{"id":27758,"date":"2026-05-15T15:47:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T12:47:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/?p=27758"},"modified":"2026-05-11T16:03:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T13:03:20","slug":"understanding-the-yacht-sales-process-in-greece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theoneyacht.com\/el\/understanding-the-yacht-sales-process-in-greece\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Yacht Sales Process in Greece"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thinking of purchasing a yacht in Greece?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations! Embarking on the yacht sales process can be exciting. The feeling of sailing your own vessel across a blank horizon is virtually unmatched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go into your purchase with confidence. Here\u2019s what you need to know about buying a yacht in Greece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timeline Expectations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The yacht purchasing process will look a bit like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Research<\/strong>. Are you looking for a new yacht? A used yacht? Are you informed on the Greek flag state rules, regulations, and expectations? What is your nationality, and do you need to take extra steps to dock in Greece? You can check out the rest of our blogs<\/a> for more information on what questions you\u2019ll need to ask yourself before even browsing for a yacht.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Shopping<\/strong>. We recommend going through a yacht broker<\/a>. A yacht brokerage makes the sales process significantly more streamlined, not to mention the professional maritime experience you\u2019ll have direct access to throughout your entire journey.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Inspection<\/strong>. Ensure you have your own look at your prospective yacht first. You\u2019ll also need an official survey<\/a> carried out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. MOA<\/strong>. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), or purchase contract, protects both parties involved and is essential to the legal process of a vessel purchase in Greece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Purchase your yacht.<\/strong> You\u2019ll also have to take care of a few other legal matters (obtaining insurance, necessary qualifications, inventories, documents, visas if needed, and more), but once these elements are sorted alongside the help of your brokerage, you\u2019re free to close on your yacht. You are now a proud yacht owner.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Reservation Agreements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This is how you\u2019ll secure your yacht. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A reservation agreement is typically the first binding step in a Greek yacht transaction. It removes the vessel from the market while you arrange surveys and financing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Under Greek law, this document is governed by the Greek Civil Code (Law 2250\/1994 on maritime private law) and does not by itself transfer title; it simply obligates the parties to proceed toward a formal purchase agreement. What results is protection for the buyer while you sort the finer details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yacht registration itself will establish the vessel as under official jurisdiction of a flag state. In this case, the flag state is Greece. When officially registered under a flag state, a vessel is subject to the laws, regulations, and conditions of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contracts & Deposits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    After a letter of intent is issued in the form of a registration agreement, contracts are in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In order to purchase a yacht in Greece, both the buying and selling parties will need to sign the aforementioned MOA (Memorandum of Agreement). This is a purchase contract that ensures safety of buyer and seller throughout the purchase process. Typically, MOAs are a hallmark of purchasing superyachts (defined as private yachts over 24 metres<\/a>). An MOA puts the burden of rejection on the buyer by requiring a deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bill of Sale<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Bill of Sale legally transfers ownership of the vessel from seller to buyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In Greece, a valid Bill of Sale for a registered yacht must include signatures of both parties (buyer and vendor) and be legally notarised. This contract must also be translated to\/available in Greek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    VAT & Legal Transfer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    VAT can be a complex part of the yacht sales process. Luckily, we\u2019ve got an entire article<\/a> that breaks down VAT and other fees you\u2019ll have to pay for a Greek flag state vessel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    VAT is typically 24% in Greece. Some vessels you\u2019ll browse will already have this legally paid. These listings will be marked as \u201cVAT-paid.\u201d VAT non-paid vessels need VAT to be paid during the purchase process. All our vessels are clearly marked so you don\u2019t have to guess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Besides VAT, you\u2019ll also have to pay a monthly fee called TEPAI<\/a> to legally own a yacht in Greece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    TEPAI costs are as follows<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n