INSIGHTS · CHARTER GUIDE
Where Your Yacht Charter Budget Goes Furthest in 2027
How charter VAT changes the price of the same yacht across the Mediterranean.
WRITTEN BY
Libby Megson
CATEGORY
Charter guide
READ TIME
4 min read
Last updated November 2026
The same yacht, a very different bill
Two yachts can share the same weekly rate and still leave you with final bills more than €15,000 apart. The difference is yacht charter VAT across the Mediterranean, and it depends entirely on where your charter begins.
Most guests compare the headline rate and stop there. As a broker, I’ve seen how much the country you start in really changes what you pay. Here’s how it works, and where your budget goes furthest in 2027.
Charter VAT by country
VAT is charged on the charter fee at the rate of the country where your charter starts, not where you cruise.
| Country | Charter VAT |
|---|---|
| Greece | 5.2% to 12%, depending on the yacht |
| Croatia | 13% |
| France and Monaco | 20% |
| Spain and the Balearics | 21% |
| Italy, including Sardinia | 22% |
Why Greece varies from yacht to yacht
Greece applies a reduced rate to crewed charters, and the exact figure depends on each yacht’s classification and navigation licence rather than your itinerary. Rates range from 5.2% to 12%, which is why you’ll often see two Greek yachts quoted with different VAT. Either way, Greece is the lowest in the Med.
Based on 2026 rates. Your broker will confirm the exact rate for each yacht on enquiry.
What a €100,000 charter really costs
Take the same yacht at €100,000 a week, with a typical 35% APA. Starting in Greece rather than Italy saves up to €16,800.
| Starting in | Charter fee | VAT | APA (35%) | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greece (5.2%) | €100,000 | €5,200 | €35,000 | €140,200 |
| Greece (6.5%) | €100,000 | €6,500 | €35,000 | €141,500 |
| Croatia | €100,000 | €13,000 | €35,000 | €148,000 |
| France | €100,000 | €20,000 | €35,000 | €155,000 |
| Spain | €100,000 | €21,000 | €35,000 | €156,000 |
| Italy | €100,000 | €22,000 | €35,000 | €157,000 |
Put another way, the saving in Greece could pay for a larger yacht, an extra night, or the crew gratuity.
The other costs to know
VAT is only one part of the final figure. These are the others worth understanding before you compare quotes.
APA
Usually 30% to 40% of the charter fee, paid on top. It covers fuel, food, drinks, berthing and communications. The captain keeps a full record, and anything unspent is returned at the end.
Delivery fees
If a yacht is based elsewhere, a delivery or redelivery fee may apply, and VAT can be charged on it too. Common in Sardinia, where many larger yachts come from the Naples area.
Fuel
Fuel comes out of your APA, so a yacht that burns less leaves more for everything else. Motorsailers, popular in Croatia and Greece, use far less fuel than motor yachts of a similar size.
Crew gratuity
Not included in the quote. It’s usually 10% to 15% of the charter fee, at your discretion.
How to get more yacht for your budget
These are the tips I give every client.
- 01Compare the all-in figure, not the weekly rate. A cheaper rate in a 22% country can cost more than a pricier yacht in Greece.
- 02Let the VAT saving work for you. In Greece, the same budget often stretches to a larger yacht with more toys or a bigger crew.
- 03Pick the yacht’s home port. Starting where she’s based avoids delivery fees.
- 04Book early for July and August. The best yachts in each region are reserved first, and early bookers have the most room to negotiate.
Frequently asked questions
Does VAT depend on where I cruise?
VAT is charged at the rate of the country where your charter starts. In some cases a partial reduction is possible if you spend time outside EU waters, but it needs accurate voyage records.
Why do two Greek yachts have different VAT?
Greece’s reduced charter rate depends on each yacht’s classification and navigation licence, so the percentage can differ from one yacht to another, anywhere from 5.2% to 12%.
Is VAT charged on APA?
No, VAT is not charged on APA.
Is crew gratuity included?
No. It’s paid at the end of the charter at your discretion, usually 10% to 15% of the charter fee.
Planning summer 2027?
Calendars for July and August 2027 are already filling, especially in Greece and Croatia. Tell me your rough dates, number of guests and budget, and I’ll send you a private shortlist with the full all-in cost for each yacht, so there are no surprises.