Can Croatian Citizens Drive in Greece?
Yes. As a citizen of an EU member state, you can legally drive in Greece using your valid Croatian licence without needing to exchange it, provided your licence remains valid and you meet the age/health conditions required in Greece.
Do You Need to Exchange Your Croatian licence?
No, Croatian citizens do not need to exchange their licence if they are staying in Greece temporarily or even for longer periods, as long as their Croatian licence is valid.
However, you may choose to exchange your Croatian licence for a Greek one if:
- Your licence is expiring soon
- You’re applying for Greek residency
- You want to replace a lost or stolen Croatian licence while living in Greece
- You prefer to have a local Greek licence for administrative simplicity
Eligibility to Exchange a Croatian licence in Greece
To exchange your Croatian licence for a Greek one, you must:
- Hold a valid Croatian driving licence
- Have residency in Greece
- Pass a vision test (required for all applicants)
- Not have had your Croatian licence revoked or suspended.
Because both Croatia and Greece are EU member states, no driving test or theory exam is required for exchange.
Required Documents
Here’s what you need to submit:
- Valid Croatian driver’s licence
- Croatian ID card or passport
- Proof of Greek residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
- Tax identification number (AFM)
- One recent passport-sized photograph
- Vision test certificate
- Completed application form
- Proof of fee payment
- Certified Greek translations of Croatian documents (if required)
Step-by-Step Process to Exchange Your Croatian Licence
1. Gather Required Documents: All required documents must be in Greek.
2. Get Certified Translations: Any documents not in Greek must be officially translated.
3. Undergo Vision Test: This is mandatory and must be done by a licenced ophthalmologist in Greece.
4. Visit the Local Transport Office: Submit your application to the regional Directorate of Transport and Communications.
5. Pay the Fees: Typically includes administrative and licence issuance fees.
6. Receive Your Greek Licence: Processing time is usually 2–4 weeks.
Your Croatian licence will be retained by Greek authorities and returned to Croatia.
Translation Requirements for Greek Authorities
Although Croatia is in the EU, Greek authorities often require translations for non-Greek documents, such as:
- Proof of residency
- Lost licence reports
- Legal declarations
Translayte provides certified Greek translations accepted by Greek transport offices and municipal authorities. Get started quickly on our translation page.
Getting a New Greek Licence (If Not Eligible for Exchange)
If you're a Croatian citizen who:
- Never held a licence before, or
- Lost eligibility due to revocation or expiry beyond allowed limits
… you will need to apply for a new Greek driving licence. The process includes:
- Enrolling in a Greek driving school
- Attending theory and practical lessons
- Passing both written and practical exams
- Submitting all required documents and translations
Driving Rules and Regulations in Greece
Before driving in Greece, be aware of local laws:
- Drive on the right
- Speed limits:
- 50 km/h in urban areas
- 90 km/h on rural roads
- 130 km/h on highways
- Seat belts are required for all passengers
- Mobile phone use is prohibited unless hands-free
- Legal blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (0.02% for new drivers)
- Zero tolerance for drugs while driving
- Emergency numbers: 112 for all services
Using an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Croatian citizens do not need an IDP to drive in Greece. However, if you also hold a non-EU licence and plan to drive with it temporarily, you may need an IDP for that licence, not your Croatian one.
Car Rental and Vehicle Ownership in Greece
Greece offers both short-term car rental options for tourists and long-term vehicle ownership opportunities for residents or long-stay visitors. Here’s what you need to know:
Car Rental in Greece
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum age is typically 21–23 years, depending on the rental company.
- Drivers must hold a valid driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not from the EU/EEA or written in Latin characters.
- Most companies require at least 1 year of driving experience.
What You’ll Need to Rent a Car:
- A valid passport or national ID
- Driver’s license and IDP (if required)
- Credit card for the deposit
- Proof of insurance (included or optional through the rental company)
Vehicle Ownership in Greece
If you plan to live in Greece or stay for an extended period, owning a vehicle might be more practical.
Eligibility to Own a Car in Greece:
- Foreign nationals must have a valid Greek residence permit or long-stay visa.
- You’ll also need a Greek tax number (AFM) and a registered address.
- Vehicle registration must be done through the Ministry of Transport or local KTEO offices.
Documents Required for Car Registration:
- Passport and Greek residence permit
- Proof of address (utility bill, rental contract, etc.)
- AFM (Greek tax ID)
- Insurance documents
- Customs clearance if importing a vehicle
- Technical inspection certificate (for used cars)
Tips for Driving in Greece
- Be cautious on mountain roads and island terrain, as roads can be narrow and winding.
- Parking in Athens and other major cities can be challenging; use designated lots when possible.
- Watch out for motorbikes and scooters, especially in urban areas.
- Speed cameras and random police checks are common—carry your documents at all times.
Costs of Getting a Driver’s License in Greece
You should expect to pay around 500-600 euros for the whole process. This includes application fees, theoretical and practice tests, and processing. Certified translations also cost an extra $31.75 per page, depending on language pair, complexity, and turnaround time.
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied
If your exchange or new licence application is rejected:
- Check for missing or incorrect documents
- Fix translation or residency proof issues
- Resubmit after correction
- For legal challenges, consult a Greek legal advisor or driving consultant.
