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What taxes do you pay when buying a new or used boat in Spain?

Buying a boat in Spain isn’t just a matter of comparing lengths, engines or equipment. It also involves having a clear understanding of the taxes you’ll have to pay, depending on whether you’re buying a new or second-hand boat, whether the seller is a professional or a private individual, and whether the boat is also subject to the so-called registration tax.

This tax aspect raises many questions because the amounts payable are not always the same. In one transaction you may be charged VAT, in another property transfer tax, and on some purchases you may also be charged the Special Tax on Certain Means of Transport. The Tax Agency states that the standard VAT rate in Spain is 21%, whilst property transfer tax is devolved to the autonomous communities and is administered by them.

If you’re in the process of buying a boat, it’s worth understanding this section before you even choose a model. That’s why, in addition to this tax guide, you may also find our article on buying a boat in Spain – covering documentation, taxes and CE certification – useful.

What taxes do you pay when buying a new boat?

When you buy a new boat in Spain, VAT is usually payable on the purchase. The basic rule is clear: the standard rate currently in force is 21%.

Furthermore, for tax purposes, the Tax Agency considers vessels to be new if they have not been in service for more than 100 hours or if they are delivered within the statutory period following their first entry into service. This criterion is important because a vessel that appears to be ‘nearly new’ may still be treated as new for tax purposes.

When purchasing a new boat, it is also important to check whether registration tax is payable. The Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) states that this tax applies, amongst other cases, to the first permanent registration of new or used recreational or water sports boats and vessels over eight metres in length, as well as to personal watercraft. For ordinary recreational boats falling under category 5, the standard national rate in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands is 12% where the autonomous community has not approved its own rate.

Put simply: if you’re buying a new boat, you should first check the VAT and then see if registration tax applies as well. If you’re considering a new boat, you can also take a look at our section on buying a new boat in Spain to get a better idea of the total cost of the purchase.

What taxes do you pay when buying a second-hand boat?

The key here isn’t just that the boat is second-hand, but who’s selling it to you.

If you buy from a private individual

When you buy a second-hand boat from a private individual, the transaction is normally subject to Property Transfer Tax (ITP), not VAT. The general legal basis for this is set out in the ITPAJD Act, and the Tax Agency itself points out that the administration of this tax has been devolved to the autonomous communities.

This means that the rate is not the same throughout Spain. In practice, the final amount depends on the relevant autonomous community and the verifiable value of the vessel. Therefore, if you are buying on the Costa Blanca, it is advisable to check the relevant regional procedures in the Valencian Community before signing the contract.

If you’re comparing second-hand and new boats, you might also want to read our guide on second-hand versus new boats, as the tax difference can significantly affect the final cost.

If you are buying from a company or a professional

If the second-hand boat is sold to you by a company or a professional, the transaction may be subject to VAT rather than ITP, depending on how the sale is structured. Furthermore, the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) operates a special scheme for second-hand goods, known as REBU, which may apply to certain resellers.

In other words, when buying second-hand, it’s not enough simply to ask, “How much is the boat worth?”. You also need to ask what tax is included or charged, as this affects the final price and how the transaction is documented.

If you’d like to explore options with faster delivery, you can take a look at the boats in stock at Crownline Spain or our selection of reconditioned used boats.

When is registration tax payable when buying a boat?

This is the point that is most often overlooked and, at the same time, one of the most important.

The Spanish Tax Agency states that the Special Tax on Certain Means of Transport may be payable on the first permanent registration of pleasure craft over 8 metres in length, as well as on certain second-hand vessels that are to be registered in Spain. The AEAT also lists several exemptions, including certain vessels used effectively and exclusively for charter activities, sailing schools or relocations from abroad, provided that the relevant requirements are met.

Here is an official source where you can check this directly: Tax Agency – registration tax on boats and means of transport.

The important thing is not to confuse the issues. Just because a boat is second-hand does not automatically mean it is exempt from this tax. Nor does the fact that a purchase is subject to VAT or ITP automatically mean there is no need to check whether registration is required.

So, what are you actually paying for?

The clearest way to sum it up is this:

Buying a new boat

The standard rate of VAT is 21%. And if the vessel falls under the category of first permanent registration subject to excise duty, you may also need to check the registration tax.

Buying a second-hand boat from a private seller

It is standard practice to pay ITP, the administration and rate of which depend on the relevant autonomous community.

Purchase of a second-hand boat from a company or professional

VAT may be applicable, depending on how the transaction is structured and the tax regime applicable to the seller.

Common mistakes when calculating the tax value of a boat

One of the most common mistakes is to base your budget solely on the advertised price. Buyers see the asking price and forget to factor in taxes, paperwork fees, potential registration costs, insurance, transport or servicing.

Another common misconception is to think that ‘second-hand’ always means ‘VAT-free’ or that ‘used boat’ is the same as ‘no registration tax’. From a tax perspective, it doesn’t work like that. It depends on the type of seller, the boat’s registration status, and whether it needs to be permanently registered in Spain.

That is why, before finalising the purchase, it is also worth checking the total cost of ownership of a boat on the Costa Blanca, as the initial tax cost is only part of the actual expenditure in the first year.

Our recommendation at Crownline Spain

When a customer buys a boat, the transaction should not be limited to simply ‘the price and the signature’. It must take a holistic view of the process: paperwork, taxes, registration where applicable, insurance, and planning for the actual use of the boat.

At Crownline Spain, this approach is particularly well suited to those looking for a new boat, as well as to those who prefer a quicker purchase from our stock of boats or who wish to benefit from additional support through our marine services for their boat.

And if you’d like to discuss your specific situation before deciding between a new or used vehicle, you can do so via the Crownline Spain contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Is VAT always payable on a new boat?

When purchasing a new boat in Spain, the transaction is normally subject to VAT at the standard rate of 21%. Furthermore, for certain types of boats, it may be necessary to check whether registration tax also applies.

Do you have to pay VAT or vehicle tax on a second-hand boat?

It depends on the seller. If you’re buying from a private individual, the standard procedure is an ITP. If you’re buying from a company or a professional, VAT may apply depending on the nature of the transaction.

Does the registration tax also apply to second-hand boats?

Yes, it may apply to second-hand boats if they are being registered for the first time in Spain and the legal requirements for the tax are met.

Which ships are most likely to be subject to this tax?

The Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) includes in this tax recreational craft and vessels used for water sports that are over 8 metres in length, as well as jet skis, subject to any applicable exemptions.

Is the type of ITP the same throughout Spain?

No. Responsibility for administering the ITPAJD has been devolved to the autonomous communities, so the rate and the procedure may vary depending on the relevant region.

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