Importing a Foreign Vehicle

How to import a new or used car to Greece...

Foreign cars and motorcycles may be temporarily imported into Greece for up to six months. After six months, the vehicle must either:
  • Be imported into Greece and may not be used until it is on Greek plates
  • Be re-exported from Greece
  • Be sealed (bonded) with customs for at least six months (but no more than 24 months). After this period, the owner must be able to prove that they have been out of the country for at least 12 months in order to be granted another six months of use in Greece
Owners of vehicles temporarily imported into Greece must be able to present the registration and ownership documents, if requested by the competent authorities. They should also be able to prove when they brought the vehicle into Greece. The vehicle may only be used by the owner and their spouse or children. There are some exceptions, where individuals may import a vehicle for private use for longer than six months, without paying import duties and taxes. These include:
  • Students in further education
  • Individuals on a fixed term contract with the Greek state
  • Teaching staff on a fixed term contract with higher education institutes
  • Diplomatic and Consular staff and their employees
More information on temporary vehicle import restrictions is available from the General Secretariat for Information Systems (Γενική Γραμματεία Πληροφοριακών Συστημάτων)

Necessary Documents

The following documents are required:
  • Original invoice or other proof of ownership
  • Original registration certificate
  • Certificate of conformity and type approval
  • DVA
Additional documents may be requested by the Customs Authority - depending on the type of vehicle - to calculate the vehicle's registration tax.

Technical Control Test

Vehicles imported in Greece must go through a test at a Vehicle Technical Control Centre (KTEO). The documents required by the KTEO for the technical control test are:
  • Proof of identity
  • Customs Registration Certificate
After the Technical control test, the Ministry of Communication and Transportation issues the Greek number plates.