The information in this section is for your guidance. The Embassy cannot be held responsible for any errors. The appropriate Greek authorities should be approached for detailed information.
Boats/yachts
Although Norway is a part of the EEA (European Economic Area), and therefore free movement of goods, persons, services and capital within the European Union apply, Norway is also not a part of the EU Taxation and Customs Union, and therefore the rules that apply in this respect are those for non-EU countries.
For the first part (Norway as an EEA country) the Greek Ministry of Merchantile Marine has issued a directive to all Greek ports, informing them about Norway's EEA status, and thus relieving EEA-yacht owners from paying the "reciprocal duty". Authorities at some Greek ports might not be aware about the EFTA/EEA status of Norwegian vessels.
For the second part (Norway as a non-EU country), contrary to what applies to the rest of Europe, non-EU-registered yachts are allowed to travel in Greek waters for only six months each year, without any financial obligations to the Greek State. For the remaining six months the yacht must either be stored at a marina here in Greece, or taken out of the country.
In the first case (yacht stored in Greece), the yacht owner must possess:
1. A proof that he is resident of a country outside the EU (Norway is fine).
2. A certificate from a (private or public) marina that the vessel has been moored there for six months.
This will allow non-EU yachts to remain in Greece indefinitely.
Also, all vessels, including the EU ones, must possess a DEKPA log (Private Pleasure Maritime Traffic Document) issued by the Greek Port Authorities. It costs €30 approximately and it is paid only once for each vessel, regardless of the number of entries into Greek waters.
Cars/motorbikes
Persons that visit Greece, but normally live in another EEA country a minimum of 185 days per year (classified as tourist), can bring a motor vehicle into Greece and use it temporarily for six months without paying customs duties. The vehicle should be driven by its owner and close family only. Proof of permanent residence in an EEA country must be given to the Greek Customs upon entering the country in order to gain this special status.
After the six months the vehicle must either be exported from Greece or stored for the next six months and up to 24 months (in succession or spread out over a year). In the latter case i.e. storage, the owner must present proof in the form of an invoice/receipt of a legitimate storage facility in order to continue having the special duty-free status.
If you plan on staying longer, and are using the vehicle for more than six months per year, you have to re-register the vehicle and pay the corresponding import duties.
For further information, please read the information leaflet from the Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance, General Directorate of Customs and Excise: Information for individuals bringing private passenger cars to Greece
Lost Driving Licence
Statens Vegvesen will provide you with useful information. If you have lost your Norwegian driving licence and are registred as living in Greece, please contact the Embassy.