Moving from UAE to Greece (2026) | Golden Visa & Shipping Guide

Introduction: From the Burj Khalifa to the Acropolis

Relocating from the UAE to Greece is a dream for many—trading the desert heat for the Mediterranean breeze. Whether you are an investor eyeing the Golden Visa, a retiree seeking the "FIP" lifestyle, or a digital nomad heading to Crete, Greece offers a unique European gateway.

However, 2026 has brought major changes to the immigration landscape. The Golden Visa rules have tightened, and customs procedures for non-EU arrivals remain bureaucratic.

This guide is your roadmap. We break down the new investment tiers, the shipping routes to Piraeus, and the critical paperwork you need to clear customs without paying standard VAT.

🚀 Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)

Visa Tiers: Golden Visa entry is now €800k in Athens/Islands, €400k elsewhere, but remains €250k for the commercial-to-residential route.

Shipping: Sea freight goes to Piraeus (Athens) or Thessaloniki. Transit is 4–6 weeks.

Customs: You MUST get a "Certificate of Repatriation" from the Greek Consulate in the UAE before you fly.

Car Warning: Import taxes are extremely high. Only import a car if you absolutely must.

1. Visas & Residency: The Golden Pathways

Greece offers some of Europe's most attractive residency programs for non-EU citizens, but the "cheap" entry points are now specific.

Option A: The Golden Visa (2026 Rules)

This 5-year renewable residency permit is the gold standard for investors.

Tier 1 (€800,000): Required for properties in Attica (Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with >3,100 inhabitants.
Tier 2 (€400,000): For properties in the rest of Greece (e.g., Peloponnese, smaller islands).
The "Commercial Route" (€250,000): You can still qualify with just €250,000 anywhere in Greece if you:
1. Convert a commercial property (office/factory) to residential.
2. Restore a listed historic building.

⚠️ Tax Note: Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically determine tax residency; taxation depends on days spent in Greece (>183 days) and your center of vital interests.

Option B: Financially Independent Person (FIP)

Best for: Retirees or those with passive income.
Requirement: Prove stable monthly income of €2,000 (plus 20% for spouse, 15% per child).
Restriction: You cannot work locally in Greece.

🇬🇷 Greece Reality Check for UAE Expats

Before you book your container, here is the on-the-ground reality:

Bureaucracy: Unlike the UAE's digital speed, Greece runs on paper and stamps. Processes take time. Patience is your most valuable asset.
Island Logistics: If you are moving to an island (Paros, Crete, Rhodes), your goods will be offloaded in Piraeus and transferred to a ferry. This adds cost and time.
Banking: Opening a bank account is getting easier but still requires a Greek Tax Number (AFM). You usually need a lawyer to set this up before you arrive.
"Siga Siga": The lifestyle is slow. Shops close in the afternoon. Sunday is a rest day. It’s a culture shock after Dubai, but a healthy one.

2. Shipping Your Household Goods

Your belongings will generally travel by sea from Jebel Ali Port (Dubai).

Destination Ports

Piraeus (Athens): The main hub. 90% of shipments enter here. Best for moves to Athens, Peloponnese, and the Islands.
Thessaloniki: Best for moves to Northern Greece.

Sea Freight Options

FCL (Full Container Load): Best for 2+ bedroom homes.
- Transit: 25–35 days port-to-port.
LCL (Shared Container): Best for smaller apartments.
- Transit: 35–45 days.
- Learn more: LCL vs. FCL Shipping Guide

Air Freight

Best for: Urgent boxes.
Airport: Athens International (ATH).
Cost: High (AED 18–25/kg).

💡 Moving Tip: Athens streets are often narrow, with parked cars on both sides. If you are moving to areas like Kypseli, Pagrati, or Plaka, a standard container truck cannot park. You will need a "shuttle service" (smaller van) and an external elevator (lift) to get furniture through balconies.

3. 2026 Moving Costs Breakdown

Rates to the Mediterranean are generally competitive.

Shipment Size	Service Type	Estimated Cost (AED)	Timeframe (Door-to-Door)
Small Move (10-15 CBM)	LCL (Shared)	AED 6,000 – 10,000	6 – 8 Weeks
2-Bed Home	20ft Container	AED 14,000 – 20,000	5 – 7 Weeks
3-4 Bed Villa	40ft Container	AED 24,000 – 30,000	5 – 7 Weeks

Note: These estimates exclude insurance and destination terminal handling charges (DTHC).

4. Customs & Taxes: The "Certificate of Repatriation"

Greece's standard VAT rate is 24%, which applies to imported household goods unless you strictly qualify for the Transfer of Residence (μεταφορά συνήθους κατοικίας) exemption.

The Golden Ticket: "Pistopoiitiko Metegkatastasis"

This is the Certificate of Repatriation. You generally cannot clear customs tax-free without it.

Where to get it: The Greek Consulate in the UAE.
When: Before you leave the UAE.
Requirements: You must prove you lived outside Greece for at least 2 years (using UAE utility bills, tax certificates, or employment letters).

Other Customs Rules

Ownership: Goods must be owned for at least 6 months.
Timeline: You must import goods within 12 months of your arrival.
Prohibited: Meat, dairy, and plants are strictly regulated.

5. The Car Import Trap

We strongly advise against shipping your car from the UAE to Greece.

The Registration Tax: This is the killer. It is calculated based on the vehicle's value and CO2 emissions. For a typical UAE SUV, this can exceed 50% of the car's value.
VAT: You may be liable for 24% VAT unless you strictly qualify for exemption.
Bureaucracy: The process of "homologation" (proving your car meets EU standards) is slow and expensive for non-EU spec cars.

Recommendation: Sell your car in the UAE and buy a vehicle in Greece.

6. Common Mistakes When Moving to Greece

Forgetting the AFM (Tax Number): You can't rent a house, buy a car, or get internet without an AFM. Get your lawyer to issue this immediately.
Underestimating Island Delivery: "Door-to-Door" to an island like Mykonos is complex. It involves a main vessel to Piraeus, customs clearance, and then a ferry booking. Ensure your quote includes the ferry costs.
Packing Winter Clothes Deeply: Greece gets cold! Athens winters dip to 5°C, and Northern Greece sees snow. Don't leave your jackets in the sea container if you move in winter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the minimum investment for a Greece Golden Visa in 2026?

The threshold is now tiered: €800,000 for high-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini); €400,000 for the rest of Greece; and a special €250,000 rate for commercial-to-residential conversions.

How much does it cost to move from Dubai to Athens?

Shipping a 20ft container (2-bedroom home) from Jebel Ali to Piraeus typically costs between AED 14,000 and AED 20,000. Shared (LCL) shipments for smaller moves range from AED 6,000 to AED 10,000.

Can I bring my car from UAE to Greece?

It is legally allowed but financially discouraged. You face high Registration Taxes based on CO2 emissions and value. Unless it is a vintage car, selling in the UAE is usually the smarter financial move.

What is the Certificate of Repatriation?

It is a crucial document (Πιστοποιητικό Μετεγκατάστασης) issued by the Greek Consulate in the UAE. It proves you are moving your primary residence to Greece, allowing you to import used household goods tax-free.

Ready for Your Odyssey?

Moving to Greece requires navigating the unique logistics of Piraeus and the islands. Get quotes from international movers UAE to Greece who specialize in the Mediterranean route.

What we provide:

✅ Licensed International Movers
✅ Door-to-Door Service (Athens, Thessaloniki, Islands)
✅ Certificate of Repatriation Guidance

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Moving from UAE to Greece (2026 Guide): Golden Visa, Shipping & Customs