VAT AND CUSTOMS CONSULTANCY FIRM

VAT AND CUSTOMS SOLUTIONS FOR THE YACHTING AND BUSINESS AVIATION INDUSTRIES

VAT & Customs Experts

We are proud to be leading European boutique advisory firm dedicated to serving international owners and operators of large aircraft and superyachts in navigating the complex EU regulatory landscape with clarity and confidence.

With unrivalled expertise in EU VAT, customs, and ownership structuring, we deliver bespoke solutions designed to safeguard our clients’ privacy, assets.

Our work goes far beyond compliance — we craft elegant, efficient ownership and operational frameworks that ensure seamless navigation across Europe’s regulatory landscape and exposure limitation to the risks.

Our services include:

  • Tailored VAT and IEDMT consulting for aircraft and yacht operations.
  • Customs strategies for imports, suspensive regimes, and return merchandise procedures.
  • Advisory for collectors’ items, fine art, and high-value cash movements, ensuring discretion and full compliance.

We help you plan your EU cruising efficiently. From initial consultation to final authorization, we deliver meticulous legal support to guarantee absolute compliance with Spanish law. Renowned for our expertise in the Balearic Islands, our firm has facilitated the licensing of over 200 superyachts—some surpassing 120 meters—on behalf of the world’s leading owners and operators.

Trusted by discerning clients and industry leaders alike, we combine technical precision with discreet, personalized service — empowering our clients to enjoy absolute freedom of movement throughout the EU, both in the air and at sea.

When navigating high-value transactions, every detail matters. We invite you to share your intended transactions and any draft agreements to help us gain a complete understanding of your objectives and the unique assets involved. Whether you’re acquiring a superyacht, restructuring ownership of fine art, or investing in exclusive real estate, our bespoke advisory process ensures your interests are protected at every stage.

By engaging with us early, you enable our specialists to identify subtle yet significant tax implications that often accompany luxury asset structures. This allows us to design proactive, discreet, and tax-efficient strategies that preserve both the value and integrity of your investments.

Our goal is to simplify the complex—translating intricate regulations into clear, actionable insights that align with your lifestyle, ambitions, and legacy. Through this collaborative approach, we deliver peace of mind, strategic advantage, and enduring value across your portfolio of luxury assets.

Charter licenses
Charter licenses

Single contact point for clients to access expert advice and customized assistance for Superyacht chartering in the Mediterranean sea.

Consultancy
Consultancy

Support to owners with the purcharse and sale of yachts and berths in order to ensure that the documentary aspects of the transaction.

VAT Compliance
VAT Compliance

VAT registration, representation or recovery services for commercial yachts owners, taking care of invoicing, submitting returns and payments.

Customs Compliance
Customs Compliance

Assistance with customs formalities such as temporary admission, import of commercial yachts, inqard processing or re-export arrangements

Aviation
Aviation

Guidance on how to structure the aircraft operations in an optimal away form EU VAT and customs duties

Advisory
Advisory

Tax advisory on yacht and business aviation matters, covering a range of taxes from VAT, Spanish matriculation tax, excise duties or corporate tax

Charter licenses
Charter licenses

Single contact point for clients to access expert advice and customized assistance for Superyacht chartering in the Mediterranean sea.

Consultancy
Consultancy

Support to owners with the purcharse and sale of yachts and berths in order to ensure that the documentary aspects of the transaction.

VAT Compliance
VAT Compliance

VAT registration, representation or recovery services for commercial yachts owners, taking care of invoicing, submitting returns and payments.

Customs Compliance
Customs Compliance

Assistance with customs formalities such as temporary admission, import of commercial yachts, inqard processing or re-export arrangements

Aviation
Aviation

Guidance on how to structure the aircraft operations in an optimal away form EU VAT and customs duties

Advisory
Advisory

Tax advisory on yacht and business aviation matters, covering a range of taxes from VAT, Spanish matriculation tax, excise duties or corporate tax

FAQS

We stand out for creativity and quick adaptability, consistently delivering quality and innovation that leave lasting impressions.

+ Why does a commercial yacht require to get VAT registered in the EU?

A commercial yacht may need to obtain VAT registration depending on where charter operations begin. Under EU VAT rules, the place of supply of a charter is generally where the yacht is made available to the client. If this occurs within an EU Member State, the owning company may be required to register locally and declare the VAT due on charter revenues.


+ Is it sufficient for a charter yacht to hold one EU VAT registration?

Not always. Although EU VAT legislation is harmonised, VAT registrations remain jurisdiction-specific. When charters start in different EU countries, the yacht-owning company may be required to register for VAT in each of those jurisdictions to report the local charter activity.


+ Is there any flag limitation for commercial yachts chartering in the Mediterranean?

Yes, in certain jurisdictions the yacht’s flag can affect its ability to conduct charter activity. Some Mediterranean countries impose regulatory or licensing requirements depending on whether the vessel is EU-flagged or registered under a non-EU flag. Operational planning should always consider both maritime regulations and local tax compliance.


+ What factors should I consider when choosing the most suitable ownership structure for my asset?

The ownership structure should reflect the asset’s intended use, the tax residence of the beneficial owner, VAT planning considerations and the jurisdictions where the yacht or aircraft will operate. A properly structured ownership vehicle helps manage regulatory exposure, optimise VAT treatment and ensure long-term compliance.


+ As a U.S. yacht owner, am I required to submit a Temporary Admission declaration when entering the European Union?

In most cases, non-EU yachts entering EU waters may benefit from the Temporary Admission regime, which allows the vessel to remain in the EU without paying import VAT for a limited period. However, this regime is subject to strict conditions, particularly regarding ownership and use by EU residents.


+ What are the legal and fiscal benefits of applying Inward Processing procedures to yacht repair or refit operations?

Inward Processing allows non-EU yachts to undergo repair or refit works in EU shipyards without triggering import VAT on the vessel. While under this procedure, the yacht remains under customs supervision, enabling technical works to be carried out efficiently while avoiding unnecessary tax exposure.


GET TO KNOW US

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superyachts licensed for chartering in the EU

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years experience in the industry

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billion fleet managed

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jurisdictions network

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languages spoken by our team

TESTIMONIALS

Having worked with Alex and his team at Tax Marine for more than 10 years, I have always found them to be very efficient, knowledgeable and responsive. In this fast-moving industry, it is critical to have business partners who can deliver on time, every time, which Tax Marine do.

Bruce Maltwood
Director, Yacht Services
Praxis

Alex stands out for his proactive approach, sharp focus on every project, and the ability to leverage experience and networks without ever letting the brand take precedence over the client.

Carla Bellieni
Yacht Femme

Working with Alex is a genuine pleasure. He’s helpful, personal and engaging, and a natural connector bringing together indirect tax specialists across the EU and beyond to collaborate and share real world insight. That network has helped our clients navigate the complexities of owning, using and disposing of luxury assets. Notably, Alex was instrumental in engaging with the Spanish tax authorities, enabling our marine indirect tax team at PKF Francis Clark to secure an extension to the RGR time limits for a client’s superyacht, avoiding a potential and substantial EU VAT exposure

Joe Francis
Director, PKF Francis Clark

Dawson Yachts has worked with tax marine since 2015. We have always found the company to be professional, efficient, proactive and competitive. Their service has enabled our yachts to operate with absolute peace of mind and assurance!

I have no hesitation in recommending their services.

Simon Dawson
Director
Dawson Yachts Management

Alex consistently provides clear, practical advice and assistance with Spanish tax issues faced by my clients in the yachting sector, with impressive speed, precision and professionalism. Particularly his expertise on Spanish VAT and matriculation tax and his support in such matters as they relate to yacht sale & purchase transactions and operational activities in Spain have proven invaluable over the years.

Tim Woollard
Senior Associate
Yachts

Alex Chumillas of Tax Marine is an internationally renowned expert in the field of VAT for superyachts and aviation. He is the go-to person for all such matters in Spain. Extremely knowledgeable and practical, he responds quickly to provide effective advice and solutions in difficult situations. We whole-heartedly recommend his services.

Jean-Philippe MASLIN
Associé/Partner
Avocat au Barreau de Paris

I have been working with Alex Chumillas and Tax Marine for over 15 years on various projects both in Spain and internationally. Be it an assistance / consultancy with a large yacht purchase / sale, importing / exporting tenders, set up of a legal structure and VAT matter, I can honestly say that the knowledge, service and professionalism are second to none.

I would highly recommend Alex and Tax Marine team for a best service both in Spain and indeed globally.

Vladimir Celar FIAMCS, AFNI, AssocRINA
Marine Surveyor / Captain
NBG Yachting Services

We’ve gone to Alex Chumillas and Tax Marine & Aviation Spain many times over the years for advice on Spanish tax issues. He always been very responsive and on point. He stays up to date with changes in Spanish tax policy and works well with the Spanish tax authorities in resolving issues, when necessary.

Robb R. Maass
Shareholder
AlleyMaass
Tax Marine & Aviation

Is a proud member of the following organizations:

tax marine member spbaa
tax marine member barcelona cluster nautic
tax marine member iyba
tax marine member ebaa
tax marine member iss