Car Shipping Athens
The capital of Greece and one of the most important cities in Europe, Athens is a major hub of tourism, business, trade and art. Since 1981, Greece has remained a part of European Union. The country enjoys a unique culture and high living standards. Additionally, as an established economic center of Europe, employment benefits ensure that expatriates from world over call it home.
Although Athens has a wide network of public transport, commuting is easy, but having your own personal vehicle ensures faster commuting in the larger metropolitan area. If you are planning to move to Athens and need your own vehicle, shipping a car from USA will not be an issue as the port of Piraeus is the biggest passenger ports of Europe. With close proximity, transporting your vehicle is easy. However, it is important that all paperwork is in order before the shipping process starts. It is best to hire the services of international shipping services like us. At A-1 Auto Transport service we are experienced in shipping vehicles all over the world and ensure that customs are cleared and vehicle handed over to the owners.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Athens
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
Athens to (California port) to San Jose, CA | $200 | $2650 | 5+43 days |
Athens to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $1550 | 5+31 days |
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Athens | $450 | $2650 | 5+43 days |
Portland, OR to (California port) to Athens | $475 | $2650 | 6+43 days |
Athens to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $550 | $2650 | 6+43 days |
Athens to (New York port) to Columbus, OH | $550 | $1550 | 5+31 days |
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Athens | $575 | $1550 | 6+31 days |
Athens to (New York port) to Chicago, IL | $675 | $1550 | 6+31 days |
Athens to (California port) to Denver, CO | $775 | $2650 | 7+43 days |
Houston, TX to (New York port) to Athens | $1,075 | $1550 | 7+31 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Vehicle use for visitors
Those on extended visit here can bring motorcycles, cars, and other recreational vehicles free of charge for 6 months from USA. You will not be able to sell your vehicle during this period or let anybody other than family members drive the same. As per law you need to show the tags of license plate, up-to-date registration, and insurance proof to officials upon entering any city in Greece. In case the tags and registration expire during your stay, you are needed to apply for temporary ones.
Rules for new citizens
Those who move here permanently may import their vehicles without any duty as it is a part of household goods. You will have to show your residency permit when entering Athens. You can apply for permits from Greek consulate in USA, if you are of Greek descent, married to Greek citizen or have a permanent job work permit in Greece. In order to qualify for a tax-free status, you have to show at least two years’ permanent residence in another country. Other considerations include:
- Your vehicle must be purchased six months prior to import.
- New cars remain subject to VAT payments along with fees for license plate and registration, applicable for both used and new vehicles during entry.
- Those who bring cars duty-free Greece cannot sell it for a minimum period of one year after import or do so only after paying the necessary duties.
Documentation requirements
- W-2 form/IT return.
- Rent receipts/property tax.
- Past employment proof.
- Utility bills-cable, phone, gas, electric.
- Valid and expired passports of you and your family that need to resettle in Greece.
- Work permit/residency/Greek citizenship proof.
- Insurance proof, drivers license, vehicle registration.
ID Tax Card
You should show AFM card to claim the vehicle in Athens. This card is must for bank account opening and tax payments as well. So apply for it as soon as you come here, just fill out the necessary form and submit your passport with a birth certificate copy at the tax office.
Vehicle inspections
The vehicle has to undergo noise, emissions, and general inspection before it can be driven on the roads. Once this is complete just apply for a Greek license plate and registration. To know more about the current regulations, check with Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks.
Other Services
- Moving to Athens