goboatingnow

Hello gbn, I am trying to locate an Attorney that would answer my questions concerning VAT, Import fees, Duties, etc....I purchased a boat that was built, and stayed in the EU after my purchase. I have delayed registration/flagging until I get some clear answers. I now want to move to my boat and liveaboard, not to become a resident of any other country, but remain a US Resident....moving my household belongings to the boat has brought conflicting answers from a number of Customs Officials in Embassy's, as well as Customs Officers that would do the inspections...these conflicting answers have come from the Portuguese Embassy in Lisbon, and Customs offices at the Port of Lisbon...as I will be "passing through" the country I decide to send my belongings to, and transferring them directly to my Vessel-in-Transit, I would hoped to have avoided VAT and Import fees/issues....thanks for any recommendations T. Seal

Hi, I have some VAT questions and you appear the expert: I am a EU resident and consider purchasing a 2nd-hand sailing yacht in the Caribbean with Netherlands Antilles registration and no VAT paid. The yacht will enter the EU via the Azores, I plan to keep it in the Med for several years. The yacht has EU CE certificate and was 'sailed-away' from the EU by the current owner when new. Should I pay VAT (at 16%) in the Azores? What would be the VAT valuation for the purpose of paying the VAT: the purchase price negotiated with the seller or the assessed value by the custom authorities in the Azores? Can the VAT valuation or VAT-paid status ever be challenged by any other EU custom authorities? Would I need to register the boat in the EU or can you stay in the EU with current flag indefinitely as long as VAT is paid? Would you know if you have to pay any import duties? Would you have to pay VAT or import duties on any of the accessories onboard? Thank you and kind regards, FRED