The good news is that UK citizens, with a UK registered car, are free to import their vehicle into Greece - but the bad news is, you can only do so for six months. After that period the car must be driven out of Greece for at least 185 days - if not, you face a heavy fine should you get caught. We’ve even heard of someone’s car being clamped in their own drive and rendered useless until the fine - and the import tax - was paid.
We are always being asked - or told - “We’re in the EU, of course I can bring my car into Greece. I checked with the Greek Embassy in London.” Yes, you can bring a car into Greece, but did you ask, “How much will it cost to register my car in Greece?”
If you don’t ask the right question, you won’t get the correct answer. In fact the same import rules apply for caravans and boats too.
Generally speaking it is an expensive and complicated exercise to permanently import a car into Greece and begs the question, is it really worth it? Although officially there is no import tax within the EU, Greece charges a "registration tax" on imported vehicles and this can be high, even on older second hand models. This registration tax is calculated as a percentage of the value of a new car, with a sliding scale of discount for older vehicles. We have heard figures up to 140% on value have been levied!
IMPORTANT FACT - You may have all the paperwork in place ready to clear customs, but unfortunately you’ll find the charge levied is not set in tablets of stone. The calculation is open to individual interpretation - on the day - by the customs officer in charge. It is futile to argue, or disagree. If the customs official has had a bad lunch, chances are you’ll be charged more than if he is in a good mood.
If you are intending to stay longer than six months it may be wise, and most likely cheaper, to buy a new or secondhand car in Greece, for which you will require a Resident’s Permit - but that’s another story.
However, for those who wish to make a personal stand for freedom, and wish to take on the whole gamut of bureaucracy, then please feel free, but don’t say we didn’t warn you! Your best bet is to contact the Greek Embassy at 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP and obtain the necessary forms, or go to their web site - www.greekembassy.org.uk The best of luck!
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