Greece

Customs Formalities for Moving To Greece

Most Customs regimes have several factors in common:

• People moving to an EU country on a transfer of residence basis (i.e. moving their main place of residence from the UK to that EU country for work or personal reasons) are generally permitted to import their household and personal belongings free of duty and tax.
• There is usually a requirement to prove that the person moving has previously resided in the UK for a specified qualifying period, by means of presenting documents such as Council Tax bills, bank statements, utility bills etc.
• There is usually a requirement to prove that permission for residency or employment in the destination country has been granted.
• There is usually a requirement to prove identity by providing a passport copy.
• New items (usually less than 6 months old) may be subject to tax.
• Certain item are usually prohibited e.g. guns, animal skins or products, etc.
• Certain items are usually restricted e.g. alcohol, tobacco etc.

You will need to be able to supply any required information or documentation before the move is packed, to allow us to have it checked by our agent in the destination country for confirmation that everything is in order. This is essential to ensure that there are no delays at the destination border due to missing or incorrect documentation.

For a move to an EU country being made for any reason other than a transfer of residence, then you should ask us to check the specific Customs requirements for your circumstances and this should be done as early in the process as possible. If, for example, your circumstances were such that carrying-out the move would incur a significant duty or tax liability then that may influence your decision to move altogether. It is essential therefore, that such issues are raised as early as possible.

If you are furnishing a holiday or secondary home in an EU country (that is a home other than your main place of residence), then usually you will have to pay duty or tax on the items that you are moving.

Customs regulations and document requirements for Greece & will incur duty and tax:

• Electronic and written authorization to customs broker (agents can provide details to client).
• Declaration that no prohibited items are included.
• Packing List clearly stating all electrical appliances including brands, models and serial numbers. The appliances can be put on separate list if easier.
• Copy of the Photo Page of Passport
• Greek VAT number (A.F.M.) and tax office where registered in Greece (D.O.Y.)
• Affidavit form.

Customs regulations and document requirements for Greece with tax & duty free entry:

• Electronic and written authorization to customs broker (agents can provide details to client).
• Declaration that no prohibited items are included.
• Packing List clearly stating all electrical appliances including brands, models and serial numbers. The appliances can be put on separate list if easier.
• Original Certificate of repatriation.
• Original Passports (old and new) of whomever is mentioned in the certificate of repatriation.
• Proof that customer has been living in the UK for last two continuous years (eg last 2 years tax returns).
• Greek VAT number (A.F.M.) and tax office where registered in Greece (D.O.Y.).
• Copy of work/residence permit or house purchase/rental contract if not Greek national.
• Affidavit form.

Documents required for export clearance out of Greece (for UK bound moves)

• Electronic and written authorization to customs broker.
• Declaration that no prohibited items are included.
• Unique Reference number (URN) via Transfer of residence (TOR) application.(See relevant web page.)
• Packing List.
• Consignment Instructions.
• EU Exit Point.
• Copy of the Photo page of Passport.