International moves are certainly exciting, but they also demand much preparation, paperwork, and research! If you are moving to Greece, read on for customs information and helpful tips on the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods to the Mediterranean!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When moving overseas, there are
documents essential to gain entry and establish permanent residency. When planning your international move to Greece, you should enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to help you gather the paperwork necessary to clear customs and successfully relocate.
When moving to Greece, you will need:
- Passport for Customer and spouse (previous passport if current one is less than two years old)
- Bill of Lading
- Inventory, detailed and consularized by Greek Consulate in country of origin, to be TRANSLATED at destination (must include make, model and serial number of ALL APPLIANCES, the quality, and quantity, square feet, and color of any woven floor covering in the shipment and auto, if any)
- Authorization Form - notarized Greek embassy at origin or any police or KEP center in Greece
- Declaration Form - notarized Greek embassy at origin or any police or KEP center in Greece
- Work / Residence Permit
- T2L Form - original, stamped by Customs at origin
- Letter from owner of goods authorizing Destination Agent to clear shipment
- Certificate of Repatriation (allows a Customer to bring goods into Greece duty-free)
- Certificate of Secondary Residence
- Proof of Residency abroad - utility bills, lease agreement, tax filings
- Housing Contract
- Bank Guarantee
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Greece permanently, you may import both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) under certain conditions:
- You have lived outside of Greece for the previous two years
- You must be present at customs clearance with passport
- If relocating to Greece for work purposes, VAT (value added tax) is payable on all goods if shipments are from non EU countries
- ALL ITEMS brought in must be re-exported, or customs duty will be assessed when leaving
- An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for all imports and exports to clear Customs in the European Union
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Greece, the following items are prohibited for importation:
- Firearms, weapons and ammunitions
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Matches
- Playing cards
- Taxidermy items
- Live plants
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles require special authorization and/or the payments of duties and taxes to clear Greek customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Medicines: personal use only
- Rugs: size, color, quality and quantity subject to duty of 30 percent
- Appliances : only one of each is allowed - make, model and serial number must be on the inventory
- Electronics: subject to duty of 35 percent
- Electrical items : subject to duty of 23 percent
- Computers, fax machines, and furniture: subject to duty of 18 percent
- Antiques: must be at least 100 years old, subject to duty of eight percent
- Hunting Rifles: require a permit from the Ministry of the Interior
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your car with you to Greece, you will needs the services of international vehicle shippers with knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to transport your car for you without mishap. To import your vehicle into Greece, it must meet these conditions:
- Less than four years old
- An odometer reading under 50,000 miles
- Been in owner's possession at least six months
You will need the following documents:
- Driver’s License & Proof of Insurance
- Certificate of Title and Registration
- Vehicle Road License showing that the appropriate road tax has been paid in the country of origin
- Consular Certificate from Origin
- Must be listed on Household Goods Inventory
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is your most precious cargo, so you want to ensure he or she gets through customs without trouble. To successfully cross Greek borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Certificate of Vaccination, including rabies within 30 days of departure
- Health Certificate issues within ten days of departure
- Proof of microchip including microchip number
- Birds are limited to two for entry
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is an intricate process, which is why it is so important to find trustworthy international movers. Before hiring any international moving company, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified for the job and can aid you in the customs process. Being knowledgeable and conducting a thorough background check on any potential company will protect you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reliable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area to aid you in your exciting move to Greece.
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