Car Shipping From UK to Piraeus, Greece | Via RORO and Container Services

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Piraeus, Greece via RoRo and dedicated container, with approximately 14–15 days sea transit and three sailings per month. RoRo starts from £790 for a standard small car. Most UK-origin vehicles qualify for 0% customs duty under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement — but Greek VAT (24%) and the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) still apply unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) exemption. All imported vehicles must pass a KTEO technical inspection before Greek registration. Ship Cars Ltd handles all UK export documentation.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Piraeus?

What Are the Sea Freight Prices for UK to Greece?

Ship Cars Ltd offers competitive pricing for shipping to Piraeus with three sailings per month and approximately 14–15 days sea transit from the UK departure port.

Indicative RoRo sea freight prices:

Prices cover UK port to Piraeus sea freight only. Container pricing is available on request. Greek import duty, VAT (24%), Special Consumption Tax, KTEO inspection, and customs broker fees are all payable separately in Greece.

What Is Included in the Ship Cars Ltd Quote?

When you book with Ship Cars Ltd, your quote includes:

• UK origin port charges — all UK handling and documentation fees at the departure port
• Ocean freight — sea voyage to Piraeus
• Core UK documentation — export declaration and Bill of Lading managed on your behalf

Optional add-ons:

• UK vehicle collection — by transporter or trade plate driver from your UK address (see collection section)
• Marine insurance — comprehensive transit cover for the voyage (see insurance section)

How Long Does Car Shipping from the UK to Piraeus Take?

Sea transit from the UK to Piraeus takes approximately 14–15 days — one of the shortest transit times in the project, given Greece’s Mediterranean location. Sailings operate three times per month. Including UK collection, Greek customs clearance, and KTEO inspection after arrival, allow 4–6 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being road-legal in Greece.

Do I Pay Import Duty When Shipping a Car from the UK to Greece?

What Is the 0% Duty Rate Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement?

This is the most important tax fact for anyone shipping a UK car to Greece — and one that surprises most buyers.

Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), most UK-origin vehicles qualify for 0% customs duty when imported into Greece, provided UK origin is evidenced by the V5C logbook. This means the standard EU customs duty rate (typically 6.5% for passenger cars) does not apply to the majority of UK car exports to Greece.

The exception: vehicles that cannot evidence UK or EU origin are subject to the standard EU duty rate of typically 6.5% of the CIF value. Confirm the applicable rate with a licensed Greek customs broker (τελωνειακός πράκτορας) based on your specific vehicle’s origin before shipping.

Source: Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) — aade.gr

What Greek VAT (ΦΠΑ) Applies to Imported Vehicles?

Even where customs duty is 0%, Greek VAT (ΦΠΑ) at 24% applies to the vehicle’s CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). This is the standard Greek VAT rate applied to imported vehicles.

A full VAT exemption is available under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme for qualifying individuals permanently relocating to Greece — see the ToR section below.

What Is the Special Consumption Tax (SCT / Τέλος Ταξινόμησης)?

The Special Consumption Tax (SCT) — known in Greek as Τέλος Ταξινόμησης — is typically the largest tax on imported vehicles in Greece and the one most buyers underestimate.

SCT is calculated on the vehicle’s Greek tax value based on:

• CO2 emissions — the primary factor under the current schedule
• Engine displacement — secondary factor

SCT rates range from 0% for very low-emission vehicles to over 20% for high-displacement, high-emission cars. For most standard petrol cars, SCT represents the majority of the total tax burden at registration.

Before committing to ship, calculate your SCT using the AADE online calculator at aade.gr. Enter your vehicle’s CO2 emissions and engine size to get a precise SCT figure for your specific car.

A full SCT exemption is available under the ToR scheme for qualifying relocators.

Who Qualifies for the Transfer of Residence (ToR) Tax Exemption in Greece?

The Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme exempts qualifying individuals permanently relocating to Greece from all three vehicle taxes — customs duty, VAT (24%), and Special Consumption Tax. For a premium vehicle, this exemption can save tens of thousands of pounds.

What Are the ToR Eligibility Criteria for Greece?

To qualify for the Greek ToR vehicle exemption, all of the following conditions must be met:

• You must be permanently moving to Greece — not relocating temporarily
• You must have lived outside Greece for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before your move
• You must have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before your relocation date
• The vehicle must arrive in Greece within 12 months of your own arrival in the country
• Only one vehicle per person qualifies for ToR exemption
• A Customs Declaration and ToR Authorisation must be submitted to and approved by AADE

How Do I Apply for Greek ToR?

Applications are made through the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) at aade.gr. The ToR authorisation must be obtained before the vehicle is shipped — it cannot be applied retrospectively on arrival.

Engaging a licensed Greek customs broker (τελωνειακός πράκτορας) to manage the ToR application and customs clearance in Piraeus is strongly recommended.

What Shipping Methods Are Available from the UK to Piraeus?

What Is RoRo Shipping to Greece and How Does It Work?

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is the most cost-effective method for standard operational vehicles. Your car is driven directly onto a specialist car carrier vessel at the UK port and driven off on arrival at Piraeus. Sailings run three times per month with 14–15 days transit.

RoRo starts from £790 for a standard small car and from £890 for a large car.

RoRo requirements and restrictions:

• Vehicle must be fully operational and driveable
• No personal belongings permitted inside the vehicle
• Fuel tank must be nearly empty — quarter-tank or below
• Full electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are not permitted on RoRo services — these must travel by container

What Is Container Shipping to Greece and When Should I Use It?

Container shipping loads your vehicle into a dedicated sole-use container (FCL) for the highest level of security and protection. It is the right choice for:

• Non-running vehicles
• Classic or luxury cars requiring maximum protection
• Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (a hazard surcharge of £295 applies for EVs)
• Motorcycle shipping alongside a car, or situations where personal effects are shipped in the same container

Personal effects are permitted in a dedicated container (not shared containers), provided all items are declared and comply with Greek customs import regulations. Heavy items must be secured and not placed on seats.

Container pricing is available on request — contact Ship Cars Ltd for a tailored quote.

Can I Ship an Electric or Hybrid Car to Greece via RoRo?

Full electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles cannot travel by RoRo due to maritime battery safety regulations. They must be shipped by dedicated container only, with an EV hazard surcharge of approximately £295 applying to electric vehicles.

Non-plug-in mild hybrid vehicles may be eligible for RoRo — confirm with Ship Cars Ltd before booking, as this depends on the specific vehicle’s battery classification.

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle the UK Process?

Once your booking is confirmed, Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process:

• Vehicle collection: by transporter (all vehicle types) or trade plate driver (operational vehicles with valid MOT), or self-delivery to the UK departure port
• Pre-shipment condition report: documented inspection — provided free of charge when we collect, or £35 if self-delivered; mandatory for comprehensive marine insurance cover
• UK export customs declaration: managed by Ship Cars Ltd on your behalf
• Bill of Lading: issued before your vehicle sails

On the Greek side, a licensed customs broker (τελωνειακός πράκτορας) in Piraeus should manage customs clearance, duty/tax payment, and ToR application if applicable.

What Is the KTEO Inspection and Does My UK Car Need It?

What Is KTEO?

KTEO (Κέντρο Τεχνικού Ελέγχου Οχημάτων) is Greece’s mandatory vehicle technical inspection — equivalent in concept to the UK MOT. All imported vehicles must pass a KTEO inspection before they can be registered for road use in Greece.

The KTEO inspection takes place after customs clearance at Piraeus — it is a registration requirement, not a pre-shipment requirement. KTEO centres are found across Greece and can be booked after your vehicle is released from port.

Most UK-spec vehicles pass KTEO without significant modifications. However, one adjustment is consistently required:

• Headlights must be adjusted or beam deflectors fitted — UK headlights are configured to dip to the left (for left-hand traffic); on Greek right-hand roads, this creates glare for oncoming drivers. Fit beam deflectors (widely available at petrol stations and auto parts shops) or have the headlights adjusted before the KTEO test.

No steering conversion is required — RHD UK cars are fully road-legal in Greece.

Can I Ship a Right-Hand Drive UK Car to Greece?

Yes — UK right-hand drive cars are fully road-legal in Greece.

Greece drives on the right, and UK RHD vehicles are fully eligible for registration without any steering conversion. After customs clearance, you will need to:

• Adjust headlights or fit beam deflectors before the mandatory KTEO inspection — this is a straightforward and inexpensive step
• Pass the KTEO technical inspection
• Register the vehicle with the local Greek transport authority

No other modifications are required for a standard UK-spec vehicle.

What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Greece?

What UK Export Documents Are Required?

Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export customs declaration on your behalf. Standard documents required before sailing:

• V5C logbook (original) — proof of UK registration and ownership; do not leave in the vehicle
• Proof of ownership — Bill of Sale or invoice if recently purchased
• Passport copy — identification of vehicle owner
• Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old
• ToR Authorisation — if applicable; must be pre-approved by AADE before the vehicle is shipped
• Completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form

What Documents Are Required at Piraeus Port?

Your appointed Greek customs broker will require the following:

• Original Bill of Lading — primary shipping document
• Customs Declaration — specific to Greek import requirements
• Proof of ownership — original V5C and Bill of Sale
• Commercial Invoice — showing the declared vehicle value
• Proof of Insurance — valid for Greece
• Passport — identification of the vehicle owner
• ToR Authorisation — if claiming duty/tax exemption
• Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) — for temporary imports
• KTEO Certificate — issued after passing the Greek technical inspection; required for final registration

What Items Are Prohibited or Restricted?

• Hazardous materials — flammable, explosive, corrosive, or toxic substances
• Illegal items — drugs, unlicensed firearms, counterfeit goods
• Perishable goods — foodstuffs, plants, or organic materials that could pose biosecurity risks
• Personal belongings on RoRo: strictly forbidden — the vehicle must be completely empty
• Personal effects in dedicated containers: permitted if fully declared and compliant with Greek customs rules; heavy items must be secured and not placed on seats; prohibited items still apply
• Personal effects in shared containers: generally not permitted
• Fuel: tank must be nearly empty — quarter-tank or below
• Vehicle condition for RoRo: must be fully operational; non-running vehicles require container shipping

What Insurance Is Available for Car Shipping to Greece?

Ship Cars Ltd offers two levels of marine transit insurance:

Eligibility: Vehicle must be no older than 10 years for either cover.

Condition report: Mandatory for comprehensive cover — provided free of charge when Ship Cars Ltd collects, or £35 if self-delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Piraeus, Greece

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Piraeus?

RoRo shipping starts from £790 for a standard small car and £890 for a large car (UK port to Piraeus port only). Greek import duty, VAT (24%), Special Consumption Tax (SCT), KTEO inspection, and customs broker fees are payable separately in Greece. Container pricing is available on request. Get a free instant quote here.

Do I pay import duty when shipping a car from the UK to Greece?

No — for most UK-origin vehicles. Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, most UK-origin vehicles qualify for 0% customs duty when imported into Greece, provided UK origin is evidenced by the V5C logbook. The standard EU rate (typically 6.5%) applies only to vehicles that cannot prove UK or EU origin. Confirm with a Greek customs broker for your specific vehicle. Source: AADE — aade.gr

What is the Greek Special Consumption Tax (SCT)?

The SCT (Τέλος Ταξινόμησης) is typically the largest vehicle tax in Greece, calculated on CO2 emissions and engine size. Rates range from 0% for very low-emission vehicles to over 20% for high-displacement, high-emission cars. Calculate your specific SCT before committing to ship using the AADE online calculator at aade.gr.

Who qualifies for the Transfer of Residence (ToR) tax exemption in Greece?

ToR exempts qualifying individuals from customs duty, VAT (24%), and SCT — covering all major vehicle taxes. To qualify: permanently relocating to Greece, lived outside Greece for at least 12 consecutive months, owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months, vehicle arrives within 12 months of your own arrival, and one vehicle per person. Apply through AADE (aade.gr) before shipping — ToR cannot be applied retrospectively.

What KTEO inspection does my car need?

All imported vehicles must pass a KTEO technical inspection — Greece’s MOT equivalent — before registration. This takes place after customs clearance at Piraeus. Most UK-spec vehicles pass without modification. Headlights must be adjusted or beam deflectors fitted before the test. KTEO centres are located across Greece.

Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Greece?

Yes. UK right-hand drive cars are fully road-legal in Greece without steering conversion. Headlights must be adjusted or beam deflectors fitted. No other modification is required.

Can I ship an electric or hybrid car to Greece via RoRo?

No — full electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles must travel by dedicated container only due to battery safety regulations. An EV hazard surcharge of approximately £295 applies. Non-plug-in mild hybrids may be eligible for RoRo — confirm with Ship Cars Ltd before booking.

What documents do I need to ship my car to Piraeus?

UK side: original V5C, passport copy, proof of address (under 3 months old), proof of ownership, ToR Authorisation (if applicable), Ship Cars Ltd booking confirmation. Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export declaration. Piraeus customs: original Bill of Lading, V5C, commercial invoice, marine insurance certificate, passport, ToR Authorisation (if applicable), Temporary Importation Permit (if importing temporarily), KTEO Certificate (after inspection, for final registration). A licensed Greek customs broker (τελωνειακός πράκτορας) is strongly recommended for clearance at Piraeus.

Information correct as of October 2026. Greek VAT, Special Consumption Tax rates, and Transfer of Residence eligibility criteria are subject to change. Verify current figures with the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) at aade.gr before shipping.

Further reading before you ship:

• RoRo shipping explained
• Container shipping explained
• Classic car shipping services
• How to prepare your car for shipping
• How to avoid damage during international shipping

We also provide car shipping to:

• Car Shipping to Italy  
• Car Shipping to Malta  
• Car Shipping to Cyprus

Related articles