Greece taxes boats by the month they spend in its waters, whatever their flag. If you're buying a boat that lives in Greece, or buying one to keep there, the fee and its paperwork come with it. Check them before you pay.
TEPAI, the cruising fee
AADE's TEPAI brochure sets out the fee. It applies to private and charter recreational boats over 7 m, whatever their flag, that stay in or enter Greek waters.
| Total length | TEPAI per month |
|---|---|
| Over 7 m to 8 m | €16 |
| Over 8 m to 10 m | €25 |
| Over 10 m to 12 m | €33 |
| Over 12 m | €8 per metre, from the first metre |
The length comes from an official document, to two decimals. A month is the minimum, however few days the boat stays. Paying for a full calendar year in December or January earns 10% off, and private boats over 12 m moored in Greek ports all year can get a further 20%, with a certificate from the port authority.
The owner, holder or user are each liable for the full amount. Boats out of the water, on the hard or on private premises, don't pay until they go back in. AADE also says that unpaid TEPAI means a fine, from €190 for boats over 7 m to 8 m up to €1,100 over 12 m, and the boat can't move until both are paid.
The DEKPA and the transit log
AADE's brochure says that to issue or attest a DEKPA, the Pleasure Craft Traffic Document, you must pay at least that month's TEPAI, and that TEPAI must also be paid before a transit log is issued.
The transit log is for foreign yachts. To Vima reports that private yachts over 7 m arriving at Greek ports must file one with customs, now online through myAADE. For yachts owned by EU residents with all duties settled, the log is valid indefinitely. For non-EU-flag yachts owned outside the EU, or EU-flag yachts owned by non-EU residents, validity is limited if customs and tax duties are unpaid.
What to ask the seller
- TEPAI receipts for the months the boat has been in Greek waters, since the authorities can fine and hold the boat.
- The DEKPA or transit log, and whether it's in date.
- Proof that customs and tax duties are settled, which decides how long a transit log stays valid.
- The boat's equipment against Greek port regulation 20 if it's a fast boat.
The survey
Paperwork tells you the boat is legal to be where it is. A pre-purchase survey tells you its condition and what it'll cost to put right. Ask for a haul-out so the hull and underwater gear can be seen.
See also how to buy a yacht.