Greece’s AADE has clarified the exemption from the 1% transaction tax on listed shipping company shares, setting out eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and procedures for qualifying maritime entities and holding companies.
Greece’s tax authority (AADE) has issued Circular E.2063/2026 on 20 October 2026, which provides official clarification resolving the legal interaction between Greece’s general transaction tax on equity trades and the special tax privileges of the Greek shipping framework.
Under Article 26, paragraph 11 of Law 27/1975, listed shares of shipping companies are exempt from the 1% Greek transaction tax.
The exemption covers eligible maritime entities, including shipowners, bareboat charterers and financial lessees that run maritime businesses and pay Greek tonnage tax. Holding companies also qualify, but only when eligible maritime entities hold 100% of their direct or indirect shares.
Both settlement routes qualify
The exemption applies to trades cleared through Euronext Securities Athens (ES ATH). It also applies to trades settled outside the central securities depository through omnibus or collective custody accounts held with financial intermediaries.
The issuer must apply
The exemption is not automatic. Listed companies must prove their eligibility and keep that proof current. Each company must maintain a dossier with its articles of association (καταστατικό), audited financial statements, prospectus, and supporting registries.
The company must also file a formal statement certifying three things. First, the detailed fleet, covering vessels it owns or operates under charter or lease. Second, that it carries on active maritime business or, for a holding company, that 100% of its direct and indirect holdings belong to qualified shipping entities. Third, the exact date on which all statutory exemption conditions were first met.
Sellers receive relief
Domestic and foreign investors, both institutional and retail, do not have tax withheld from the gross proceeds of their share sales.
