Buying car in Greece as US citizen with Austrian residency

2POSTS

14 hours ago

Hi, my husband and I are looking at buying a house on Crete as a second home. We do not plan to pursue Geek residency, at least not for a few years, so would be staying there for no more than the maximum 90 days at a time allowed. We do want to buy a car in Greece and leave it at the home there while we're away.

We are US citizens with Austrian residency permits, living in Austria for over 20 years. We have Austrian driver's licenses. We would get a Greek tax ID to purchase the home.

Some forums are saying that you must have either EU citizenship or Greek residency to register and insure a car in Greece. Do our Austrian residency and driver's licenses provide an exception? Has anyone dealt with this situation personally or know someone who has? Are there any workarounds?

See also

How to drive in Greece - Guide
Car rental in Greece - Business
Residence permit needed for buying car - 67 Replies
Can British citizens buy a used car in Greece. - 1 Reply
Buying UK car in Greece to drive back - 1 Reply
buying a car privately without change of ownership in Greece - 1 Reply
Buying property in Greece - 25 Replies

SimCityAT Expert

14272POSTS

12 hours ago

While you can technically obtain a Greek tax number (AFM) and buy a car, Greek transport and tax authorities require proof of legal Greek residency (or EU/Greek citizenship) to register a vehicle in your name and get it officially plated.

Greek insurers typically require a Greek residency permit, Greek ID (tautotita), or EU registration card to issue a valid local policy. Driving an uninsured or improperly registered car is illegal and invalidates coverage in an accident.

Have you thought about leasing a car or long-term rent?