Foreign driving licences in Greece (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: A valid EU driving licence is mutually recognised in Greece under EU law, and its holder may ask for an exchange after moving. Greece's own rules for licences from outside the EU could not be read.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceEU rule: a holder of a valid EU driving licence who takes up normal residence in another Member State may request an exchange for an equivalent licence. The host State may apply the Directive's administrative validity periods to a licence that has none, by renewing it from 2 years after residence began. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceVisitors who do not normally live in Greece may drive on a valid international driving permit issued by any country other than Greece, or on a national licence from a country that issues no international permit if it is accompanied by an official translation into Greek or English. Holders of valid licences from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Crown dependencies (Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey) or Gibraltar may drive during their stay. The holder must have reached the minimum age for a Greek licence. [2]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licenceNo [2]

Notes

  • This is the EU Directive that applies in Greece. The Greek transport ministry and gov.gr pages could not be read.
  • The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and gov.gr websites block automated access (the ministry's robots.txt also disallows it), so no Greek source was read.

Sources

  1. European Union (Publications Office): Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on driving licences (recast) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Government Gazette of the Hellenic Republic (ΦΕΚ), copy hosted by ELINYAE: ΝΟΜΟΣ ΥΠ' ΑΡΙΘΜ. 5209: Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας και άλλες διατάξεις (ΦΕΚ Α' 100/13.06.2025) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.