Registering a Foreign Vehicle in Greece

The process you can expect when registering an EU, or non-EU, vehicle in Greece...

Foreign vehicles must be registered in Greece if the owner is a Greek resident, that is, living in Greece for over 185 days per year. The procedure for importing a car or motorcycle into Greece is as follows:

Vehicles from EU countries

  • Submit a Declaration of Vehicle's Arrival (DVA) form to the Customs Authority. This can be done by the owner or their legal representative
  • Submit a Special Declaration/Custom Clearance Statement to the Customs Authority for the assessment and payment of the relevant taxes. This must be done by the 15th day of the month following the arrival of the vehicle
  • Pay registration tax
  • VAT must be paid for new vehicles (vehicles that are less than six months old or with less than 6,000 Km)

Vehicles from non-EU countries

  • Submit a Special Declaration/Custom Clearance Statement to the Customs Authority for the assessment and payment of the relevant taxes. This must be done by the 15th day of the month following the arrival of the vehicle
  • Pay duties and taxes. These are:
    • Import duty
    • VAT
    • Registration tax
The registration tax is calculated on the theoretical value of the car, based on its make, model, age and mileage. Note: Electric motor vehicles and cars with hybrid technology are not subject to registration tax. Cars must meet the last effective Community Directive regarding exhaust emissions. For older cars, a higher registration tax must be paid regarding exhaust emissions. Once the relevant taxes and duties have been paid, a registration certificate is issued. This must be taken to the local Ministry of Communication and Transportation authorities, where the vehicle may be registered and Greek plates issued. The vehicle may not be moved from its place of destination without prior authorisation from the Customs Authorities. Failure to comply with the regulations may lead to a fine and/or vehicle confiscation.

Useful Contacts

A list of references that may be useful in the car registration process:
  • Ministry of Transportation and Communication Tel: 210 65 08 000
  • Directorate of Excise Duties - Department D Tel: 210 32 45 486 / 210 33 12 459 Fax: 210 32 45 460 email
  • Directorate of Customs Economic Systems (Temporary Importation - Use of Private Passenger Cars) Department B Tel: 210 32 45 552 / 210 32 45 587 Fax: 210 32 45 593 email
  • Directorate of Tariffs - VAT - Department E Tel: 210 32 45 412 Fax: 210 32 45 408 email
  • Directorate of Tariffs - Import Duties - Department A Tel: 210 32 45 411 Fax: 210 32 45 408 email