Legal frame
Governing: law 4926/2022 arts 1–3, 8, 20; ΚΥΑ 3133.1/75335/2022 (ΦΕΚ Β' 5567). Builds on: L1.2.
Private or professional
A yacht is private or professional according to its flag state's classification (law 4926/2022 art. 1). The consequence in Greece is sharp: chartering a private yacht, or advertising it for charter, is prohibited (art. 3(3)(δ)), whatever the flag.
A professional pleasure vessel is exploited only by whole-vessel charter (ολική ναύλωση), for up to 49 passengers. No tickets, no cargo, and passengers may not exceed beds, except on day charters of up to 12 hours and, where the charterparty says so, yachts up to 24 m with up to 12 passengers.
The register
Professional yachts are entered in the e-Μητρώο Πλοίων, the electronic register kept by ΑΑΔΕ (art. 2). Before starting work they also need a tax-office certificate of commencement of business (art. 3(1)).
- Foreign flags in the register must meet Greek standards, shown by a Π.Ε.Ξ.Ε.Π.Α. (foreign professional pleasure vessel inspection certificate) issued after an on-site survey by a recognised organisation.
- There is no "ΜΕΠΑ" register; ΝΕΠΑ is a company form.
Who may charter, by flag
| Yacht | Domestic charter? |
|---|---|
| Greek flag, professional | Yes, after e-Μητρώο registration |
| EU/EEA flag, professional | Yes, after e-Μητρώο registration with a Π.Ε.Ξ.Ε.Π.Α. |
| Non-EU flag, over 35 m, steel/plastic/aluminium | Either register with a Π.Ε.Ξ.Ε.Π.Α., or obtain the Specified Period Charter Permission (art. 8) |
| Non-EU flag of 35 m or less, or any unregistered foreign yacht without a permit | No domestic charter. A charter may only cruise through Greek waters if delivery, redelivery, embarkation and disembarkation are all abroad, and the Τ.Ε.Π.Α.Δ.Α.Χ. is paid |
| Any private yacht | No charter, no advertising |
The Specified Period Charter Permission
- Open to any non-Greek flag over 35 m built of the listed materials and not registered in the e-Μητρώο (art. 8(1)(α)), so an unregistered EU-flag yacht can use it too.
- Charter Permission when the charter is wholly in Greece; Charter Permission Plus when only one end (delivery or redelivery, embarkation or disembarkation) is in Greece.
- Conditions include a signed charterparty, the fee paid, a Π.Ε.Ξ.Ε.Π.Α. or a SOLAS certificate plus a recognised organisation's berth statement, and VAT paid.
- Duration: the law says 21 days a year, extendable by up to 7; the Ministry's procedure register lists 28 days.
WARNING — 21 + 7 or 28? The two figures give the same total only if the extension is used. Check the permit itself before planning a long season on it.
Bareboat, in one line
Greek- and EU-registered yachts in the no-manning band (up to 24 m, 14 passengers) may go out with a κυβερνήτης who is the charterer or a passenger holding a Υ.Α. 3342/02/2004 qualification. See Bareboat Chartering in Greece.
Penalties
- Charter without the right to charter: EUR 20,000–500,000 and a sailing ban (art. 20).
- False charterparty or passenger list: at least 3 years' imprisonment (art. 19).
TIP — Choose the regime before entering Greek waters The regime decides the fees, the clearance and the paperwork. Foreign-Flag Superyachts in Greece walks through the decision in detail.