FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 5 - Auswanderung-Griechenland

Q: Do I have to be personally present for all the administrative procedures?

In most cases: No! Unlike opening a bank account, we can handle the entire vehicle registration process at customs (Ektelonismos), the Greek MOT (KTEO), and the Ministry of Transport on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney (Plirexousio). You save yourself endless waiting times at the authorities and spare your nerves.

Q: Is it even worth taking my car with me to Greece?

That depends heavily on your vehicle. With newer cars that have low CO2 emissions, as well as hybrid or electric vehicles, import fees are often moderate, so bringing it along can be worthwhile. With older vehicles (low Euro emissions standard), large engine displacement, or high pollutant emissions, however, the government taxes can be very high. That’s why we check your car’s details in advance, so you don’t get any nasty surprises.

Q: How long can I drive my German-registered car in Greece?

As a tourist, you may drive your vehicle in Greece for up to 6 months (180 days) at a time. However, if you move your main residence to Greece or work here permanently, you must officially import and re-register the vehicle in good time. Warning: If you exceed these deadlines, customs will conduct strict checks, and you face very high fines or even confiscation of your car.

Q: What are the total costs for vehicle processing and re-registration?

The total costs for vehicle import always consist of two parts: 1. Our service fee: For complete coordination, document preparation, and assistance with administrative procedures, we charge a service fee of €400 (plus statutory VAT) . 2. State duties & taxes: Additionally, state fees apply. These include customs duties (registration tax), the costs for the Greek MOT (KTEO), the Greek vehicle tax, and the fees for the new license plates. Important: These state costs are calculated individually for each vehicle and depend significantly on factors such as make, model, year of manufacture, engine capacity, vehicle type (emission class), and purchase price of the vehicle . For this reason, we cannot provide specific flat-rate costs for state duties in advance.

Q: Do I need to be personally present in Greece to open the account?

Yes, Greek banks almost always require you to appear in person at the branch for identification and to sign the opening documents. But don't worry: I will accompany you personally to this appointment. I'll handle the communication with the bank staff, check the documents on-site, and ensure that everything runs smoothly and without any language barriers.