Why Investing in a Yacht in Greece Is a Superior Investment

Since way back, Greece has stood not only as a premier sailing destination but also as one of the most strategically sound regions for yacht ownership and investment. With its extensive coastline, tourism sector, and favorable economic conditions for both domestic and international yacht owners, Greece offers an ideal environment for acquiring and managing a sailing yacht, catamaran, or motor yacht, either for private enjoyment or commercial operation.

Owning a yacht in Greece is not just a symbol of opulence, it’s a strategic move with both personal and financial benefits. With over 6,000 islands and islets, and the seasonal wind patterns (Meltemi in the Aegean and Maistros in the Ionian), combined with generally calm waters and a long sailing season, from April to late October,    Greece supports both recreational and charter-based yacht usage. With a tourism industry that contributes nearly 25% to GDP, Greece is a leading destination for sailing in the Mediterranean.

For yacht investors, this translates into sustained charter demand, strong occupancy rates during the season, and higher utilization of assets compared to other Mediterranean countries with shorter tourist windows.

Expansive and Modern Marina Infrastructure

The operational success of any yacht ownership venture is dependent on the availability and quality of marina infrastructure. Greece has made significant investments in expanding and upgrading its marina network, especially in key sailing regions. Greece has more than 60 fully equipped marinas and over 20 organized charter hubs, including Athens (Alimos Marina), Lavrion, Volos, Skiathos, Chalkidiki, Kavala, Keramoti, Lefkas, Preveza, Kefalonia, Corfu Paros, Kos, Rhodos and Heraklion, in Crete. These locations serve as gateways to the Cyclades, Ionian, Dodecanese, and Saronic Gulf, sailing regions offering unique sailing conditions and anchorages.

The fully equipped marinas in Greece, which has become a yachting industry standard at this point provide an infrastructure that not only ensures safety and convenience but also reduces downtime for maintenance and repositioning, thereby maximizing the yacht’s revenue-generating days per season.

Financing & Ownership Structures

Purchasing a yacht in Greece doesn’t have to involve a full upfront capital investment. Financing options are available through both local and international lenders. Many yacht owners also choose to register a Greek or EU-based company through which the yacht is owned, allowing for easier VAT handling and simplified management.

In addition, owners can enroll their yachts into professional yacht management programs. These services take care of charter marketing, bookings, maintenance, crew management, and regulatory compliance. If you prefer passive ownership, a management contract allows you to benefit from charter income while leaving day-to-day operations to professionals like Cosmos Yachting.

Investing in a yacht, whether it’s a monohull sailing yachts, a catamaran, or a luxury motor yacht, requires a reliable support structure. Cosmos Yachting provides tailored financing options for buyers, making yacht acquisition more accessible through structured payment plans, leasing models, and advisory on VAT and tax structuring.

Government Support and Subsidization

The Greek flag is commercially attractive. Yacht ownership under the Greek flag provides certain tax advantages and the ability to operate commercially within the EU, especially under specific yacht leasing or management frameworks as incentives to support yacht owners and stimulate foreign investment in maritime assets.

• 0% VAT on Yacht Purchase for Commercial Use:

Yachts that are commercially registered under the Greek flag and meet the relevant legal criteria are exempt from VAT on the purchase price of the yacht. This exemption can reduce acquisition costs by 24%—the standard VAT rate in Greece—offering a substantial financial incentive for investors intending to operate the yacht for charter purposes.

• Exemption from import duties 

Commercial yachts imported into Greece and flagged accordingly are not subject to import taxes or duties.

• Access to EU and Greek development funds 

Under specific programs supporting tourism and maritime entrepreneurship.

This institutional support not only reduces financial barriers but also enhances the legal and operational framework within which yacht ownership in Greece is conducted.

• Streamlined Registration Process

Through simplified procedures for listing yachts under the Hellenic Commercial Registry, Greece makes it easier for foreign investors to enter the local charter market while ensuring full compliance with EU maritime law.

The Resale Market

An often overlooked but critical factor in any asset investment is the exit strategy. Greece benefits from an increasingly liquid yacht resale market, supported by high international demand and growing interest from local buyers. The lower initial purchase prices and strong annual returns make yachts purchased in Greece particularly attractive to secondary buyers, including investors, charter operators, and private individuals from within the EU and beyond.

Moreover, pre-owned sailing yachts, catamarans and motorboats under Greek commercial registry often come with established charter track records, existing clientele, and documented maintenance histories. These factors make them easier to value and resell compared to privately owned yachts without operational background.

After 4–7 years in charter service, yachts retain 50–60% of their original value. The global demand for pre-owned yachts has also increased, driven by growing interest in private travel post-pandemic.

Cosmos Yachting maintains a fleet of approximately 65 sailing yachts, and we offer brand new yachts for purchase, as well as pre-owned. With Cosmos Yachting, depending on the terms of our cooperation, you have the following options to move on after our contract ends. We can either extend our contract, you can keep the boat, or Cosmos yachting will sell your boat on behalf of you.

This means that a well-managed, professionally maintained boat in Greece can generate income during its charter life and still offer an exit strategy with solid resale value.

So whether you're considering a sailing yacht, catamaran, or motor yacht, investing in a boat here means tapping into a strong charter market and enjoying some of the best cruising grounds in the world.