Importing Personal Effects into Greece: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Greece Import Guide (PDF)

Shipper of any nationality moving to Greece by sea from an EU country

• From removal agent:
• T2L (original copy number 4) stamped by customs at origin unless this is done electronically (in which case your removal company just need a copy with bar code) or declared STATUS C on B/L.
• Packing list.
• OBL.
• From customer:
• Authorization / Declaration form.
• Photocopy of valid passport.
• Note: above form is provided by your removal company locally and needs to be legalized by Greek authorities (i.e., any K.E.P. center in Greece) or at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad. Alternative, legalization can be done on-line using https://docs.gov.gr/start/ (relevant instructions will be provided to customer).

• Duty free entry.
• Prohibited items:
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, with an alcoholic strength exceeding 22% vol. or under natured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol. and over: 1 litre or Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, with an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% vol.: 2 litres or a proportional combination of these different products. Additionally, a total of 4 litres of still wine and up to 16 litres of beer.
• Guns
• Drugs
• Explosives
• Live plants
• Stuffed animals
• Animal skins
• Ivory
• Tobacco
• Items of historical significance (i.e., older than 100 years).

• In addition, for shipments arriving to Port of Heraklion/Crete (GR) your removal company needs also copy of rental or Ownership of house contract verified by the local Greek tax office.

Shipper of any nationality moving to Greece from a non-EU country 1st option: Taxes/duties applicable

• From removal agent:
• Packing list, clearly stating all electrical appliances with brands, models and serial numbers (or a separate list with info provided).
• OBL / AWB / CMR.
• From customer:
• Authorization form.
• Declaration from.
• EORI application form.
• EORI declaration form.
• Photocopy of valid passport.
• Greek Vat number & Tax office where registered
• Electronic authorization (related instructions are provided).
• According to new customs procedures it is mandatory that authorization is done also online.
• Above form is provided by destination agent locally and needs to be legalized by Greek authorities (i.e., any K.E.P. center in Greece) or at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad. Alternative, legalization can be done on-line using https://docs.gov.gr/start/ (relevant instructions will be provided to customer).

• Taxes/duties applicable.
• Prohibited items:
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, with an alcoholic strength exceeding 22% vol. or under natured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol and over: 1 liter or Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, with an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% vol.: 2 liters or a proportional combination of these different products. Additionally, a total of 4 liters of still wine and up to 16 liters of beer.
• Guns.
• Drugs.
• Explosives.
• Live plants.
• Stuffed animals.
• Animal skins.
• Ivory.
• Tobacco.
• Items of historical significance (i.e., older than 100 years).

• Unless customer is working for a company who services a particular duty-free status (i.e., contract with Greek Government).

2nd option: Tax- & duty-free entry

• From removal agent:
• Packing list, clearly stating all electrical appliances with brands, models and serial numbers (or a separate list with info
• provided).
• OBL / AWB / CMR.
• From customer:
• Original Certificate of repatriation.
• Original passports (old & valid)
• of whomever is mentioned in the certificate of repatriation.
• Proof that customer has been living in the country of origin for the last two continuous years (e.g., last two years’ tax returns or any other proof of continuous residency).
• Customer’s Greek VAT no. (A.F.M.) & name of tax office where registered in Greece (D.O.Y.).
• Copy of work/residence permit or house purchase/rental contract in case customer is not Greek national.
• Authorization form.
• Declaration from.
• EORI application form.
• EORI declaration form.
• Electronic authorization (related instructions are provided).
• It is mandatory that authorization is done also online.
• Above form is provided by destination agent locally and needs to be legalized by Greek authorities (i.e., any K.E.P. center in Greece) or at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad.
• Alternative, legalization can be done on-line using https://docs.gov.gr/start/ (relevant instructions will be provided to customer).

• Duty free entry with certificate of repatriation.
• If customer is entitled to a “certificate of
• repatriation for primary residency” then he must apply for this at the Greek Embassy / Consulate at origin at least one month prior to shipment’s exportation.
• Prohibited items:
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, with an alcoholic strength exceeding 22% vol. or under-natured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol and over: 1 liter or Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, with an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% vol.: 2 liters or a proportional combination of these different products. Additionally, a total of 4 liters of still wine and up to 16 liters of beer.
• Guns.
• Drugs.
• Explosives.
• Live plants.
• Stuffed animals.
• Animal skins.
• Ivory.
• Tobacco.
• Items of historical significance (i.e., older than 100 years).

• Consignee must have lived abroad for at least the last two years (continuously).
• Consignee’s presence at customs is required.
• Otherwise, customer must prepare authorization & affidavit forms with legalization of signature from Greek authorities.
• It is advisable to contact your Greek agent as regulations & requirements can change without prior notice.
• Old passport Is required in case the valid one is issued within the last 2 years.

Shipper of any nationality returning to Greece from a non-EU country within 18 months of original exportation

• From agent:
• Packing list.
• OBL / AWB / CMR.
• From customer:
• The re-importation license or customs proof of export declaration document obtained from the Exporting Moving Company (provided the same items have been exported within the last 18 months).
• Inventory list of exported items (normally attached to Customs declaration document).
• Authorization form.
• Declaration from.
• EORI application form.
• EORI declaration form.
• Electronic authorization (related instructions are provided).
• According to new customs procedures it is mandatory that authorization is done also online.
• Above form is provided by destination agent locally and needs to be legalized by Greek authorities (i.e., any K.E.P. centre in Greece) or at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad. Alternative, legalization can be done on-line using https://docs.gov.gr/start/ (relevant instructions will be provided to customer).

• Duty Free entry with re-importation license.
• Prohibited items:
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, with an alcoholic strength exceeding 22% vol. or under-natured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol and over: 1 liter or Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, with an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% vol.: 2 liters or a proportional combination of these different products. Additionally, a total of 4 liters of still wine and up to 16 liters of beer.
• Guns.
• Drugs.
• Explosives.
• Live plants.
• Stuffed animals.
• Animal skins.
• Ivory.
• Tobacco.
• Items of historical significance (i.e., older than 100 years).

• If client is importing more items than what was exported, he will be liable for duties and taxes ONLY on the additional items.

Diplomats moving to Greece from a Non-EU country

• From removal agent:
• Packing list, clearly stating all electrical appliances with brands, models, and serial numbers (or a separate list with info provided).
• OBL / AWB / CMR.
• From customer:
• Original Diplomatic Franchise from Embassy at destination.
• Copy of Diplomatic passport / ID.
• Letter from Embassy certifying diplomat’s commencement of employment.
• Authorization form:
• Provided by destination agent locally.
• Should be stamped & signed by the Embassy.

• Temporary duty-free entry – with validity until termination of diplomat’s employment.
• Prohibited items: same as above.

• Embassy Franchise basis.

Cars & motorbikes

• From removal agent:
• OBL / CMR / AWB.
• Export customs documents.
• From customer:
• Original title of vehicle and / or
• Original registration card
• Conformity certificate from European dealer
• Copy of driving license
• Greek or International Insurance
• Authorization form
• Declaration from
• EORI application form
• EORI declaration form
• Photocopy of passport (valid)
• Electronic authorization:
• According to new customs procedures it is mandatory that authorization is done online.
• Above form is provided by destination agent locally and needs to be legalized by Greek authorities (i.e., any K.E.P. centre in Greece) or at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad. Alternative, legalization can be done on-line using https://docs.gov.gr/start/ (relevant instructions will be provided

• Importation options:
• As a tourist: Temporary customs clearance. Customer can drive vehicle in Greece with foreign plates for six months. After that period vehicle has to be reexported or registered in Greece and get Greek plates
• Payment of taxes/duties when applicable the amount depends on vehicle’s cc, model, type, and gas exhaust measurements etc.
• Certificate of repatriation: Tax- & dutyfree status. Customer will pay for registration fees and any other local tax fee.
• As a diplomat: diplomatic franchise required.

• Regarding motorbikes, their chassis has to have at least seventeen (17) digits.
• Either car or motorbike has to be under the latest European manufacturing standards (to get Greek plates.
• It is highly recommended to contact the destination agent to determine first of all if vehicle can be registered into Greece and if so, what the cost would be.

Exporting Personal Effects from Greece: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Greece Export Guide (PDF)

Household goods / Personal Effects - Private person

• Photocopy of valid passport
• Authorization / Declaration form (Original)
• Note: subject form is provided by local agent and needs to be legalized by Greek authorities (i.e., K.E.P. office in Greece). Alternatively, this can be done at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad.

• Not Applicable

• Prohibited Items: guns, drugs, explosives, live plants, stuffed animals, animal skins, ivory, tobacco, items of historical significance (i.e., older than 100 years).
• Items subject to restrictions fauna and flora and cultural property.
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, food items, sealed only, in limited quantities.

Household goods / Personal Effects - Diplomats

• Photocopy of valid passport
• Authorization / Declaration form (Original)
• Note: subject form is provided by local agent and needs to be legalized by the diplomat’s Post (i.e., Embassy or Consulate).

• Not Applicable

• Prohibited Items: guns, drugs, explosives, live plants, stuffed animals, animal skins, ivory, tobacco, items of historical significance (i.e., older than 100 years).
• Items subject to restrictions fauna and flora and cultural property.
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages, food items, sealed only, in limited quantities.

Car / Motorcycle - Private person

• Photocopy of valid passport
• Photocopy of Car registration card or certificate of title, back and front
• Photocopy of Road taxes receipt
• Photocopy of Insurance
• Authorization / Declaration form (Original)
• Note: subject form is provided by local agent and needs to be legalized by Greek authorities (i.e., K.E.P. office in Greece).
• Alternatively, this can be done at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad.

• Not Applicable

• The fuel indicator should be at the “Empty” level spot.
• Battery poles should NOT be connected.
• The vehicle should not have items not related to the vehicle (e.g., boxes, suitcases personal effects etc.).

Car / Motorcycle - Diplomats

• Photocopy of valid passport
• Photocopy of Car registration card or certificate of title, back and front
• Authorization / Declaration form (Original)
• Note: subject form needs to be legalized by Greek authorities (i.e., K.E.P. office in Greece). Alternatively, this can be done at any Greek Embassy/Consulate abroad.
• Valid (not expired) Customs booklet (DEPE/DEX) or Classification Certificate.

• Not Applicable

• The fuel indicator should be at the “Empty” level spot.
• Battery poles should NOT be connected.
• The vehicle should not have items not related to the vehicle (e.g., boxes, suitcases personal effects etc.).

Greece Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Greece Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport for owner of goods and each accompanying family member
• Original passport issued within the 2 years preceding entry (if entering from a non-EU country); if passport is older, the previous passport must also be presented
• Copy of detailed packing list (in English and Greek recommended)
• Original bill of lading (OBL), or copy if express release / CMR / air waybill (AWB)
• Original T2L form (page 4), if applicable (for intra-EU shipments demonstrating EU-origin status of goods)
• Certificate of repatriation issued by a Greek embassy or consulate in the country of departure (for persons entering from non-EU countries requesting duty-free entry)
• Owner's Greek VAT identification number (AFM), obtained at the local tax office (DOY) nearest to new residence
• EORI number application/declaration form (required for non-EU origin shipments only)
• Authorization form / declaration form (contact destination agent for specific forms required)
• Proof of prior foreign residence (utility bills, tax returns, rental receipts, etc.)

• Valid passport (copy)
• Residence permit issued by Greek authorities
• Copy of detailed packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL), CMR, or air waybill (AWB)
• Greek VAT identification number (AFM)
• EORI number application/declaration form (if entering from a non-EU country)
• Proof of employment or residence purpose in Greece
• Authorization form / declaration form

• Copy of diplomatic passport
• Diplomatic franchise (issued by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• T1 form (transit document)
• Letter from the embassy confirming the diplomat's employment, including start and end dates

Specific Information

Intra-EU shipments: Household goods moving between EU member states are generally not subject to customs duties or VAT. A T2L form (proving EU community status of the goods) may be required.

Customs clearance options (non-EU): Shipments arriving from non-EU countries have three clearance options: (1) duty-free entry with certificate of repatriation, (2) payment of duties and taxes at applicable rates, or (3) diplomatic clearance.

Owner presence required: The owner of the goods must be present for customs clearance at the port of Piraeus (for sea shipments) or at the relevant customs office. An authorization form and affidavit form may be required if the owner cannot attend; contact the destination agent for details.

EORI number: An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for all customs declarations involving non-EU goods. The destination agent can assist with the application.

VAT registration: The owner must obtain a Greek VAT identification number (AFM/TIN) at the nearest tax office (DOY) before customs clearance can proceed.

ISPM 15: All wood packaging materials (pallets, crates, dunnage) used in international shipments must comply with ISPM 15 standards (heat-treated or fumigated and marked accordingly). This applies to all shipments entering the EU.

Resale/disposal restriction: Goods imported duty-free under a certificate of repatriation may not be sold, lent, pledged, rented, or otherwise disposed of for a period of 12 months from the date of customs clearance without prior notification to customs and payment of applicable duties and taxes.

Duty rates on non-exempt goods: If the owner does not qualify for duty-free entry, duties are assessed on the customs value of goods at the following approximate rates:

• Electrical items: 23%
• Electronic items: 35%
• Furniture: 18%
• Carpets: 30%
• Computers and fax machines: 18%
• Antiques (over 100 years): 8%

Pre-arrival import exception: Shipments may arrive before the owner under certain circumstances, but a bank guarantee or deposit equivalent to the duties and taxes may be required until the owner arrives and completes clearance formalities.

Owners of goods from non-EU countries who qualify for duty-free entry should contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate in the country of departure prior to shipping to obtain a certificate of repatriation.

Greece's standard VAT rate is 24%. Actual duty rates for used household goods within the EU Common External Tariff are typically much lower. Confirm current rates with the destination agent.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions (non-EU origin shipments): The owner of the goods must have lived abroad for a continuous period of at least 2 years immediately preceding entry into Greece. During this time, the owner must not have had any financial ties (business interests, tax obligations, or significant assets) in Greece. Proof of foreign residency is required and may include utility bills, tax returns, rental agreements, or similar documentation.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (PROHIBITED)
• Counterfeit goods and pirated materials (PROHIBITED)
• Explosive materials and incendiary devices (PROHIBITED)
• Firearms and ammunition without proper authorization (PERMIT REQUIRED)
• Certain offensive weapons (flick knives, knuckledusters, etc.) (PROHIBITED)
• Products infringing intellectual property rights (PROHIBITED)
• Endangered species and products derived from them without CITES permits (CITES)
• Certain live plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates (RESTRICTED)
• Stuffed animals and taxidermy specimens of protected species (CITES)
• Certain meat, dairy, and animal products from non-EU countries (RESTRICTED)
• Child pornography and obscene materials (PROHIBITED)
• Certain chemical precursors (RESTRICTED)

These are not prohibited per se but are subject to the quantity limits and duty rules described in Section 4 above. Tobacco and alcohol exceeding the duty-free allowances will incur duties and taxes but are not prohibited.

There are no formal limits on goods for personal use when traveling between EU member states. However, customs officials may question quantities exceeding the following indicative thresholds:

Tobacco products:

• 800 cigarettes
• 400 cigarillos
• 200 cigars
• 1 kg smoking tobacco

Alcoholic beverages:

• 10 liters of spirits (over 22% ABV)
• 20 liters of intermediate products (e.g., port, sherry, up to 22% ABV)
• 90 liters of wine (of which no more than 60 liters sparkling)
• 110 liters of beer

Tobacco products (by air/sea):

• 200 cigarettes, OR
• 100 cigarillos, OR
• 50 cigars, OR
• 250 g smoking tobacco
• (Proportional combinations permitted; each category = 100% of allowance)

Alcoholic beverages:

• 1 liter of spirits exceeding 22% ABV, or un-denatured ethyl alcohol over 80% ABV, OR
• 2 liters of alcohol not exceeding 22% ABV
• (Proportional combinations permitted)
• Plus: 4 liters of still wine and 16 liters of beer

Tobacco products (by land, reduced allowance):

• 40 cigarettes, OR
• 20 cigarillos, OR
• 10 cigars, OR
• 50 g smoking tobacco

Alcoholic beverages (by land):

• 0.5 liters of spirits exceeding 22% ABV, OR
• 0.5 liters total of alcohol not exceeding 22% ABV
• (Proportional combinations permitted)

Other goods:

• Goods up to a value of EUR 300 per person (or EUR 430 for air/sea travelers) are duty-free
• Perfumes: 50 g; toilet water: 250 ml

Alcohol within household shipments: Only a small quantity of alcohol may be included in household goods shipments. It must be identified as kitchenware/household items and should be loaded first in the container or truck for easy inspection. Excessive quantities will attract duties.

Hunting weapons: Importation of hunting weapons requires prior authorization from the Greek Ministry of Interior.

Currency: No restrictions on amounts carried when traveling from another EU country. When traveling from outside the EU, amounts of EUR 10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared to customs upon entry.

Protected species products: Fur coats, leather goods, and shoes made from protected animal species require special authorization under CITES regulations.

Food and plant products: Powdered baby milk, special medical food, and children's food may be permitted provided they do not require refrigeration before opening, are in original sealed brand packaging (unless in use), and do not exceed 10 kg if from Croatia, Faroe Islands, Greenland, or Iceland, or 2 kg if from other non-EU countries. Meat, dairy, and plant products from non-EU countries are generally subject to strict phytosanitary controls.

Special Categories

• Specific current duty rates for non-exempt household goods (the 2016 figures are included with caveats)
• Exact current vehicle registration tax rates (these change frequently based on CO2 emissions brackets)
• Whether the rabies titer test 3-month waiting period is currently waived for US-origin pets under Annex II provisions (confirm with destination agent)
• Current processing times for KTEO vehicle inspections

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air, sea, and road shipments.

Inventory requirements: A detailed packing list is required for all shipments. For non-EU origin shipments, the inventory should list all items with descriptions and approximate values. The inventory should be in English; a Greek translation may be requested.

Timing: Shipments should ideally arrive after the owner has entered Greece and obtained the necessary documentation (VAT number, certificate of repatriation, etc.). If the shipment arrives before the owner, a bank guarantee or deposit may be required.

Port of entry: The main port for household goods shipments is Piraeus (Athens). Thessaloniki is also used for northern Greece deliveries. Air shipments typically clear through Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).

Inspection: Greek customs may conduct physical inspections, particularly for non-EU shipments claiming duty-free entry. All items in the shipment should match the declared inventory.

Special territories: The standard Greek customs regime applies throughout mainland Greece and the islands. There are no special autonomous customs territories comparable to the Canary Islands (Spain) or overseas departments (France). However, Mount Athos (Agion Oros) has a unique autonomous status and special entry requirements for persons (not typically relevant to household goods shipments).

Unpredictable expenses: Demurrage, storage fees, and inspection charges can accumulate if documentation is incomplete or the owner is not available for clearance. Port congestion at Piraeus can also cause delays. Budget for potential additional costs and ensure documentation is complete before shipping.