Removals to Greece from the UK
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A move to Greece is a long drive to Italy, an overnight ferry across the Adriatic and, for many, one more ferry to an island. Here is how the route works, what customs asks for since Brexit, and what changes on the way back.
Last updated: October 2026 · 4 min read
Written and fact-checked by the Removly editorial team · How we research prices
How do removals get from the UK to Greece?
By road, then by sea. The lorry crosses the Channel, drives well over 1,500 km through France and Italy, and boards an overnight ferry across the Adriatic. Most removal traffic lands at Patras, on the Peloponnese, or Igoumenitsa, in the north-west.
- Ancona to Patras: about 21 to 23 hours
- Ancona to Igoumenitsa: about 17 to 22 hours
- Bari to Igoumenitsa: about 10 to 12 hours
- Brindisi to Igoumenitsa: about 9 hours
The landing port matters. Igoumenitsa suits Thessaloniki, Ioannina and the north; Patras suits Athens and the Peloponnese. Ask which crossing a quote assumes — it changes the driving at both ends.
Can a removal lorry reach a Greek island?
Most islands, yes — on a conventional ferry with a vehicle deck. Hydrofoils and fast catamarans carry foot passengers only. The Cyclades and Crete are served from Piraeus, the port for Athens, so an island move is a mainland delivery plus one more sailing.
Two ways it gets done. The lorry sails with your goods, or the load transfers on the mainland to a smaller van that suits the island's roads. Village streets are often too narrow for a full-size lorry, so the second is common. Get the island leg itemised in every quote, because it is easy to leave out.
Source: Netferry — Piraeus to the Cyclades
Moving to Greece from the UK: what to sort for your belongings
Customs relief and the relocation certificate
Since Brexit, a move from the UK to Greece crosses the EU customs border. Used household goods still go in free if you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and owned and used the goods for at least six. Clear them within 12 months of moving, and don't lend, hire out or sell them for 12 months after without telling customs.
Greece adds one step: a relocation certificate from the Greek consulate. It is valid for 12 months, and your goods can clear in one load or several. If you are not an EU citizen, customs also asks for a Greek residence permit of at least a year. Alcohol, tobacco, commercial vehicles and trade equipment never qualify.
Sources: AADE — customs exemptions on transfer of residence · Greek consulate in the UK — moving residence to Greece · EU rules (Regulation 1186/2009)
Food, pets and the paperwork that isn't ours
Meat and milk products from Great Britain can't come in with your belongings, so empty the fridge and freezer before packing day. Dogs and cats need a microchip, a rabies jab at least 21 days before travel and an animal health certificate issued in the 10 days before you enter the EU. Our moving with pets guide covers the rest.
Visas and residence are not removals advice. For your right to live in Greece, check GOV.UK's living in Greece guidance and the Greek consulate before you fix dates.
Sources: European Commission — personal imports · GOV.UK — taking your pet to an EU country
Moving from Greece back to the UK
The return leg runs the same ferries the other way, and lorries coming back north often have space to fill — worth asking about a part load if your dates can flex.
Transfer of Residence relief brings household goods into the UK without duty or VAT. You need 12 consecutive months living outside the UK and goods owned for at least six, imported within 12 months of moving back. Apply on a ToR1 form before shipping, and keep the goods for 12 months — no lending, hiring out or selling.
Removals to Greece: FAQs
How do removals get from the UK to Greece?
By road to Italy, then on an overnight ferry across the Adriatic. Lorries usually sail from Ancona or Bari to Patras or Igoumenitsa. Ancona to Patras takes about 21 to 23 hours; Bari or Brindisi to Igoumenitsa is closer to 9 to 12.
Do I pay customs duty on household goods moving to Greece?
Not on qualifying goods. You need to have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and owned and used the goods for at least six. In Greece you also need a relocation certificate from the Greek consulate before customs will grant the exemption.
Can a removal lorry reach a Greek island?
Usually, on a ferry with a vehicle deck — hydrofoils carry foot passengers only. The Cyclades and Crete are served from Piraeus. Ask your mover whether the main lorry sails or whether goods transfer to a smaller van for the island leg.
Can I take my dog or cat to Greece?
Yes. Your pet needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel and an animal health certificate issued in the 10 days before you enter the EU. Greece has no tapeworm rule for dogs.
Can I take British food in my removal to Greece?
Not meat or milk products. Since Brexit, goods containing meat, milk or their products from Great Britain cannot enter the EU in personal belongings. Use up the fridge and freezer before packing day.
How do I move back to the UK from Greece without paying duty?
Claim Transfer of Residence relief on a ToR1 form before shipping. You need 12 consecutive months living outside the UK and goods owned for at least six, imported within 12 months of moving back.