New Croatia Yacht Charter VAT Regulations

BACKGROUND

In January, 2014, we alerted our clients to new rules. These rules regard a VAT increase imposed on Croatia yacht charter rentals.  The government increased the VAT rate from 10 % to 13%. This was to combat the country’s economic woes.

We, therefore, focused on saving money for clients.  We encourag our clients to commence their charters in nearby Montenegro.  They could then cruise into Croatian waters, tax-free.

In spite of this, good things sometimes come to an end…

Effective this month, new regulations take effect. These eliminate the loophole that allowed tax-free cruising in Croatia.

WHAT’S NEW

This February, the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs made an announcement.  The regulations that govern the Croatia yacht charter market were amended to, “…bring the regulations in line with other European Union Member States.”  The main change was, therefore, the imposition of VAT on charters starting outside of Croatia.

As succinctly explained by 1-800 Yacht Charters company President,  Jana Sheeder,

“As of May 1^st, 2018, charters commencing outside Croatia that then cruise into Croatia, will now have to pay 13% VAT on the time spent in Croatian waters.”

The new regulations are not retroactive.  Thus, any charters booked prior to the regulation change are exempt.

OTHER CHANGES

On a positive note, other regulation changes designed to encourage an increase in yacht charter Croatia activity will also go into effect.  The government has lifted the restriction that banned non-European Union charter yachts under 40 meters from chartering in Croatia.  As explained by Rory Jackson of SuperyachtNews, “These restrictions, which prohibited non-EU commercial vessels under 40m chartering in Croatia, had been implemented to bolster the domestic market. However, they proved to be more costly than beneficial.”

Non EU flagged yachts under 40 meters will need to secure a charter license to operate in Croatia. The license will be required even if the charter starts outside Croatia.

Are you considering a private yacht charter vacation in Croatia or elsewhere in the Mediterranean this summer?  Click https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/superyacht-charter/ for a sampling of superyachts available this summer.

Come enjoy The Superyacht Experience as only 1-800 Yacht Charters can deliver!

This entry was posted in Destinations News Educational Yacht Charter and tagged yacht charter croatia, charter restrictions, Croatia yacht charter, summer yacht charter plans, Mediterranean yacht charter, VAT value added tax, Jana Sheeder, Education, Superyacht, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, yacht charter education

About Jana Sheeder

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters. Providing The Superyacht Experience(R) since 1976. Private luxury yacht charter vacations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, South Pacific, South Florida, Miami and The Keys, Italian Rivera, Belize. Megayacht charter company focused on generosity, Pay it Forward, Random Acts of Kindness, Giftivism, giving back to the ocean, to the needy, and the environment with every superyachting charter. Providing eco-friendly alternatives while on yacht charters and known for 6-star customer service, experience, and generosity. One of the original yacht charter companies.
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