In 2013, the Greek government issued "Golden Visas" to citizens of non-EU countries. By purchasing property worth €250,000 (with permanent ownership), non-EU citizens can apply for permanent residency in Greece. According to official Greek data, as of October 2017, the number of Golden Visas issued reached 2,079, with the number of applicants from China nearly doubling in just five months.
Investing in property for immigration to Greece allows individuals to acquire European citizenship, making it highly sought after by many investors! After arriving in Greece, obtaining a driver's license becomes a crucial step. So, how can one obtain a driver's license in Greece?
Who does not need a Greek driver's license to drive?
If you hold a driver's license from any EU country, you do not need to take the Greek driver's license test and can drive directly. Alternatively, if you have a valid driver's license from the following countries, you can apply for a Greek driver's license directly, saving time and costs associated with driving school:
Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, the United States, and former Soviet countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Latvia, Moldova, and Russia.
Sample Greek Driver's License
How to Obtain a Greek Driver's License
A. To obtain a Greek driver's license, the following conditions must be met:
1. Age requirements:
Category B License (for cars): Must be at least 18 years old
Category A License (for motorcycles):
√ For motorcycles with an engine capacity of less than 50CC, must be at least 15 years old
√ For motorcycles with an engine capacity of less than 125CC, must be at least 16 years old
√ For motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 125CC, must be at least 18 years old
2. The applicant does not hold a driver's license from another EU country
3. Residing in Greece
B. When to apply for driving school:
1. Greek citizens: Can apply for driving school at any time;
2. Non-Greek EU citizens: Can apply 95 days after obtaining residency permit;
3. Non-EU citizens: Can apply 185 days after obtaining residency permit.
Driving School Courses and Required Documents
Theoretical Course: Whether taking the A or B category license, students must complete 20 hours of theoretical courses in the classroom, followed by a 1-hour theoretical exam at the traffic department. The exam languages include Arabic, English, Greek, and Russian, but the language of instruction depends on the specific driving school.
Practical Course: Students for both A and B category licenses must complete 20 hours of practical courses under the guidance of an instructor.
Required Documents: 4 photos, ID/passport/residency permit, tax number
Driver's License Fees
Health Check: €20
Eye Exam: €20
Traffic Department: €50
Card Issuance Fee: €30
The above fees must be paid directly to the fixed account of the national bank. The costs of driving school vary depending on the specific situation, generally around €1,300.
Please note that the validity of a Greek driver's license is 15 years. Drivers over 65 years old must renew their license every 2 years without the need for an additional exam. Moving to Greece allows you to enjoy the pleasures of self-driving travel. Now is a relatively lenient time for Greek immigration policies, with shorter and faster processing periods, making it an excellent time for property investment. The properties offered by WorldWay Immigration come with a 5-year lease and a 7% annual return, allowing investors to recover 35% of their profits in 5 years, equivalent to an investment of only €160,000 for immigration to Greece for three generations. Consultation hotline: 400-138-2929.
