Cost to import a car from Japan to Greece

Rates & rules last reviewed

Greece has no EU-wide age cap on private car imports, and both left- and right-hand drive vehicles are registerable, so Japanese domestic stock is a realistic option for Greek buyers. Import duty is 0% under the EU-Japan EPA when valid origin proof is supplied, and 24% Greek VAT applies on the imported value. Cars arrive at the Port of Piraeus — one of the largest container and roll-on/roll-off ports in the Mediterranean — and Athens is just minutes away, making delivery particularly efficient for the capital. When you import a car from Japan to Greece, our licensed team manages the auction sourcing, shipping, customs, conformity checks and registration so the process requires nothing from you at the port.

Main ports
  • Piraeus
Import age rule
No age cap, but the registration tax rises for older/dirtier cars: it is a progressive % of the DEPRECIATED Greek retail value, increased for sub-Euro-6 emission classes, plus an environmental fee (€1,000 Euro 5 / €3,000 Euro 4).
Steering
both
Duties & taxes
Greece charges 24% VAT on the import value plus the classification tax (τέλος ταξινόμησης) — a progressive 4-71% scale applied to the car's depreciated Greek retail value, adjusted by CO2 and Euro emission class, plus a €1,000-3,000 environmental fee for sub-Euro-6 cars. Small used cars land in the low bands (a few percent of CIF); a big petrol SUV can add ~28% of CIF or more. Our team confirms the exact tax from the AADE valuation before quoting.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Greece

  1. Choose the car you want

    Tell us your requirements. Greece has no age limit and accepts both steering orientations, so we shortlist freely and confirm that the car will clear Greek conformity and emissions standards.

  2. We source it from Japan's auctions

    Using our licensed USS auction access, our team identifies the right car, reads the auction sheet and grade, and checks the real condition before you commit.

  3. Pre-shipment documentation

    We prepare the Japan-origin proof and export paperwork needed to claim 0% EPA duty at Greek customs.

  4. Ocean shipping to Piraeus

    The car sails to the Port of Piraeus. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking once the vessel is booked.

  5. Customs, VAT and conformity at Piraeus

    Our team handles the customs declaration, pays 24% VAT, completes conformity and roadworthiness checks, and clears the car through the port.

  6. Registration and delivery

    We complete Greek registration formalities and deliver the car from Piraeus to Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion or your location.

Import duties & taxes in Greece explained

Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% when valid origin documentation accompanies the shipment; without it, standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply. On top of duty comes 24% Greek VAT on the imported value. National registration taxes and any emissions-based levies apply separately at the time of first registration — the right figure depends on the specific car's engine and emissions rating. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Greece

  • Honda Fit

    Practical and fuel-efficient with hybrid and petrol options — ideal for Greek urban traffic and a good balance of cabin space and running cost.

    See prices
  • Mazda Demio

    A well-finished compact hatchback with a small engine that keeps registration and fuel costs low — popular across southern Europe.

    See prices
  • Suzuki Swift

    Light and economical with low maintenance demands and easy resale — a sensible first import for budget-conscious buyers.

    See prices
  • Toyota Corolla Axio

    A reliable compact sedan from Japan's domestic range, well-suited to everyday Greek driving and straightforward to register.

    See prices
  • Daihatsu Mira

    Ultra-compact kei car with minimal running costs — easy to park on narrow island streets and very affordable to own.

    See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Greece

  • PiraeusYou are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $100.
  • AthensDelivery from Piraeus to Athens adds roughly $100 for a sedan.
  • PatrasDelivery from Piraeus to Patras adds roughly $190 for a sedan.
  • ThessalonikiDelivery from Piraeus to Thessaloniki adds roughly $260 for a sedan.
  • HeraklionDelivery from Piraeus to Heraklion adds roughly $270 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to Greece?
No — there is no EU-wide age cap for private imports. The car must clear customs and pass conformity, roadworthiness, emissions and local registration requirements before it can be driven in Greece.
Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in Greece?
Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty is 0% with valid Japan-origin proof. You also pay 24% Greek VAT on the imported value, plus national registration charges that vary by the car's engine and emissions.
Can a right-hand-drive Japanese car be registered in Greece?
Yes. Greece accepts both left- and right-hand drive for private imports. A right-hand-drive Japanese car can be registered after conformity and roadworthiness checks — which our team handles.

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