Imagine the yacht as a “tax chameleon”: normally it’s a private asset, you use it with family and you pay VAT on everything. But with a switch it can become a business activity. This switch is called YET Regime – Yacht Engaged in Trade.

What YET is

YET is a European rule designed only for large yachts over 24 metres. It allows a private vessel to carry out commercial charter activity for up to 84 days per year, without losing its private‑yacht status.

Why it was created

Non‑EU‑flagged yachts entering Europe couldn’t generate income without risking paying millions of euros in VAT on the boat’s full value. YET was created to let them work temporarily in the Mediterranean without being definitively imported.

Main advantages

VAT‑free fuel During charter days, the yacht does not pay 22% VAT on diesel. On a €30,000 fill‑up, the saving is over €6,000.

No VAT on import Non‑EU yachts can operate in Europe without being “imported”, avoiding seven‑figure taxes.

Immediate return to private use Once the charter ends, the boat goes back to private: no heavy commercial bureaucracy, just personal use.

The Italian issue

France and Spain apply YET with clear rules. In Italy, instead, the regime is not yet fully recognised and interpretation is stricter, with the risk of high penalties in case of mistakes.