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MoonlightShadow · 18-04-2009, 11:10

One of the problems that you are up against, is that just about every Country in Europe has different legislation - or, interprets the legislation in a different manner. Forget this "EU" thingy being about harmonisation of laws. Most have adopted the EU laws, and kept their own ones as well. In the old days, before the EU, when it was the EEC, you could travel all around Europe and never even be asked for a passport or anything. Other than in Switzerland and such places.

Your VAT paid status, applies throughout Europe, unless, you physically sell the boat outside of Europe, in which case the VAT lapses. VAT has no bearing on flag, other than, on a registered British vessel it must be VAT paid.

For an idea on what paperwork a Brit yacht needs to visit other Countries in Europe, try looking at The RYA knowledge base - foriegn travel. http://www.rya.org.uk/KnowledgeBase/...es/abroad.aspx

You still have to do customs and immigration clearances at each "port of entry" to each Country. In addition, some Countries in Europe (you will witness the present Spanish thread) have devised cunning plans to relieve you of more money in the form of additional taxes if you "reside" on your boat or ashore in that Country for more than a certain period of time (183 days in Spain). The moral seems to be to move about a bit, never spending more than six months in each country, other than the UK where if you are an American, no one seems to give a toss.

There are other Countries in which you will not be taxed like this, but the best thing is to ask about a bit at your last port, before you move to another country other than for a visit.

I am surprised however, that David worries about VAT and stuff, as he lives in Jersey which is "special" in tax terms. (Special in other ways too!). You may note, that on your trip down the East Coast from Oysters, you will see a number of "local" boats, which are registered in Jersey and Guernsey, for some reason I have no idea about.

Perhaps David could enlighten us? Is can't be a VAT thing, as these boats stay here all the time. What is the advantage of Channel Island Registration David?

18-04-2009, 11:10	#11
MoonlightShadow Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 170	One of the problems that you are up against, is that just about every Country in Europe has different legislation - or, interprets the legislation in a different manner. Forget this "EU" thingy being about harmonisation of laws. Most have adopted the EU laws, and kept their own ones as well. In the old days, before the EU, when it was the EEC, you could travel all around Europe and never even be asked for a passport or anything. Other than in Switzerland and such places. Your VAT paid status, applies throughout Europe, unless, you physically sell the boat outside of Europe, in which case the VAT lapses. VAT has no bearing on flag, other than, on a registered British vessel it must be VAT paid. For an idea on what paperwork a Brit yacht needs to visit other Countries in Europe, try looking at The RYA knowledge base - foriegn travel. http://www.rya.org.uk/KnowledgeBase/...es/abroad.aspx You still have to do customs and immigration clearances at each "port of entry" to each Country. In addition, some Countries in Europe (you will witness the present Spanish thread) have devised cunning plans to relieve you of more money in the form of additional taxes if you "reside" on your boat or ashore in that Country for more than a certain period of time (183 days in Spain). The moral seems to be to move about a bit, never spending more than six months in each country, other than the UK where if you are an American, no one seems to give a toss. There are other Countries in which you will not be taxed like this, but the best thing is to ask about a bit at your last port, before you move to another country other than for a visit. I am surprised however, that David worries about VAT and stuff, as he lives in Jersey which is "special" in tax terms. (Special in other ways too!). You may note, that on your trip down the East Coast from Oysters, you will see a number of "local" boats, which are registered in Jersey and Guernsey, for some reason I have no idea about. Perhaps David could enlighten us? Is can't be a VAT thing, as these boats stay here all the time. What is the advantage of Channel Island Registration David? __________________ A reasonable person, accepts the Status Quo. An unreasonable person, wants to change it. All progress is therefore made by unreasonable people. Me, I'm just apathetic about the status quo. I think we want it back.