Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Driving in Greece
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Greece drives on the right. The road network includes modern motorways (Αυτοκινητόδρομοι) in major corridors (A1 Athens–Thessaloniki, A2 Egnatia Odos across northern Greece, A8 Athens–Patras) and secondary roads that vary from good to poor quality in rural and island areas. Greek driving culture is assertive — lane discipline and indicator use are inconsistent, and speeds above limits are common. Scooters and motorcycles are extremely common in urban areas and on islands. Road fatality rates remain above the EU average, though improving.
Driving Licence Exchange
EU/EEA driving licences are fully valid in Greece with no exchange required. Non-EU licence holders must exchange to a Greek licence within 1 year of establishing legal residence. The exchange requirements depend on the agreement between Greece and the licence-issuing country.
EU/EEA licences are fully valid throughout their validity period — no exchange required. If your EU licence expires while resident in Greece, renew it at the MTES (Υπουργείο Υποδομών και Μεταφορών) Licence Service with your valid passport/ID and an ophthalmologist certificate (for licence renewal of certain categories). EU licences issued before 2013 in older formats may need updating to the new EU format — check at mtes.gov.gr.
Keep your driving licence valid — an expired EU licence cannot be used even within Greece.
Non-EU licence holders must exchange their foreign licence for a Greek one within 1 year of establishing legal residence (obtaining AMKA and AFM). Required documents: original foreign licence, certified Greek translation (from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Translation Service or certified translator), valid passport, Greek residence permit, recent passport photo (2x), ophthalmologist certificate (Βεβαίωση Οφθαλμιάτρου), and a first aid certificate (if not already held). Apply at the MTES Regional Transport Authority (Περιφερειακή Διεύθυνση Μεταφορών) for your area.
Some countries have bilateral agreements with Greece allowing direct exchange without a test (check mtes.gov.gr for the current list). For licences from countries without an agreement, a theory test (θεωρητική εξέταση) may be required. In rare cases, a practical test is also required. During the 1-year grace period, the foreign licence is valid if accompanied by a certified Greek translation.
USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland
Citizens with licences from certain countries with bilateral agreements may exchange via a simplified direct process without written or practical test. The exact process varies — check the current list at mtes.gov.gr. UK licence holders: after Brexit, UK licences can still be exchanged in Greece under the UK-Greece bilateral arrangement. Present your UK licence, certified translation, passport, Greek residence permit, ophthalmologist certificate.
Even with a bilateral agreement, the exchange must be completed within 1 year of establishing Greek residence.
Road Rules
Motorways (Αυτοκινητόδρομοι): 130 km/h. Highways/main roads outside built-up areas: 90 km/h. Within built-up areas (κατοικημένη περιοχή): 50 km/h. School zones: 30 km/h. Speed cameras operate on major motorways and some urban roads. Police conduct regular speed checks.
0.5 g/L blood alcohol (50 mg/100 mL) for experienced drivers. 0.2 g/L for new drivers (licence held less than 2 years) and professional drivers. 0.2 g/L for motorcycle riders. Roadside breathalyser checks are routine, especially on summer island roads and motorways during public holidays.
Handheld mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Fine: €100–350 + 3 demerit points. Hands-free systems are permitted. Texting while driving: prohibited. Enforcement is active.
Mandatory for all occupants in all seats. Fine for non-use: €350. Children under 12 (or under 135cm tall) must use an approved child restraint in the rear seat.
Children under 12 years and under 135cm must travel in an appropriate child restraint (forward-facing child seat, booster seat). Children under 10 are prohibited from travelling in the front seat. Fine: €350 per unrestrained child.
Athens has a vehicle restriction zone (Δακτύλιος) in the city centre that limits odd/even number plate vehicles on alternating weekdays. Some areas have additional restrictions for heavily polluting vehicles. Electric vehicles are generally exempt. Check the Athens Municipality website for current rules as restrictions are updated.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Traffic fines in Greece are paid to the Hellenic Police or electronically via police.gov.gr. Unpaid fines result in demerit points and can lead to licence suspension. Points are added to a national register. Accumulation of 12+ demerit points triggers licence suspension.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (up to 20 km/h over limit) | €80 | 1 |
| Speeding (21–30 km/h over) | €150 | 2 |
| Speeding (31–50 km/h over) | €300 | 4 |
| Speeding (50+ km/h over) | €700 + licence suspension | 6 |
| Running a red light | €200 | 4 |
| Mobile phone use while driving | €100–350 | 3 |
| Not wearing seatbelt (driver) | €350 | 2 |
| Drink driving (0.5–0.8 g/L) | €200–500 + licence suspension | 6 |
| Driving without licence | €1,500 | — |
| Driving without insurance (TPMA) | €1,000 + vehicle confiscation | — |
| Parking in no-parking zone (Athens) | €80–200 + possible clamp | — |
Buying a Car
The used car market in Greece is significant. New cars carry import duty (for non-EU origin) and luxury taxes. Greek roads favour smaller, fuel-efficient cars in cities; 4x4 vehicles are popular for island and rural use. Electric vehicles are growing in number with government incentive programmes.
- 1.Find the vehicle via xe.gr, car.gr, or autoreto.gr (used car portals) or a dealership.
- 2.Verify ownership and check for outstanding debts/mortgages on the vehicle at the nearest MTES regional office or via the e-Pio portal.
- 3.Arrange an independent mechanical inspection (at a KTEO centre or private mechanic).
- 4.Complete a contract of sale (Ιδιωτικό Συμφωνητικό Αγοραπωλησίας) — notarised for higher-value transactions.
- 5.Pay transfer tax (Τέλος Μεταβίβασης Ιδιοκτησίας ΙΧ): currently 2% of the vehicle's assessed commercial value.
- 6.Register the ownership transfer at the MTES Transport Authority (Υπηρεσία Μεταφορών) with the contract, tax receipt, and both parties' AFM and identity documents.
- 7.Arrange new motor insurance (TPMA mandatory) before driving the vehicle.
- 8.Obtain the new vehicle registration certificate (Άδεια Κυκλοφορίας) from MTES — plates typically transfer with the vehicle in Greece.
- •Check for outstanding fines or debts linked to the vehicle registration number at MTES
- •Verify the KTEO (roadworthiness certificate / ΚΤΕΟ) is valid
- •Request an HPI-equivalent check — MTES e-Pio or EPIMELITIRION records
- •Check for outstanding finance/loans (Βάρη Αυτοκινήτου)
- •Verify the chassis number matches all documents
Transfer tax: 2% of assessed vehicle value. MTES registration fee: €50–150. Insurance: €150–800/year. KTEO inspection (if needed): €50–100. Notary (if used): €100–300.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
All vehicles in Greece must be registered with MTES (Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport). Greek plates remain with the vehicle (not the owner) when sold. Foreign EU-registered vehicles brought by EU residents establishing residency must be re-registered with Greek plates within 6 months of establishing residency (with AFM). Non-EU vehicles: re-registration required; import procedures and duties may apply. Registration service: mtes.gov.gr or regional MTES office.
Third-party liability (TPMA — Τρίτου Προσωπική και Μηδαμινή Ασφάλεια) is mandatory for all vehicles on Greek roads. Fines for no insurance: €1,000 minimum + vehicle confiscation. Insurance certificates must be carried in the vehicle. Comparative sites: hellas-direct.gr and insurancemarket.gr. Annual cost for a standard car: €150–400.
Annual vehicle tax (Τέλη Κυκλοφορίας) is payable by January 31 each year for the following year. Amount depends on engine size, fuel type, age, and CO₂ emissions. Typical range: €140–700/year for private passenger cars. Pay via myAADE or any ATM. Non-payment results in additional penalties and the vehicle cannot legally circulate. Electric vehicles have significantly reduced or zero vehicle tax.
KTEO (Κέντρο Τεχνικού Ελέγχου Οχημάτων) is the mandatory vehicle roadworthiness inspection. Frequency: every 2 years for vehicles under 4 years old; annually for older vehicles; annually for commercial vehicles. Covers: brakes, lights, emissions, tyres, steering. Failure results in a repair requirement followed by re-inspection. KTEO centres are widespread across all cities. Cost: €35–60 per inspection. The KTEO certificate must be carried in the vehicle.
Cycling
Cycling is growing in Greek cities, supported by new infrastructure in Athens (Faliro coastal path, several new dedicated lanes). However, cycling on main roads can be dangerous due to aggressive driving culture. Islands are popular cycling destinations, especially Corfu, Crete's plains, and the Cyclades for mountain biking.
- •Cyclists must use bicycle lanes where they exist.
- •Cycling on pavements/footpaths is prohibited.
- •Lights (front and rear) are mandatory when cycling at night.
- •Helmet is not legally mandatory for adult cyclists but strongly recommended.
- •Road rules apply equally to cyclists — traffic lights, right-of-way, etc.
- •In Athens, use the coastal cycling route (Faliro–Vouliagmeni) or the Kifissos/Ilissos river paths for safe cycling.
- •Carry water — Greek summers are very hot.
- •Electric bikes (e-bikes) are increasingly available for rent on islands — highly recommended for hilly terrain.
- •Lock your bike with a heavy-duty lock — bicycle theft is common in Athens.
- •Cargo bikes and cycle lanes are expanding — check the Athens Bike Share (Athens Bikes — athensbikes.gr) scheme for short-term rentals in the city centre.