Permanent import of vehicles – Change of residence certificate

European Union nationals, resident in another European Union state for at least two years, who decide to transfer their place of residence to Greece, are exempt from VAT and Registration currently levied in Greece on:

• cars (owned and used privately)
• pleasure craft
• motorcycles
• mobile caravans

Within one month from the date of importation, owners of such vehicles must appear in person at the nearest Customs Authority to request exemption from payment of registration and VAT. The owner will then be granted special Greek registration plates. Vehicles entering Greece are also required to undergo a test at a Vehicle Technical Control Centre (KTEO). A VEHICLE IMPORTED UNDER THE ABOVE REGULATION may not be transferred, leased, pawned or lent, nor its use assigned in any other manner without prior approval of the customs authorities. In the event of transfer, lease, pawning, lending or assignment of the use of such a vehicle before the lapse of one year, the total amount of tax due shall be collected.

A full list of requirements and more detailed information is available through the Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance: Director of Customs, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Amalias 40,
Athens 105 62, Tel 210 324 5552 / 210 324 5587, www.gsis.gr.

Customs Formalities

From 1 January 1993 EU nationals visiting Greece may freely import and re-export personal
effects and are no longer subject to any customs controls or other formalities at points of direct
entry from another EU Member State. However, for vehicles, please see the above paragraph.
Those coming to Greece to take up RESIDENCE should obtain a change of residence certificate or ‘certificate for domicile transfer’ which is issued by the Greek Consular authorities in the United Kingdom (www.greekembassy.org.uk.)

UK driving licence

Since the introduction in the UK of photocard driving licences in July 1998, licence applicants have been required to submit evidence of identity, such as an original passport. It has been recognised however that this has caused difficulty for British citizens who are temporarily abroad.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has agreed a special concession for those applicants who are normally UK residents but who are currently out of the country. This will permit photocopies of UK passports, authenticated by a British Consular official, to be accepted in support of an application for a photograph driving licence. A fee is charged for this service payable in local currency.

If you have any further queries please contact the DVLA at the following address:

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Drivers Policy Group
Longview Road
Swansea SA6 7JL
tel: 0044 870 240 0010
fax: 0044 1792 783071
website: www.dvla.gov.uk
email: drivers.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk