Removals to Greece from the UK
Most UK to Greece removals travel by road through France and Italy and then cross the Adriatic by ferry to Patras or Igoumenitsa, around 2,000 miles to Athens in all. The mainland is straightforward. The islands are where costs and timings stretch, because every island delivery adds another ferry and often a smaller vehicle for the last mile.
How Much Do Removals to Greece Cost?
| Home size | Shared load | Dedicated vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | £2,300 – £2,900 | £3,700 – £4,900 |
| 2-bed | £3,200 – £4,100 | £5,500 – £7,200 |
| 3-bed | £4,500 – £5,700 | £7,900 – £10,300 |
| 4+ bed | £5,700 – £7,300 | £10,400 – £13,600 |
These are door-to-door ranges to mainland Greece, including the UK export and EU import paperwork. Island deliveries cost more. Calculate the cost of moving to Greece for a figure based on your own volume.
How Long Does It Take?
| Destination | Dedicated | Shared load |
|---|---|---|
| Athens and Attica | 5 – 7 days | 2 – 5 weeks |
| Thessaloniki and the north | 5 – 7 days | 2 – 5 weeks |
| Crete, Corfu and other islands | 6 – 10 days | 3 – 6 weeks |
Moving to a Greek Island
Ask every remover how they handle your island specifically. Some deliver direct on the ferry, while others hand the load to a local partner on arrival, and that transfer is where delays and extra charges tend to appear. Villages and old towns often have steep, narrow lanes a full-size removal truck cannot use, so confirm whether a shuttle vehicle is included in the price.
Customs and Paperwork After Brexit
A UK to Greece move is an import into the EU. Used household goods are normally free of duty and Greek VAT under transfer-of-residence relief, provided you are genuinely moving your home to Greece and have owned and used the goods for at least six months.
You will need a detailed valued inventory, your passport, proof of your Greek address and evidence of your residence status. Customs clearance on arrival usually runs through an agent appointed by your remover.
The AFM Tax Number
The AFM (Arithmós Forologikoú Mitróou) is the Greek tax number, and you will need one before almost anything else: signing a lease, connecting utilities, opening a bank account or buying a car. Arrange it early, through the local tax office or a Greek accountant.
Residence for UK Nationals
UK nationals arriving now are third-country nationals. Common routes include the financially independent person visa and the digital nomad visa. If you were already living in Greece before 2021, your rights are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement. Check the current requirements with the Greek consulate before you book.
Vehicles and Practicalities
Vehicles: Greece drives on the right, so a UK car is harder to live with and to sell. Importing one involves registration tax based on the car's value and emissions, so get a figure before shipping it.
Pets: Dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Next Steps
Price your move with the European moving cost calculator, then read the European removals guide for how groupage, customs and transit work across the continent.