How To Register A Vehicle In Greece | A-1 Auto Transport
The nation with a mainland and many accompanying islands is one of the most promising tourist destinations in Europe. While visiting is fun, living there can be more fun. People who prefer to bring their own vehicles into the country for a permanent stay can look forward to a registration process for their car.
If you’re looking to stay, here are some broad tips and guidelines for registering a new car in the nation.
Registration Processes
It’s easy to think of the two paths you can take when going to register your auto.
If you’re coming from a neighboring European Union nation, you’ll have fewer problems if your vehicle:
- Is registered in the EU nation you’re coming from.
- Already has insurance
But if you’re coming from a nation outside of the EU, the process may be a bit more complicated since you’ll have to jump through a few more hoops. Namely, that you’ll have to pull together more paperwork in order to meet the registration requirements for Greece.
This also means you’ll have to pay an import duty, a value-added tax and a registration fee. The registration fee is based on the vehicle’s value.
You’ll also have to provide the following documents:
- Original passport
- Certificate of ownership
- Current driver’s license with translation
- A Greek residency permit
- Copies of your mortgage or rental agreements for an apartment
- Tax returns for the past two to three years
If you’re shipping a vehicle to Greece, you can find more information on our international shipping page for the country! There you’ll find out about expected costs and a get deeper look at the process of shipping a car!
Getting around Greece: Transport, Laws & Permits
One of the biggest things to know is that the country boasts the highest traffic mortality rate among Europe. People are advised to drive defensively when it comes to getting around the country where poor road conditions and inclement weather are to be expected.
Motorbikes are a common mode of transportation in the country, with riders not required to wear helmets. Motorbikes often come through an intersection with little warning. With that note, drivers should watch out for motorbikes between lanes on both sides. Some two-way roads turn into three or four lanes as slower traffic tends to drive on the shoulder to let faster traffic get by.
The more rural areas of the nation can make for treacherous driving as they are narrow and not maintained well. These roads can feature blind curves and embankments with little to no barriers.
Driving in the Greece also requires an international driver’s permit for non-EU drivers. That can be obtained from the National Automobile Club. Anyone staying more than 185 days is required to have a Greek driver’s license. As usual, driving without a seatbelt or under the influence of alcohol is illegal.
Vehicle Registration Resources For Greece
Circulation Tax - All registered vehicles with Greek license plates are subject to the circulation tax. This article explains the details, including how much you can expect to pay, which is based on engine displacement.
Greek Driver’s License - Helpful information from the Embassy of the United States in Athens that covers international driving permits and converting your license.