Save 19% VAT:
Your Exclusive Tax-Free Yacht Refit in Germany.
For yacht owners residing outside the EU (e.g., UK, Norway, Switzerland, USA). Utilize the official "Inward Processing Relief" (IPR) procedure for high-end modifications, repairs, and upgrades—completely tax-free.
A comprehensive refit, a state-of-the-art electronics upgrade, or a flawless hull repaint are significant investments in the long-term value of your yacht. For owners of non-EU registered vessels, maritime law offers a massive financial incentive: when works are carried out under official customs supervision, the German 19% VAT is completely waived.
The challenge:
Managing international customs paperwork is highly complex, and any formal error can lead to severe tax liabilities.
This is where we come in:
Bootswerft Rathje is officially certified and highly experienced in handling international customs procedures. We manage the entire administrative process from A to Z, allowing you to focus entirely on the transformation of your yacht.
Direct 19% Savings
Enjoy immediate savings from day one. The 19% VAT exemption applies to all professional craftsmanship hours provided by our master shipwrights and technicians, as well as all installed materials, propulsion systems, rigging, and electronics.
Full Customs Management
We officially apply for and manage the „Inward Processing Relief“ (IPR) procedure for your vessel. Our team handles all import and export declarations, provides the necessary customs bonds, and ensures flawless, legally sound documentation.
Strategic Kiel Hub
Located directly on the Kiel Fjord, our shipyard is the perfect gateway to the Baltic Sea. For owners from Scandinavia, the UK, or those transiting through the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal), we offer the most accessible premium shipyard location in Northern Germany.
In-House Master Craftsmanship
No subcontractors, no logistical friction. Composite repairs, rigging engineering, custom interior woodwork, and marine propulsion are executed directly on our shipyard premises. This guarantees maximum efficiency and absolute control under one roof.
Seamless Execution: The Process
Consultation & Scope: We define the refit specifications together and verify the tax-free eligibility of your yacht based on flag state and owner residency.
Customs Registration: Our office officially registers your vessel for Inward Processing before it enters EU territorial waters.
Master-Class Refit: Your yacht is safely stored inside our modern hangars while our specialized teams carry out the upgrades. All materials are logged in strict compliance with customs laws.
Discharge & Handover: Upon completion, the customs procedure is officially cleared and closed. You take delivery of your yacht—fully optimized, turn-key, and tax-free—ready for your voyage home.
Tailored for International Yacht Owners.
The Inward Processing procedure applies to a wide range of international maritime setups. It is highly attractive for:
UK & Norwegian Skippers: Who demand world-class German engineering but want to return home without paying EU taxes.
Swiss Owners: Who wish to base their yachts in the Baltic Sea or northern Europe long-term.
Non-EU Flagged Vessels: Yachts registered under Cayman, BVI, or US flags currently on global transit or world cruises.
The vessel must leave EU waters within a legally defined timeframe after the completion of the works. We plan and manage your refit timeline precisely to align seamlessly with your spring cruising plans.
Calculate Your Financial Potential.
Every international refit requires an individual, customized customs setup. Contact our shipyard management today for a confidential, non-binding initial consultation regarding your tax-free options in Germany.