Finance & Advisory

Yacht ownership structures are not standardised. Flag state, fiscal residency, commercial versus private use, VAT treatment, and financing all interact — and the consequences of getting the structure wrong surface slowly, often after the first annual statement or the first charter licence application. ADY provides guidance on these intersections, drawing on decades of experience in Greek and international maritime operations.

ADY does not replace your accountant or lawyer. We work alongside them, providing the yacht-specific knowledge and operational context that generalist advisors typically lack. Our role is to ensure that the maritime side of your ownership is structured as carefully as the vessel itself is maintained.

Ownership Structure Advisory

Every ownership situation is different. The choice between a Greek or foreign-flagged company, a leasing structure, or direct personal ownership depends on your use case, tax residency, and operational plans. Getting this right at acquisition avoids costly restructuring later.

• Flag state implications mapped against your operating plans — Greek register, European flags, and flag-of-convenience each carry different obligations
• Commercial vs private use assessment — charter income changes the calculus for VAT, flag state, and corporate structure
• Coordination between registry, tax authority, and specialist counsel — ADY provides the maritime-specific context that generalist advisors typically lack

EU VAT & Importation

Greek VAT on yachts is not straightforward. Rates vary depending on registration, use, and charter duration — 24% for charters under 48 hours, 6.5% for longer charters. Union goods status, importation procedures, and leasing structures each carry different implications.

• Leasing structures — where applicable, structured to achieve VAT-paid status over time
• Union goods status — establishing whether the vessel qualifies, and the implications for cruising area
• Importation procedures — documentation and customs coordination for non-Union vessels
• Current rules, genuine risks — no broker opinion where tax counsel is needed

Acquisition Finance

For owners considering financing, ADY facilitates introductions to specialist maritime lenders and provides the operational context they need for underwriting. ADY is a connector, not a lender.

• Specialist maritime lending institutions — banks and lenders who understand yacht assets
• Documentation assembly — survey reports, maintenance history, ownership structure, operating budgets
• Structure compatibility review — ensuring the financing arrangement works with your flag state and tax position
• Support through to closing and drawdown

Hellenic Shipping Enterprises

The Greek tax framework for commercially registered vessels offers specific advantages — but eligibility depends on flag, registration, and commercial activity. ADY provides guidance on whether the regime applies to your situation and coordinates with specialist counsel for implementation.

Charter Revenue Planning

If your vessel will operate commercially, the financial structure needs to account for charter income, APA handling, crew payroll, and operating costs. ADY models these from the outset so there are no surprises when the first season closes.

The Outcome

Your ownership structure fits your situation — flag state, VAT treatment, and financing are coherent from the outset. Decisions made at acquisition do not become problems discovered during the first audit.