as published by charter industry sources in 2026. Tax rules change and depend on the yacht and the route; your written quote confirms the exact amount.
How it is applied
Three rules that explain most cases
- The start port sets the rateVAT is generally due in the country where the charter begins, on the full charter fee.
- It also applies to delivery feesDelivery and redelivery fees are usually taxed at the same rate.
- Time outside the EU can countIn some countries the taxable share is reduced for days spent in international or non EU waters, when properly documented.
An example
The same yacht, three countries
| Start port | VAT | Fee with VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Naples, Italy | €22,000 | €122,000 |
| Antibes, France | €20,000 | €120,000 |
| Split, Croatia | €13,000 | €113,000 |
| Tivat, Montenegro | €0 | €100,000 |
Before APA and gratuity. A charter starting in Montenegro that cruises in Croatia pays Croatian VAT for those days.
Planning
Does VAT change where to charter?
For most guests the destination comes first and tax second, but on a large charter the difference is real: nine points between Italy and Croatia is €9,000 on every €100,000. It is one reason Croatia, Montenegro and Greece offer strong value.
We show VAT as a separate line on every quote so you can compare options on the same basis.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Do I pay VAT on a yacht charter?
Yes in most Mediterranean countries. It is charged on the charter fee at the rate of the country where the charter starts, from 13 percent in Croatia to 22 percent in Italy.
What is the VAT on a yacht charter in France?
20 percent on the charter fee for charters starting in France or Monaco. It may be reduced for time spent outside EU waters when properly documented.
Which Mediterranean country has the lowest charter VAT?
Montenegro, where charters are generally taxed at zero, followed by Greece at 5.2 to 13 percent for eligible charters and Croatia at 13 percent.
Is VAT charged in the Caribbean?
Many Caribbean islands charge no VAT on charters. The Bahamas apply a 14 percent charter tax to foreign yachts.
Is VAT included in the advertised weekly rate?
No. Weekly rates are shown before VAT, the advance provisioning allowance and gratuity. Our quotes list each item separately.
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Figures from the Navélia fleet · updated