Moving to Greece

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of packing list
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) – or copy if express release / Convention Marchandises Routiers (CMR) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Original T2L form (page 4), if applicable
  • Certificate of repatriation (persons entering from non-EU countries requesting duty-free entry)
  • Authorization form / declaration form
  • EORI application / declaration form
  • Owner of the goods’ value added tax (VAT) ID number
  • Residence permit issued by Greek authorities (foreigners)
  • Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)
  • Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
  • T1 form (diplomats)

Specific Information

  • Copy of passport for each family member entering with the owner of the goods (persons entering from non-European Union countries (EU) must present an original passport issued within the 2 years preceding entry; otherwise, the previous passport must also be presented)
  • Owner of the goods’ value added tax (VAT) ID number obtained at a Greek tax office closest to new residence [persons entering from non-EU countries requesting duty-free entry]
  • EORI application / declaration forms are only required by owners of the goods moving from a non-EU country.
  • Shipments arriving from non-EU countries have three options for Customs clearance: duty-free entry, the payment of duties and taxes, or diplomatic shipment.
  • The owner of the goods must have lived abroad for a period of 2 years preceding entry and cannot have any financial ties during this time period in Greece; proof of residency may be required, such as utility bills, tax forms, rental receipts, etc. (entering from non-EU countries requesting duty-free entry).
  • Owners of the goods from non-EU countries who qualify for duty-free entry should contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin prior to departure.
  • The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance at the port of Piraeus.
  • An authorization form and an affidavit form may be required by agent; contact agent for details.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required 

  • Vehicle ownership documents
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Title / registration card
  • Copy of driver’s license
  • Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
  • Diplomatic ID (diplomats)
  • Letter from Embassy certifying diplomat’s employment, including beginning and ending dates

Specific Information

  • Owners of the goods importing vehicles using a tourist status may temporarily import vehicles duty free for a period of up to 6 months.
  • Owners of the goods possessing a certificate of repatriation for primary residence may import vehicles duty free; owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance at the port of entry.
  • The owner of the goods may be required to pay for a Greek license plate and a luxury tax (persons holding a certificate of repatriation).
  • For persons importing a vehicle who hold a certificate of repatriation, the vehicle must be in the owner of the goods’ possession and in use for at least 6 months in the country of origin prior to import.
  • Diplomats can import vehicles with temporary duty-free entry.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinarian health certificate
  • Pet passport

Specific Information

  • Pets must have a microchip.
  • A rabies test must be performed by a certified European Union (EU) laboratory a minimum of 2 months prior to entry into Greece.
  • Documentation must be issued by a licensed veterinarian at the time of export from Customs in the origin country, granting permission to enter an EU country.
  • No quarantine period is required.
  • Duties and taxes do not apply to pets owned by the owner of the goods for at least 1 year.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Alcohol and spirits (only a small quantity is permitted; items must be identified as kitchenware and loaded first in the container or truck)
  • Hunting weapons (authorization from the Ministry of Interior is required)
  • Duties apply to the assessed Customs values as follows:
    • Electrical items                                     23%
    • Electronic items                                    35%
    • Furniture                                             18%
    • Carpets                                               30%
    • Computers and fax machines                    18%
    • Antiques (over 100 years)                        8% 

Prohibited Items

  • Drugs
  • Tobacco products
  • Alcohol (12 bottles)
  • Cigarettes (3 cartons)
  • Explosive materials
  • Live plants
  • Stuffed animals
  • Guns 

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information