Car Shipping to Greece
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Greece is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Greece, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Greek and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Greece
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Greece – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Greece — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Greece– Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT (FPA): 24%, calculated on CIF (cost, insurance, freight)
Cost: $1,300–$6,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Heraklion
Import duty: 10%
Required inspection: Technical Inspection Service (KTEO)
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Greece
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Greece
Our local broker handles all Greek customs paperwork, (FPA) VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in Greece
Your vehicle passes the KTEO technical inspection before registration at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and release.
Greece Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Greece starts around USD $1,300, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Piraeus is the principal Greek port of entry, with additional service available to Thessaloniki, Heraklion and a network of regional and island ports. The estimated transit time is 4–6 weeks, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,300 | Contact for Pricing | Contact for Pricing | Contact for Pricing | |
US West Coast → Piraeus | $2,400 | Contact for Pricing | Contact for Pricing | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Greece Destination Ports
LogisticsWe can ship your vehicle directly to a wide network of Greek ports, with onward inland delivery available across the mainland and islands. Some clients also choose to route via a Northern European port and then onward to Greece.
Ports Served in Greece
Piraeus
Thessaloniki
Volos
Heraklion
Chios
Kavala
Rhodes
Agioi Theodoroi
Bremerhaven
Germany – onward delivery
Rotterdam
Netherlands – onward delivery
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Greek government. Some of these fees could include:
Greece Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
FPA (Fóros Prosthémenes Axías), the Greek equivalent of VAT
Registration tax (telos taxinomisis), based on emissions, engine size and value
Annual road tax (Τέλη κυκλοφορίας / Teli Kykloforias)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
KTEO technical inspection fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Compulsory third-party liability insurance
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing from a non-EU country, you can generally expect to pay a 10% customs duty and a 24% FPA (VAT), both calculated on the CIF value of the vehicle (cost, insurance, freight). The Greek registration tax (telos taxinomisis) is assessed separately based on emissions, engine size and vehicle value, and must be paid before the vehicle can be registered.
Greek Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 24% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Transfer of Residence (Μετοικεσία) | Individuals relocating their normal residence to Greece may be eligible for relief from customs duty and VAT on their personal vehicle, subject to the prior-ownership and use requirements of the Transfer of Residence (Metoikesia) program. Documentation of residence change and prior vehicle ownership is required. |
Returning EU Citizen |
EU citizens (including returning Greek citizens) who have lived outside Greece and are permanently moving back to Greece can typically import their personal vehicle without paying the usual import duty, provided they have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months. |
Non-Greek Permanent Residents | Non-Greek citizens who obtain permanent residence in Greece may import a single vehicle duty-free as part of their personal belongings. |
Temporary Use (Tourists, Students, Fixed-Term Workers, Diplomats) | Tourists may keep their vehicle on non-Greek plates for a maximum of 6 months without paying customs duty, after which the vehicle must be exported or registered in Greece. Longer temporary stays may be available without import duty for students enrolled in higher education in Greece, individuals on fixed-term contracts with the Greek state, teaching staff on fixed-term contracts at higher education institutes, and diplomatic and consular staff. |
Classic / Vintage Vehilces | Classic vehicles may be subject to different registration tax treatment. Eligibility should be confirmed with the Greek customs and tax authorities before shipping. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Greece.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Greece, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Greece.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with EU emissions standards. Imported vehicles must generally meet the Euro 6 emission standard or later.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with EU safety and technical standards as set by the Greek government and the European Union.
- If your vehicle does not conform to safety or emissions standards, it may face penalty fees or require modifications to comply.
- New vehicles can be imported but generally attract higher import taxes and registration fees than used vehicles.
- Your vehicle may be exempt from some requirements if it qualifies for classic/vintage status.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Greece:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Greek authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM)
Upon arrival in Greece, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to Greek Customs
(Ανεξάρτητη Αρχή Δημοσίων Εσόδων / AADE)
Customs Clearance Certificate
confirming payment of duty, FPA and registration tax
KTEO Technical Inspection Report
Proof of valid Greek insurance (third-party liability)
Passport, driver's license and/or Residence Permit (with Greek translation if foreign-language)
Original Car Title Certificate and Registration Certificate
Vehicle Registration in Greece (Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Greece must be registered before they can be legally driven on public roads. The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay duty, FPA and registration tax → obtain the Customs Clearance Certificate → pass the KTEO technical inspection → arrange Greek insurance → register at the local Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport office and receive Greek plates.
The KTEO inspection checks that the vehicle complies with Greek and EU safety and environmental regulations. On passing, you’ll receive a valid inspection certificate, which is required for registration.
If your vehicle requires any modifications to meet Greek standards, such as lighting or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before the KTEO inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
The registration fee depends on the vehicle’s purchase price, age, model and mileage. Older vehicles can attract higher registration tax due to CO₂ emissions, while electric and hybrid vehicles are often eligible for exemption or a reduction in registration fees.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Greece, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Greece Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Greece.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Greece?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
How long can I drive in Greece on foreign plates?
Tourists can typically drive in Greece on non-Greek plates for up to 6 months. After that, the vehicle must either be exported or registered with the Greek authorities. Longer temporary use is possible under certain exemptions (students, fixed-term contracts, diplomats).
What is the KTEO inspection?
KTEO (the Greek Technical Inspection Service) carries out the mandatory roadworthiness and emissions inspection for vehicles in Greece. An imported vehicle must pass a KTEO inspection before it can be registered for road use. Inspections check braking, steering, lighting, emissions, and overall safety.
What is the Transfer of Residence (Metoikesia) program?
Metoikesia is a Greek customs relief program for individuals relocating their normal place of residence to Greece. Eligible applicants can typically import their personal vehicle without paying the usual customs duty, subject to prior-ownership requirements and conditions on resale.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.