Moving to Greece from South Africa

Moving from South Africa to Greece trades the stormy beauty of Cape of Good Hope for the tranquil beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is the home of rich Hellenic culture, compelling mythology, and the splendor of the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is popular among both retirees and expats, who are attracted to the island nation’s high standard of living.  

Finding work in Greece is a little more complicated than it may be in other countries, partly because Greece does not have many multinational companies. For this reason, fluency in the Greek language is critical if you want to work in country for a Greek employer. If you are a remote worker or retired, that problem is solved. 

If you are moving from South Africa to Greece, you may want to bring your vehicle or personal goods with you. How can you import a vehicle into the country? Is there a duty on household goods? 

When it comes to importing your belongings to Greece, there are several factors to consider. This guide will give you the basics of what you need to import your personal belongings or vehicle to Greece. As always, you should check with local customs officials for the most current guidance. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

How do I Import Personal Items to Greece?

The first rule of importing goods into Greece is that you must be there personally to receive your goods and clear them through customs. Make sure you contact the relevant authorities prior to finalizing any of your shipping plans, to ensure that you have the most current guidance. 

Here is a partial list of the documentation you will need: 

• Original passports for all parties
• Bill of Lading
• Authorization form that has been notarized at the Greek embassy or KEP center
• Declaration form that has been notarized at the Greek embassy or KEP center
• Work or residence permit
• T2L Form – original, stamped by Customs at origin
• Persons entering from non-EU countries need a Certificate of Repatriation
• Comprehensive Inventory list notarized by a Greek consulate in the country of origin and verified on arrival at the destination.
• Proof of prior residency outside of Greece – could include tax documents or utility bills

How Do I Import a Vehicle to Greece?

You might be surprised to hear that importing a vehicle from South Africa to Greece is less expensive that shipping to other countries. If you decide to go it alone, you will need to submit paperwork to import your vehicle, including:

• Custom Clearance Statement – This declaration must be made by the 15th of the month following the arrival of your vehicle in Greece.
• Import Duty
• VAT (Value-Added Tax)
• Registration Tax (calculated based on the value of the vehicle)

Want a Convenient Way to Import Your Belongings? 

At A-1 Auto Transport, we understand the complex regulations governing international imports. These regulations can be overwhelming for people who don’t specialize in this area. A-1 Auto Transport has an experienced team of international shipping experts ready to make your import or export easy and painless. This will save you time so you can focus on what’s important, like brushing up on your Greek language skills.

If you’re planning to ship a vehicle or household goods from South Africa to Greece, look no further than A-1 Auto Transport. Complete the form at the top of this page to receive a free overseas shipping quote. You can also get in contact with our international shipping specialists or give us a call. Our dedicated team of experts will walk you through your options for overseas vehicle transport and assist you with all the paperwork, helping you achieve a carefree moving experience.