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Frequently Asked Questions

Yacht Investment FAQ

Clear, factual answers to the questions we hear most from prospective yacht investors considering Croatia. No jargon, no sales pitch.

Angelina Yachting Group — Yacht Investment in Croatia

Angelina Yachting Group is Croatia's largest yacht dealer and charter management company, managing 380+ yachts across 14 bases on the Adriatic. As an official dealer for Bali Catamarans, Beneteau, Dufour Yachts, and Fountaine Pajot, the company offers yacht investment programmes with charter management, starting from €99,000. Owners benefit from Croatia's 0% charter income tax for foreign owners and a 25% VAT refund when the yacht enters charter. Returns depend on the specific yacht — its charter rates, occupancy, financing and personal use — so each yacht is modelled individually in its feasibility study rather than quoted as a fleet-wide percentage. The charter season runs May to October.

Getting Started

First Steps in Yacht Investment

How much capital do I need to invest in a yacht in Croatia?
Entry-level charter yachts start from around €99,000 for a Beneteau Oceanis 30.1, while large catamarans such as the Bali 5.8 reach approximately €789,000. Most charter investors spend between €150,000 and €450,000. Financing options are available through partner banks, and the 25% VAT refund significantly reduces the effective entry cost.
Can foreign nationals (non-EU) buy a yacht and charter it in Croatia?
Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase and register a yacht in Croatia without residency. The process is straightforward, and Angelina Yachting handles the registration, flag documentation, and charter licensing on your behalf.
What is the typical return on investment for a charter yacht?
Returns vary materially by yacht. The actual IRR depends on the specific vessel, its purchase price, age, condition, base location, configuration, financing structure, and operating costs. Each yacht in our managed fleet has its own multi-year feasibility study modelling these variables. We don't publish aggregated yield figures because they would mislead. Browse current inventory for per-yacht feasibility data, use the scenario explorer for an illustrative generic model, or request a custom study for a specific yacht.
How long before my yacht investment breaks even?
Break-even timing depends on the specific yacht — its price, charter performance, financing and personal use — so it is modelled individually in each yacht's feasibility study, combining charter income, VAT recovery and residual resale value. Many owners consider the lifestyle benefit — weeks of personal sailing each year — as part of the return from day one. See full investment analysis.
Do I need to be a sailor or have maritime experience?
No. Angelina Yachting manages the entire charter operation, including crew, maintenance, and bookings. You do not need a skipper licence or sailing experience to own a charter yacht. When you want to use the yacht yourself, a professional skipper can be arranged.
Tax & Financial

Taxes, VAT, and Financial Structure

How does the 0% tax on charter income work in Croatia?
Two routes exist under Croatian law, and which applies depends on your ownership structure. Most of our owners buy through a Croatian d.o.o.: corporate tax is 10% on profits up to €1M, and yacht depreciation typically offsets taxable charter income — bringing the effective rate to zero over the charter period, provided the yacht is in genuine commercial use. A separate lump-sum per-berth regime exists for certain non-resident setups. The right structure for your situation is confirmed with our accountant as part of the feasibility process — we never leave tax treatment to assumption. Details on the yacht investment page.
How does the 25% VAT refund work?
When a new yacht enters commercial charter service in Croatia within five years of purchase, the owner is entitled to a full 25% VAT refund on the purchase price. This is one of the most significant financial advantages of the Croatian charter model. Angelina Yachting assists with the VAT reclaim documentation and process.
What are the ongoing operating costs?
Annual operating costs typically include marina berth fees, insurance, annual service and maintenance, and management commission. Total costs vary by yacht size but are partially or fully offset by charter income during the May–October season. See the ROI calculator for a cost breakdown by model.
Can I finance my yacht purchase?
Yes. Angelina Yachting works with partner banks and leasing companies across Europe that offer marine financing. Typical terms range from 10–15 years with 20–30% down payment. Charter income can cover a significant portion of monthly repayments. Contact us for current financing options.
What happens at resale — do I pay capital gains?
Croatia does not levy capital gains tax on the sale of yachts. The Croatian charter yacht resale market is strong, with well-maintained vessels retaining solid value, especially popular catamaran models from Bali and Fountaine Pajot.
Charter Operations

How Charter Management Works

How many weeks can I use my own yacht per year?
Owner weeks are agreed per yacht and reserved in every season. Many owners sail 4–6 weeks per year. Most owners sail in April, early May, late September, or October when the Adriatic weather is still excellent and marinas are quieter.
Who maintains and manages the yacht when I'm not there?
Angelina Yachting provides full charter management for 380+ yachts. This includes berth management, regular maintenance, cleaning, technical inspections, and winter storage. Your yacht is professionally cared for year-round by our dedicated base teams.
What insurance do I need?
Charter yachts require hull and machinery insurance plus P&I (protection and indemnity) liability cover. Angelina Yachting arranges comprehensive charter insurance through specialist marine insurers at competitive group rates, simplifying the process for owners.
What happens if a charter guest damages my yacht?
Charter guests pay a security deposit before each charter. Damage beyond normal wear is covered by the deposit and the yacht's insurance policy. Angelina Yachting handles all damage assessment, claims, and repairs on your behalf, so you are not involved in the process.
How are charter bookings handled?
Angelina Yachting manages all bookings through its own sales channels, major charter platforms, and a network of international charter brokers. The charter season runs May to October, and owners receive transparent income reporting throughout the year.
Choosing a Yacht

Selecting the Right Yacht for Charter

Should I buy a catamaran or monohull for charter?
Catamarans command higher weekly charter rates and attract a broader range of guests, but have a higher purchase price. Monohulls offer a lower entry point and strong demand from experienced sailors. Both can generate competitive returns. Compare Bali catamarans and Dufour monohulls for examples.
What size yacht generates the best return?
Yachts in the 40–50 foot range tend to offer the best balance of charter demand, operating costs, and resale value. Larger yachts earn more per week but carry higher fixed costs. The ideal size depends on your budget and investment goals — the ROI calculator can help you compare.
New vs pre-owned — which is better for charter investment?
New yachts qualify for the 25% VAT refund, come with full manufacturer warranty, and attract higher charter rates. Pre-owned yachts have a lower entry price and can generate immediate income. New builds are generally recommended for maximum long-term return.
Which brands does Angelina Yachting represent?
Angelina Yachting is an official dealer for four leading European yacht manufacturers: Bali Catamarans, Beneteau, Dufour Yachts, and Fountaine Pajot. These brands cover monohulls and catamarans from 30 to 58 feet.
Process & Timeline

From Order to First Charter Income

How long does it take from order to first charter income?
New-build yachts typically take 12–18 months from order to delivery. After delivery, commissioning and charter licensing take 2–4 weeks. Most owners receive their first charter income within the first full season after delivery. Contact us for current delivery timelines.
What paperwork is involved?
The main documents are the purchase contract, yacht registration, Croatian flag certificate, charter licence, and insurance policy. Angelina Yachting prepares and coordinates all paperwork, so owners typically only need to sign and provide identification.
Can I visit the shipyard before ordering?
Yes. Angelina Yachting regularly organises shipyard visits to Bali, Beneteau, Dufour, and Fountaine Pajot production facilities in France. Visiting the shipyard is recommended and helps owners finalise specifications and options.
What if I want to exit the programme after a few years?
You can sell your yacht at any time. Croatia has a strong resale market for well-maintained charter yachts. Alternatively, you can remove the yacht from charter and keep it for private use. Angelina Yachting assists with brokerage if you choose to sell. See the investment overview for more on exit options.
Ready to Start?

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Our investment team can walk you through the numbers for any specific yacht model. No obligation, no pressure — just clear answers.

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