Establishing a NEPA (Maritime Company for Pleasure Yachts)
NEPA is a Greek commercial company, established in cases of managing leisure yachts under the Greek flag. Hereby you can find all the basic information regarding the Greek NEPA:
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The company has a duration of not more than thirty (30) years due to the law.
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A NEPA can be involved with other NEPA companies (or be part of other NEPA companies) for the purpose of operating a yacht commercially.
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The shareholders (at least two) of NEPA can be Greek or EU nationals. Non-EU nationals, as long as they own less than 50% of the total shareholding, can be shareholders or be appointed as the directors of the company.
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The management and representation of a NEPA is assigned at a Board of Directors, which includes at least three members (shareholders or not).
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The minimum needed share capital is set at 10,000 payable upon establishment and usually depicts the actual price of the yacht.
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Articles of Incorporation must be lawful and have the signature authenticity of the founders.
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After Articles of Incorporation is composed and signed it is submitted to the Hellenic Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy to acquire a registration number. The registration number is unique and is included in every document regarding the company.
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The Board of Directors has to decide on every issue relating to the management of the company and has to be stated on the Articles of Incorporation.
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The representatives have to be insured to the Maritime Agents and Employees’ Fund (TANPY), registered with the Maritime Chamber and initiate activities with the Hellenic Maritime Tax Authority.
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NEPA corporate name must include the wording “Maritime Company for Pleasure Yachts” (or its initials), as well as a distinctive title.
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The registered seat of the company is the municipality or commune of the Greek Territory.
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After all the needed documents are filed to the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy a license is acquired in order to use the yacht commercially. This license is valid for 5 years and can be renewed. In that case documentary evidence, that proves that the yacht was engaged in chartering for at least 200 days within the 5-year period or 300 days where the yacht is below 20 meters, has to be filed to the Ministry.
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All the information regarding the NEPA, the members of the Board and the representatives are filed at the Registry. NEPA must certify a book and bulletin of materials supply and may purchase materials and/or other objects to be incorporated in the vessel VAT free.
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The management of a yacht through NEPA in Greece accrues significant tax and financial advantages. No income tax is payable on the profits of the company and the transfer of shares bears no tax liabilities. Only NEPA whose business scope is to manage non-privately owned yachts are subject to paying capital accumulation tax.
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The yacht is VAT exempt and has discounted marina/mooring fee.
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All Greek- flagged yachts up to 20 meters can be bareboat chartered, the fuel is purchased net of VAT and other local taxes and VAT on charter fees is only 6.5% (payable by the charterers).