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Following accession to the EU on 1 July 2013, the taxes charged on local and visiting yachts have changed. From 1 January 2014 Croatia is imposing a new Navigation, safety and pollution prevention fee, which replaces the former (and much more expensive) 'Vignette', as well as continuing to charge the existing Sojourn tax on both local and visiting yachts. In addition to these charges, mooring costs are very expensive in most marinas and harbours, sometimes exceeding Euros 100 a night for a 13-15 metre yacht, and many of the most popular anchorages convenient for going ashore to civilization are subject to a hefty mooring charge. This charge is typically 50 per cent of the charge for berthing at the quays in the harbours and averages around 50-70 Kuna per night for a 13-15 metre yacht. The main charges for a cruising yacht on entry to Croatia are (from 1 January 2014) as follows:
Navigation, safety and pollution prevention fee
All yachts, whether foreign, EU-registered or Croatian flagged, are required to pay this new fee. Foreign and EU-registered yachts pay on arrival at their first port of entry and the fee payment is valid for the calendar year. The so-called 'Vignette' formerly required is no longer issued; the payment receipt is all that is needed. Once the fee is paid, the vessel is permitted to cruise the entire Croatian coast, including the previously prohibited islands like Vis, but excluding the Brioni islands off Pula, which make substantial additional charges. When paying the fee, you need to produce the crew list, boat registration details, third party insurance certificate and (sometimes) a certificate of competence for the skipper. Proof of ownership of the vessel (or documented permission to use the vessel) and (for EU-registered yachts) proof of payment of VAT may also be asked for. Payment is usually in local currency (HRK: Kunas) and the harbourmaster will direct you to the nearest ATM if necessary.
The new fee is calculated in Croatian Kuna (HRK) according to the formula
(20 x L) + (2 x P) (where L = overall length of vessel
in metres and P = engine power
in kW). Thus fees are around HRK275 for a typical 11 metre yacht; around HRK330 for a 13 metre yacht; around HRK390 for a 15 metre yacht, etc - all, of course, depending on engine power. For yachts remaining in Croatia, the fee is reduced by 10 per cent for each subsequent year up to a maximum of 50 per cent.
Sojourn Tax
For several years all visitors to Croatia have been required to pay a daily tourist or �sojourn� tax. For yachts - foreign, EU-registered or locally owned - this is charged as a lump sum advance payment based on the size of the yacht and the proposed duration of stay in Croatian waters. Unlike the Navigation, safety and pollution prevention fee, this can be paid for periods of 8, 15, 30 or 90 days or for the whole year. For a typical yacht of 12-15 metres this costs from 300kn for 8 days up to 1300kn for a full year. Yachts can be heavily fined if this is not paid on entry, fines ranging from HRK1,000 up to HRK5,000. See New Croatian regulations for full details.