The cost of removals to Greece will depend on several factors, such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

There will also be additional costs to consider, such as optional insurance/shipment protection and Greek customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removals quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs.

We offer a fully comprehensive removal service to Greece, which will take care of everything for you. The removals service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door-to-port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates, and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service,

Additional fees that are not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties, and port fees payable on arrival in Greece, storage services, and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover, which is recommended but not required.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to Greece via a lorry, as part of a part load / shared service. You can use a dedicated lorry, but it will be more expensive. 

Our Greece removal service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance, and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) For shared or part-load, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removal vans.

6) On arrival at port (we ship to all major ports in Greece, our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

7) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or storage if required. Our partner will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in Greece.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards and toolboxes.

It does not, however include large items of furniture.

Items You Should Avoid Importing Into Greece

When you’re moving to Greece, you need to be aware of the items that are restricted or prohibited from importation. This will ensure that you avoid any issues with customs, such as fines and confiscation.

• Importing narcotics or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited in Greece and can result in severe legal consequences.
• Medicines must be registered and comply with Greek regulations. Importing unregistered pharmaceuticals can be problematic.
• Counterfeit items, including fake designer products and pirated technology, are not allowed and can be confiscated.
• The importation of firearms, ammunition and other weapons requires special permits and is tightly regulated. Unauthorised imports can lead to legal penalties in Greece.
• As is the case in a lot of the world, products made from endangered species are banned under international conservation laws. This includes ivory, some animal skins and exotic plants.
• Importing radioactive materials or substances is prohibited due to health and safety risks. This includes chemicals and other hazardous materials, which cannot be taken into Greece without proper documentation and adherence to safety regulations.
• Certain food items and agricultural products may require special permits or inspections to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. This includes milk and meat products.
• Importing plants and seeds may be restricted to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
• Exporting or importing cultural artefacts without proper authorisation is illegal in Greece. Documentation is required for any cultural or historical items that you want to bring into the country.

For further guidance on import regulations, consult the official Greek customs website or contact local customs offices in Greece. This will provide detailed information on items that can and cannot be imported into the region.

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to Greece, then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your own bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removals service but also the most expensive. 

You can check out our more detailed Greece Removals Guide below, or why not give one of our advisers a call on 01942 559960?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices, and arrange a home survey consultation to give you a more accurate price.

We recommend getting a few quotes for your move so you can compare the different styles of companies and ensure you are happy with their service. Make sure, however, that you are comparing like with like. For example, are the volumes the same? Is everything included?

Also, overseas removals are very different to domestic moves. It is therefore essential to ensure that your removalist is experienced, if not specialising in international moves.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive and can be assured that standards of service are second to none.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased, so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to Greece and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember, it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You need to think about the cost involved in replacing some of your items if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are many things.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive, and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in the UK or Greece?

Moving from one location in the UK to another is rarely the smooth process that people hope for, so it goes without saying that when you move to another country, the entire process can become a little trickier.

Often people find that they have a period once they have sold their property and before they move when they need to place their belongings in storage, and this is something we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in Greece after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

Suppose the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in Greece to ship your belongings to. In that case, we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in Greece whilst you sort out accommodation.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to Greece. The journey is a lengthy one, and they will be moved around from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is a chance items could move within your shipping container, and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore, essential so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers is expertly trained to deal with all the issues that can be encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your personal effects. This includes custom-built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates, if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to Greece
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Full inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export quality cartons, and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

The Greece government is quite stringent when it comes to biosecurity issues in order to protect their unique environment, and as such, all of your items will need to be cleaned thoroughly in preparation for shipping. This is especially the case when it comes to any outdoor items.

If you are planning to ship tools, bikes, garden equipment and BBQ then these will need to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Our team can offer a professional disinfecting service that should clean all of your belongings thoroughly enough to keep the Customs inspectors happy.

Our international removals service is perfect for shipping your furniture to Greece from the UK.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables and cupboards can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in Austria have built-in wardrobes so it might not be worthwhile shipping these.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to Greece from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in Greece especially since Brexit. This is something that we can help you with. You may find the following information useful when planning your move.

If you are an EU citizen you should have no problem with customs. For non-EU citizens moving to Grece you are able to import used personal effects and household goods duty free but you should check that you meet the requirements and have all the correct documentation.

Customs regulations and duties are subject to change, so it can be a good idea to check for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.

If you do not meet the criteria for household effects, or it is deemed that your goods are commercial imports, then Customs duty and GST may be applied.

On arrival in Greece, your household goods and personal effects will require inspection and clearance from Swiss Customs before they are allowed into the country.

In order for your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any Greece Customs inspections and customs fees, and also any quarantine fees. These will be payable locally. Our agents in Greece will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take to Greece and how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest service levels.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend a highly flexible Shipment Protection Cover that will provide you with many advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is completing a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value of the belongings you want to cover and whether you have packed them yourself or if they have been packed professionally.

In Greece, you’ll always find a place that suits your lifestyle preferences, as Greece has something for everyone. With our expert relocation services, transitioning to your new life in Greece – be it in Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Crete or Corfu – will be smooth and stress-free

1. Athens

Living in Athens offers a blend of ancient history and modern urban life. The city is rich with historical landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, yet bustling with cafes, shops and nightlife. Athens is known for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighbourhoods, and a warm Mediterranean climate.

2. Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, boasts a lively cultural life and a rich historical heritage. Known for its vibrant arts scene, bustling markets and diverse cuisine, Thessaloniki combines a laid back atmosphere with urban conveniences. Thessaloniki has a younger population due to its many universities, contributing to youthful energy.

3. Rhodes

Utrecht combines historical charm with youthful energy, centered around its mediaeval old town and bustling university. The city’s beautiful canals, green spaces, and friendly community make it a welcoming place to live, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

4. Crete

Crete is the largest Greek island, and it offers a diverse living experience with its mix of stunning coastlines, ancient ruins and vibrant local culture. Residents enjoy the island’s warm climate, picturesque villages and rich culinary traditions. Crete’s larger size means it has a variety of landscapes and amenities, from bustling cities like Heraklion to quieter rural areas.

5. Corfu

 Living in Corfu, a lush and green island in the Ionian Sea, offers a blend of natural beauty and history. The island is known for its Venetian architecture, scenic coastline and relaxed lifestyle. Corfu’s mild climate and picturesque landscapes, including olive groves and sandy beaches, provide a tranquil setting for residents. The island has a strong expat community, contributing to its welcoming atmosphere.

 From the historic allure of Athens to the lively energy of Thessaloniki, Greece invites you with its diverse offerings for a new chapter abroad. Whether you’re captivated by the ancient charm of Rhodes, the island relaxation of Crete, or the scenic beauty of Corfu, Greece has a place to match every preference. Our team of relocation experts is here to make sure that your move to Greece is seamless, stress-free and straightforward.

To bring your pets to Greece, they must meet certain health and identification standards. Pets need to be microchipped with a compliant microchip, and they also need to have a valid pet passport or veterinary certificate. This needs to show that they have up to date vaccinations, including rabies. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel and you need to ensure that all documentation is accurate. Otherwise, you could be faced with delays at customs.

Upon arrival in Greece, your pet may need to pass through customs where you will present the required documentation for inspection. Pets don’t usually have to be quarantined in Greece if all entry requirements are met.

You should begin your job search by using online job portals, such as Kariera, Jobfind, and LinkedIn, which list a wide range of job opportunities in Greece. When applying for jobs, ensure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the Greek job market. Highlight relevant experience, qualifications and language skills. While many multinational companies in Greece operate in English, proficiency in Greek can be a significant advantage and sometimes a requirement, especially for roles that involve customer interaction or public service.

Greeks value personal relationships and face-to-face communication, so be prepared for in person interviews and meetings. Punctuality and professionalism are important, but a certain level of informality and friendliness is appreciated. It’s also helpful to familiarise yourself with local labour laws, including working hours, contract types and employee rights, to ensure you have realistic expectations and can negotiate effectively.

Moving to Greece from the UK involves navigating the visa application process to ensure a legal and smooth transition. Following Brexit, UK citizens no longer have the freedom of movement within the EU, so obtaining the correct visa is essential. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. For short term stays up to 90 days within a 180 day period, a Schengen visa might be enough.

However, for long term relocation – such as for work, study or retirement – and permanent moves, you will need to apply for a national visa or residence permit. After arriving in Greece, you will need to register with the local authorities and apply for a residence permit if you intend to stay longer than your visa allows.

Transferring money to Greece when moving is easy with a bit of planning. Many international banks and currency exchange services offer good rates for sending money from the UK to Greece, which is usually cheaper than using a UK debit or credit card. You can use UK bank accounts in Greece, but opening a local bank account in Greece will make managing your finances more convenient and cost effective. Using services that specialise in international transfers can ensure your money arrives quickly and safely, making your move smoother.

We hope this information helps you with your move to Greece. If you need further assistance, or more information on the removals process, our knowledgeable team is here to help.