Importing & Registering a Car in Greece: Taxes, Documents & Greek Plates

Importing and registering a foreign car in Greece involves customs or vehicle-arrival formalities, registration tax, technical documentation and registration for Greek licence plates. The exact procedure and cost depend on whether the vehicle comes from another EU country or outside the EU, its age, taxable value, CO₂ emissions and Euro emissions standard.

Before buying or shipping a vehicle to Greece, it is worth checking both whether the car can be registered and what the likely registration charges will be.

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Importing a Car to Greece: EU vs Non-EU

The process for importing a vehicle into Greece involves several stages, particularly if the car is arriving from another EU country or a third country (non-EU). Here's an overview of the main steps:

Vehicle Import & Registration Overview

	From another EU country	From outside the EU
Customs duty	Generally no	May apply
Import VAT	Depends on whether vehicle is new/used and circumstances	Usually relevant unless relief applies
Vehicle arrival/customs process	DAO / registration-tax process	Import customs clearance
Registration tax	Yes, unless exemption applies	Yes, unless exemption applies
Greek registration	Required for permanent use	Required for permanent use

For vehicles arriving from another EU Member State, Greek customs uses the Vehicle Arrival Declaration (DAO / ΔΑΟ) as part of the procedure for EU vehicles. AADE also requires the relevant declaration for the assessment and payment of registration tax to be filed with the competent customs authority.

Vehicles arriving from outside the EU may additionally be subject to customs duty and import VAT, unless a specific exemption or relief applies.

What about VAT on a car bought in another EU country?

EU VAT rules distinguish between a “new” and “used” vehicle.

For VAT purposes, a car is treated as new if it has been supplied within six months of first entering service or has travelled no more than 6,000 km. A used vehicle must be both more than six months old and have travelled more than 6,000 km.

The VAT treatment of a used vehicle can also depend on whether you buy it from a private individual or a VAT-registered dealer.

For that reason, VAT should be checked as part of the transaction rather than assumed from the country where the car was purchased.

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Required Documents for Registration

Depending on the country of origin, different sets of documents are required:

✅ For EU Imports	✅ For Non-EU Imports
Original foreign vehicle registration	All EU documents, plus:
Vehicle Arrival Declaration (DAO / ΔΑΟ)	Customs clearance documents
Purchase invoice or contract	Import duty & VAT receipts
Emissions certificate (CO₂ & Euro standard)	Tech Specs declaration*
KTEO Certificate (if vehicle is older than 4 years)

*Stamped & Signed by the foreign manufacturer

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How to Import and Register a Car in Greece

The precise procedure varies, but a typical vehicle import and registration involves the following stages.

1. Check whether the vehicle can be registered in Greece

This should ideally happen before you buy or ship the vehicle.

Important factors include:

• first registration date;

• Euro emissions standard;

• CO₂ emissions;

• country of previous registration;

• EU type approval or Certificate of Conformity;

• technical specifications; and

• whether the vehicle was originally manufactured for the EU market.

This is particularly important for vehicles originating outside the EU.

Certain older vehicles cannot be registered in Greece. Current AADE guidance states that passenger cars meeting Euro 1, Euro 2 or Euro 3 standards, as well as vehicles for which the required emissions classification cannot be established, cannot be imported and registered under the current rules.

2. Complete the vehicle arrival or customs procedure

For a vehicle coming from another EU Member State, the relevant Vehicle Arrival Declaration — DAO / ΔΑΟ must be dealt with in accordance with the customs procedure.

For a vehicle arriving from a non-EU country, import customs formalities apply.

This is an important distinction. Greece does not use the UK “NOVA” procedure for vehicle arrivals; the relevant Greek customs terminology is DAO / ΔΑΟ for Union vehicles.

3. Determine the taxable value and registration tax

Greek registration tax is not calculated simply by applying a percentage to the amount you paid for the vehicle.

AADE states that registration-tax coefficients are based on the vehicle's taxable value and are further differentiated according to factors including CO₂ emissions and Euro emissions specifications.

For used vehicles, age and depreciation are also relevant to establishing the taxable value.

This is why two cars bought abroad for the same price can result in very different registration-tax liabilities in Greece.

4. Pay the applicable taxes and charges

Depending on the case, these may include:

• registration tax;

• customs duty for non-EU imports;

• VAT where applicable;

• environmental charges where applicable; and

• other registration-related costs.

Exemptions or reductions may apply in particular circumstances, including certain Transfer of Residence (Μετοικεσία) cases.

5. Complete the technical and registration requirements

Technical documentation, approval or inspection requirements may need to be completed before the vehicle can be registered.

For vehicles originally registered outside the EU, particular attention should be given to emissions compliance and EU technical requirements before shipping the vehicle.

AADE specifically notes that additional rules apply to non-EU vehicles whose emissions specifications must be assessed against the EU standards applicable when the vehicle was first registered.

6. Obtain the Greek registration certificate and number plates

Once the necessary customs charges and registration requirements have been completed, the vehicle can proceed toward classification and the issue of its Greek registration certificate and number plates. AADE confirms that vehicles intended for circulation by persons whose main residence is in Greece must complete the applicable customs and registration-tax process before Greek plates are issued.

How Is Car Registration Tax Calculated in Greece?

This is one of the most common questions we receive — and one of the easiest areas in which to obtain a misleading online estimate.

The Greek registration tax is vehicle-specific.

Factors may include:

• pre-tax retail or taxable value;

• age of the vehicle;

• applicable depreciation;

• CO₂ emissions;

• Euro emissions category;

• fuel or propulsion technology; and

• other characteristics relevant under the registration-tax rules.

The purchase price alone is therefore not enough to calculate the tax reliably.

Registration-tax treatment can also change. For example, Greece amended the registration-tax relief applicable to hybrid electric vehicles in 2026, meaning older online calculations may no longer reflect the current rules.

Before asking for an import-cost assessment, have these details available

• Make and exact model

• VIN, where available

• Date of first registration

• Purchase price

• Current mileage

• CO₂ emissions

• Euro emissions standard

• Fuel / hybrid / electric specification

• Country of current registration

• Whether you already own the vehicle

• Whether you are moving your habitual residence to Greece

With this information, it is possible to assess the likely route much more accurately.

Considering a vehicle abroad? Checking the registration position before purchasing it can prevent a costly mistake.

Environmental Rules for Used Cars Imported Into Greece

The emissions category of a used vehicle can have a major effect on whether importing it is viable.

Older vehicles may be subject to environmental charges, while certain older categories cannot be registered at all.

Current AADE guidance states that Euro 1, Euro 2 and Euro 3 passenger cars cannot be registered in Greece under the applicable framework.

Used Euro 4 and certain Euro 5 vehicles may also be affected by environmental-charge rules.

For this reason, the vehicle's exact Euro classification should be confirmed before purchase or shipment rather than relying only on its age or engine type.

📍 Example Case: Importing a 2018 Volkswagen Golf TDI (Euro 6d-TEMP)

To make this more concrete, here’s a real-world example based on an actual case handled by our office:

Vehicle Details

• Model: VW Golf TDI

• Year of First Registration: 2018

• Euro Standard: Euro 6d-TEMP

• CO₂ Emissions: 120 g/km

• Original New Price: €25,450

• Purchase Price: €12,000 does not affect import fees if the vehicle is EU and VAT has already been paid

  
  

Step 1: Registration Levy

• CO₂ Emissions: 120 g/km

• Euro Emissions Standard: Euro 6d-TEMP (latest diesel standard)

Based on these, the registration levy calculated using table b, column 2 of the registration levy rates.  In total it amounts to € 3,936.

Step 2: Taking into account depreciation

• Vehicle Age: 8 years

• Depreciation Rate (based on Greek tax code): 83%

📉 Registration levy after applying depreciation:€3,936 × (1 - 0.83) = €669

Step 3: Environmental Tax

Greece applies an Environmental Tax (Τέλος Περιβαλλοντικής Επιβάρυνσης) on imported used cars that fall below the Euro 6 standard.

Euro Emissions Standard	Environmental Tax
Euro 6d / Euro 6d-TEMP (2018+)	€0 (Exempt)
Euro 5b & 5a (pre-2016)	€1,000
Euro 4 (pre-2010)	€3,000

📌 Michael’s vehicle was fully exempt from this tax.

Step 4: Estimated Public Charges

Item	Estimated Cost (€)	Notes
Registration Levy	€669	Based on emissions & taxable value
Environmental Tax	€0	Exempt
KTEO Inspection (if applicable)	~€50	Roadworthiness check required after 4 years
Registration Fees & License Plates	€75–€175	Includes Greek registration documents and plates
Subtotal (Public Charges Only)	~€744-€896	Excludes legal, handling, and coordination fees

⚖️ The subtotal above refers only to publicly assessed taxes and registration-related charges. Additional fees apply for legal coordination, representation, document preparation, and compliance services.

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What Documents Are Needed to Register an Imported Car in Greece?

The precise document set depends on the vehicle and its origin.

For a vehicle coming from another EU country, commonly relevant documents include:

• foreign registration certificate;

• purchase invoice or sale agreement;

• Certificate of Conformity or equivalent technical documentation;

• emissions and CO₂ information;

• proof of mileage where required;

• Vehicle Arrival Declaration / customs documentation;

• identity and Greek tax details of the owner; and

• insurance and technical documentation as applicable.

Vehicles coming from outside the EU normally require additional customs import documentation, and evidence relating to customs duty, VAT and technical compliance may also be required.

The exact requirements should be checked before bringing the vehicle into the registration process.

Importing a Car From Germany to Greece

Germany is one of the most common countries from which buyers consider bringing a used car to Greece.

Because Germany and Greece are both EU Member States, a German vehicle does not ordinarily face customs duty simply because it is transferred to Greece. However, the Greek vehicle-arrival, registration-tax and registration procedures still apply.

Before purchasing a German car, check:

• registration documents;

• purchase invoice or contract;

• Certificate of Conformity;

• Euro emissions standard;

• CO₂ value;

• first registration date;

• mileage; and

• likely Greek registration tax.

A lower purchase price in Germany does not necessarily mean that the final cost after Greek registration will still represent good value.

Importing a Car From the UK or USA to Greece

Vehicles arriving from the UK after Brexit, the USA or another non-EU country require additional consideration because they are entering the EU customs territory from a third country.

Customs duty and VAT may apply unless a relief is available.

For US-specification vehicles in particular, technical compliance should be checked before shipping the car. A vehicle that is legal to drive in the United States is not automatically guaranteed to satisfy the technical and emissions requirements for registration in Greece.

The cost of shipping should therefore never be the first question.

The first question should be:

Can this specific vehicle actually be registered in Greece, and on what terms?

Moving to Greece With Your Car: Transfer of Residence / Μετοικεσία

Different rules may apply if you are moving your habitual residence to Greece rather than simply purchasing and importing a foreign vehicle.

Under the Transfer of Residence rules, qualifying individuals may benefit from customs or registration-tax relief for personal belongings and vehicles.

For a private passenger car, current AADE guidance generally requires the beneficiary to have used the vehicle for at least six months before transferring habitual residence to Greece. The vehicle must also be in the beneficiary's full ownership when the relevant application is submitted.

AADE states that one private passenger car may qualify per natural person, subject to the applicable requirements.

The Transfer of Residence procedure is different from an ordinary car import and should ideally be examined before customs clearance or permanent registration.

Read our detailed guide: Transfer of Residence (Μετοικεσία) — Bringing Your Car to Greece

Can You Drive a Foreign-Plated Car in Greece?

Sometimes — but the answer depends heavily on where your habitual residence is.

People whose habitual residence remains outside Greece and who are visiting temporarily may generally use an eligible foreign-registered vehicle in Greece for up to six months, continuous or otherwise, within a twelve-month period, subject to the temporary-import conditions.

There are also special rules for certain categories, including people who live and work abroad, students and certain foreign-company vehicles.

Becoming habitually resident in Greece can materially change your position.

Do not assume that possessing valid foreign plates means a car may be used indefinitely in Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to import a car to Greece?

There is no single fixed cost. The total may include registration tax, customs duty and VAT where applicable, environmental charges, transport costs and registration expenses. The amount depends heavily on the individual vehicle and whether any exemption applies.

How is Greek car registration tax calculated?

Registration tax is based on the vehicle's taxable value and is affected by factors including CO₂ emissions and Euro emissions specifications. For a used vehicle, age and depreciation can also affect the taxable value.

Do I pay customs duty when importing a used car from Germany or another EU country?

Generally, no customs duty is charged simply because a vehicle is moved between EU Member States. Registration tax and Greek registration requirements can still apply. VAT treatment depends on the transaction and whether the vehicle is considered new or used for VAT purposes.

Can I import a Euro 4 or Euro 5 car into Greece?

These vehicles require careful cost checking because environmental charges may apply depending on the emissions category and circumstances. By contrast, current AADE guidance states that Euro 1, Euro 2 and Euro 3 passenger cars cannot be registered under the current rules.

Can I import my car from the USA?

Potentially, but technical compatibility should be checked before the vehicle is shipped. Non-EU vehicles can require additional customs and technical documentation, and EU emissions/type-approval requirements may create difficulties for some US-spec vehicles.

Can I keep my foreign plates after moving to Greece?

Do not assume so. The temporary-use regime is primarily designed for qualifying persons whose habitual residence remains abroad, although several special categories exist. The standard temporary-use period for eligible visitors is generally six months within a twelve-month period.

Can I get an exemption if I am permanently moving to Greece?

Possibly. Individuals transferring their habitual residence to Greece may qualify for Transfer of Residence relief if the statutory conditions are satisfied. Vehicle-use, ownership, residence and timing requirements should be checked before the procedure begins.

How Expat Law Can Help

Importing a car can become expensive if the tax, emissions or technical position is checked only after the vehicle has already been purchased or shipped.

Expat Law can assist with:

• pre-import vehicle and registration assessment;

• registration-tax and customs coordination;

• review and preparation of required documentation;

• EU and non-EU vehicle imports;

• Transfer of Residence / Μετοικεσία cases;

• foreign-plate and residence questions; and

• representation and coordination with the relevant Greek authorities.

Thinking of Bringing a Car to Greece?

Send us the make, model, first registration date, mileage, purchase price, CO₂ emissions, Euro standard, country of registration and your residence circumstances.

We can assess the appropriate import or registration route before you take the next step.

This article provides general information on Greek vehicle import and registration procedures and is not a substitute for advice on the facts of a particular vehicle or case. Vehicle taxation and customs rules can change, so the position should be checked before purchase, shipment or registration.