VAT question- Norwegian registered boat, UK/Irish citizen

[RichNjord]

Hi,


I worked in Norway last summer, and am doing the same this summer. I work from March to October. I bought a Halberg Rassy Monsun 31 last year (built in 1979), which is registered here in Norway (the boat has never left Norway).


Next year I won't be working in Norway, and after putting the boat back in the water in April 25, I intend to leave Norway. I'm trying to weigh up my options regarding VAT rules and requirements as to where I should go- the UK, or somewhere in Europe. I'm hoping someone may be able to make it clearer for me.


So, Norway registered boat, and I am a UK national, but also have Irish citizenship.



If I go to the UK, I think I have to pay VAT no matter what, unless I am intending to then export the boat. But to be eligible I must be resident outside of the UK (this is hard to prove as I have two jobs so pay Norwegian tax and also UK tax). If I take it somewhere in Europe, I imagine they will assume I am just visiting as it's Norwegian registered- I understand that I don't need to clear out if traveling from Norway to Denmark or Sweden.



I'd love to find a home for the boat somewhere in the EU, and am not averse to paying EU VAT if I absolutely have to, I just wonder if anyone has experience of something similar to the above and knows what the options are regarding avoiding VAT or not? I searched all the forums and couldn't found anything that relates to my circumstances in terms of country of boat registration and my nationality.



Any advice greatly appreciated