An extension in the implementation of reduced-Value Added Tax (VAT) was announced by The Greek Public Revenue Authority (AADE) for the islands affected by the refugee crisis.
The decision was published in the 23 December 2019 edition of the Official Gazette. A reduction of 30% from the standard VAT rate will be valid for Leros, Lesvos, Kos, Samos, and Chios to 30 June 2020. The VAT regime for the islands can be applied from 1 July 2020.
The five islands have been receiving the largest migrant inflows. The refugee crisis is expected to be continued in 2020. United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) affirmed that around 75000 refugees and migrants arrived onshore in the year 2019.
The previous article was amended to reflect the published tax regime.
