How to Register a Used Car in Greece – A Guide for Individuals & Expats

If you're planning to bring your car to Greece, it's important to understand the legal, tax, and administrative requirements involved in importing and registering a used vehicle.

This guide, prepared by the team at Expat Law, outlines the key steps in the process—from customs clearance to tax calculation—and highlights how legal support can simplify the procedure and minimize the risk of delays or penalties.

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Understanding the Process

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

Step	Responsibility (DIY)	With Expat Law
NOVA Declaration	Must be filed in Greek	✅ Filed on your behalf
Customs Clearance	Owner coordinates directly	✅ Fully managed by our office
Registration Levy & Environmental Tax	Must be calculated manually	✅ We handle the full assessment
Documentation	Owner must collect & prepare	✅ We prepare & submit everything
Technical Inspection (KTEO)	Must book and attend	✅ Scheduled and managed
License Plate Registration	Visit transport office	✅ Completed through us

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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:
NOVA confirmation receipt	Customs clearance documents
Purchase invoice or contract	Import duty & VAT receipts
Emissions certificate (CO₂ & Euro standard)
Declaration of mileage (Law 1599/1986)
Road insurance policy (Greek-registered)
KTEO Certificate (if vehicle is older than 4 years)

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Cost of Importing a Car to Greece

Import costs in Greece are primarily based on vehicle age, CO₂ emissions, Euro standard, and initial list price. The two main tax-related obligations are:

• Registration Levy (Τέλος Ταξινόμησης)

• Environmental Tax (Τέλος Περιβαλλοντικής Επιβάρυνσης), if applicable

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📍 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: €29,000

• Purchase Price: €12,000

Step 1: Taxable Value After Depreciation

• Original New Price (Factory List): €29,000

• Vehicle Age: 6 years

• Depreciation Rate (based on Greek tax code): 73%

📉 Taxable Value:€29,000 × (1 - 0.73) = €7,830

Step 2: Registration Levy

• CO₂ Emissions: 120 g/km

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

Based on these, the registration levy applicable is approximately 8% of the depreciated value:📌 €7,830 × 8% = €626

Step 3: Environmental Tax (If Applicable)

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
Euro 3 (pre-2006)	€5,000
Euro 2 or older	€6,000

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

Step 4: Estimated Public Charges

Item	Estimated Cost (€)	Notes
Registration Levy	€626	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)	~€750–€900	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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Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the vehicle’s age, emissions, origin, and current market value. EU imports tend to cost significantly less than non-EU vehicles due to VAT and import duty exemptions.

Do I need to pay VAT when importing from the EU?

Not if the car is used (more than 6 months old and with over 6,000 km). For new vehicles, VAT is due in Greece unless it was paid elsewhere and documented.

Is the Environmental Tax always applied?

No. Only vehicles below Euro 6 are subject to this tax. Most modern vehicles (Euro 6 or newer) are exempt.

Can I register the vehicle myself?

Technically yes, but due to the technical nature of the tax calculations and required submissions, most individuals prefer legal representation to avoid errors and delays.

Can I drive my car before it’s registered?

No. Driving an unregistered foreign vehicle in Greece is not permitted until all customs and tax obligations are fulfilled and Greek plates are issued.

⚖️ Why Work with Expat Law?

• We are a specialized law firm, not an agency.

• Our team provides personalized assistance with all tax, customs, and registration procedures.

• We represent your interests before the Greek customs authority, transport ministry, and relevant tax offices.

• You avoid bureaucratic stress, language barriers, and unforeseen costs.

📞 Need Support? Contact Our Office

We would be glad to assist you with the import and registration of your vehicle in Greece.Our process is designed to be transparent, compliant, and cost-conscious.

📧 Email: support@expatlaw.gr 📞 Phone: [+30 2108323169]🌐 Website: www.expatlaw.gr

Let us handle the legal and logistical complexities—so you can simply drive.