Moving to Greece

Moving Guide

Your Practical Guide to Relocating to Greece

Moving to Greece is an exciting adventure, offering a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant culture. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the essential steps of your relocation.

1. Visa & Residence

Your path to living in Greece largely depends on your nationality:

• EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Generally, you do not need a visa to enter Greece and can reside freely. However, if you plan to stay for longer than three months, you will need to register with the local authorities to obtain a residence certificate.
• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: You will typically need a visa to enter Greece, followed by a residence permit to live and work there long-term. Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:
  • Work Permit: Requires a job offer from a Greek employer who will sponsor your application.
  • Family Reunification: For those joining a family member already residing legally in Greece.
  • Study Permit: For individuals enrolled in an accredited Greek educational institution.
  • Financial Independence / Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons: For individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working in Greece.
  • Investment / Golden Visa: For non-EU citizens who make a significant investment in Greece.

It is crucial to verify the specific requirements and application procedures with the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin, or with the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, as regulations can change.

2. Housing & Rental

Finding the right home is a key step in your relocation. Here's what to expect:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: Websites specializing in property rentals are the most common starting point.
  • Real Estate Agents: Agents can be invaluable, especially if you're unfamiliar with the local market or language. Be aware that agent fees typically apply, often equivalent to one month's rent plus VAT.
  • Local Networks: Word-of-mouth can also be effective once you're on the ground.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewing Properties: Arrange viewings for properties that meet your criteria.
  • Negotiation: Rent prices can sometimes be negotiated, especially outside of peak seasons.
  • Lease Agreement: Once you've chosen a property, a formal lease agreement will be signed. Ensure you understand all terms, ideally with the help of a translator or legal advisor. Leases are typically for a minimum of three years, even if you only intend to stay for one.
  • Deposit: A security deposit is standard, usually equivalent to two months' rent. This is held by the landlord and returned at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition.
  • First Month's Rent: You will pay the first month's rent upon signing the lease.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term:
  • Temporary Accommodation: Consider booking an Airbnb, hotel, or serviced apartment for your initial weeks. This allows you time to explore different neighborhoods and conduct in-person viewings for long-term rentals.
  • Long-Term Rentals: Be prepared for the paperwork and the commitment of a longer lease. Unfurnished properties are common, though kitchens often include basic appliances.

3. What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating your belongings to Greece depends on several factors:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Greece significantly impacts shipping costs.
• Season: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes lead to higher prices due to increased demand.
• Accessibility: Difficult access at either your origin or destination (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator, multiple flights of stairs) can incur additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor.
• Type of Service:
  • Full-Service Packing: Professional packers handle all aspects of packing your belongings.
  • Self-Packing: You pack your own items, which can reduce costs.
  • Disassembly/Reassembly: Services for taking apart and putting together furniture.
  • Storage: If you need to store your belongings before or after your move.
  • Insurance: Highly recommended to protect your goods during transit.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, a free quote is essential.

4. Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline can make your relocation much smoother. Here's a general checklist:

• 4-8 Weeks Before Moving:
  • Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This reduces your moving volume and cost.
  • Research Visas/Residence: Begin the application process if you haven't already.
  • Obtain Quotes: Contact relocation services for quotes for moving your household goods.
  • Gather Important Documents: Collect passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, financial statements, and driver's licenses. Keep these in a secure, easily accessible "essentials" bag that travels with you.
  • Notify Landlord: Give appropriate notice if you are currently renting.
• 2-4 Weeks Before Moving:
  • Book Services: Confirm your moving company and any other necessary services (e.g., temporary accommodation).
  • Start Packing (if self-packing): Begin with non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Arrange Utilities: Notify current utility providers (electricity, water, internet, gas) of your move-out date. Research and arrange for new utility connections in Greece.
  • Change Address: Update your address with banks, subscription services, and government agencies.
• 1 Week Before Moving:
  • Pack Essentials Bag: Include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, chargers, and any items you'll need immediately upon arrival.
  • Confirm Travel Arrangements: Double-check flights, ferries, or other transport.
  • Clean Your Current Residence: If required by your lease.
  • Defrost Fridge/Freezer: If moving appliances.
• Moving Day:
  • Supervise Movers: Be present to answer questions and ensure everything is loaded correctly.
  • Final Walk-Through: Check all rooms, closets, and cabinets to ensure nothing is left behind.
  • Hand Over Keys: To landlord or agent.

Ready to make your move to Greece a reality? Request a free quote on relocation123.com today!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Greece: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Greece is an exciting adventure! To ensure your personal belongings arrive smoothly, understanding Greek customs regulations is key. This guide breaks down the import process for various situations, helping you prepare for a hassle-free move.

If you're relocating as a new resident from an EU country

Moving your household goods from another EU country to Greece generally allows for duty-free entry. Ensure your shipping documents are correctly prepared to facilitate a smooth process.

What you'll need

• T2L (original copy number 4) stamped by customs at origin, or electronic equivalent (STATUS C on B/L).
• Packing list.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL).
• Authorization / Declaration form (provided by your local agent, needs legalization by Greek authorities or online).
• Photocopy of your valid passport.

Good to know

• For shipments arriving at the Port of Heraklion/Crete, a copy of your rental or house ownership contract, verified by the local Greek tax office, is also required.

If you're relocating as a new resident from a non-EU country

For those moving to Greece from outside the EU, there are two main options for importing your belongings: with applicable taxes/duties, or potentially duty-free with a Certificate of Repatriation.

What you'll need

• Packing list, detailing electrical appliances with brands, models, and serial numbers.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CMR.
• Authorization form.
• Declaration form.
• EORI application form.
• EORI declaration form.
• Photocopy of your valid passport.
• Your Greek VAT number and registered tax office.
• Electronic authorization (instructions will be provided).
• Work/residence permit or house purchase/rental contract (if not a Greek national).
• Original Certificate of Repatriation (for duty-free entry).
• Original passports (old and valid) of all individuals named on the repatriation certificate.
• Proof of continuous residency in the country of origin for the last two years (e.g., tax returns).

Good to know

• Without a specific duty-free status (e.g., a contract with the Greek Government), taxes and duties will apply.
• To qualify for duty-free entry with a Certificate of Repatriation, you must have lived abroad continuously for at least two years.
• You must apply for the Certificate of Repatriation at a Greek Embassy/Consulate at origin at least one month before your shipment's export.
• Your presence at customs is required for duty-free entry. If you cannot be present, you must prepare authorization and affidavit forms with legalized signatures from Greek authorities.
• An old passport is needed if your current valid one was issued within the last two years.
• Regulations can change, so it's advisable to verify information with your local agent.

Returning residents from a non-EU country within 18 months of original exportation

If you are a Greek national returning from a non-EU country and re-importing items you previously exported, you may qualify for duty-free re-entry.

What you'll need

• Packing list.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CMR.
• The re-importation license or customs proof of export declaration document (provided the same items were exported within the last 18 months).
• Inventory list of exported items (usually attached to the Customs declaration document).
• Authorization form.
• Declaration form.
• EORI application form.
• EORI declaration form.
• Electronic authorization.

Good to know

• Entry is duty-free with a re-importation license.
• If you are importing more items than what was originally exported, you will be liable for duties and taxes only on the additional items.

Diplomatic moves to Greece from a Non-EU country

Diplomats moving to Greece benefit from temporary duty-free entry for their personal effects.

What you'll need

• Packing list, clearly stating all electrical appliances with brands, models, and serial numbers.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CMR.
• Original Diplomatic Franchise from the Embassy at destination.
• Copy of Diplomatic passport / ID.
• Letter from the Embassy certifying the diplomat’s commencement of employment.
• Authorization form (provided by the destination agent, must be stamped and signed by the Embassy).

Good to know

• Entry is temporary duty-free, valid until the termination of the diplomat’s employment.
• This status is based on an Embassy Franchise.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a car or motorbike to Greece involves specific procedures and potential taxes, depending on your status.

What you'll need

• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / CMR / Air Waybill (AWB).
• Export customs documents.
• Original title of vehicle and/or original registration card.
• Conformity certificate from a European dealer.
• Copy of your driving license.
• Greek or International Insurance.
• Authorization form.
• Declaration form.
• EORI application form.
• EORI declaration form.
• Photocopy of your valid passport.
• Electronic authorization.
• If using a Certificate of Repatriation: all related documents as required for personal effects, and the car must have been under your ownership for at least 6 months prior to the certificate's issuance.

Good to know

• Motorbikes must have a chassis number of at least seventeen digits.
• Vehicles must meet the latest European manufacturing standards to obtain Greek plates.
• Importation options:
  • As a tourist: Temporary customs clearance allows you to drive with foreign plates for six months. After this, the vehicle must be re-exported or registered in Greece.
  • Payment of taxes/duties: Applicable if not duty-free. The cost depends on the vehicle's engine size (cc), model, type, and gas exhaust measurements.
  • With a Certificate of Repatriation: Tax- and duty-free status, but you will pay for registration fees and other local taxes.
  • As a diplomat: Requires a diplomatic franchise.
• It is highly recommended to contact your destination agent to confirm if your vehicle can be registered in Greece and to determine the potential costs.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are either restricted or completely prohibited from import into Greece.

Prohibited items:

• Guns
• Drugs
• Explosives
• Live plants
• Stuffed animals
• Animal skins
• Ivory
• Items of historical significance (i.e., older than 100 years)

Restricted items:

• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic strength exceeding 22% vol. or undenatured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol. and over: 1 liter.
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% vol.: 2 liters.
• A proportional combination of the above different alcoholic products.
• Additionally, a total of 4 liters of still wine.
• Up to 16 liters of beer.
• Tobacco products are also restricted.

Frequently asked questions

What is an EORI number and do I need one?
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is an EU registration and identification number for businesses and individuals who undertake import or export activities within the EU. You will need to apply for one if you are importing goods from a non-EU country.

How do I legalize my authorization forms?
Authorization forms can be legalized by Greek authorities at any K.E.P. center in Greece, at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad, or online using the platform at relocation123.com (instructions will be provided).

Is my presence required at customs?
For certain duty-free entries, particularly for new residents from non-EU countries utilizing a Certificate of Repatriation, your presence at customs is required. If you cannot be present, alternative arrangements involving legalized authorization and affidavit forms must be made.

What if I'm importing items that are more than 100 years old?
Items of historical significance, generally considered those older than 100 years, are prohibited from import into Greece.

Are there any special requirements for shipments to Crete?
Yes, for shipments arriving at the Port of Heraklion/Crete, you will need to provide a copy of your rental or house ownership contract, verified by the local Greek tax office.

What if my valid passport was issued recently?
If your current valid passport was issued within the last two years, you may also need to provide your old passport as proof of continuous residency for certain duty-free import options.

Need further assistance with your move to Greece? Contact relocation123.com for personalized support and expert advice.

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