A move between Berlin and Greece comes with special requirements: different distances, different housing situations and individual wishes. Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and guides you competently through every step – from personal advice to the handover of your furniture at the destination.
Your long-distance move to or from Greece with a clear structure
Planning & personal advice
At the start, we clarify your priorities together: which items are particularly valuable or fragile? Which additional services would you like? On this basis, we develop an individual solution tailored to your living situation in Berlin and your plans for Greece.
Our step-by-step process
To keep your move easy to follow, we work according to a clear process. It covers all the key steps from the initial inventory to the final handover:
- Initial consultation and detailed inventory
- Tailor-made quote and agreement on services
- Safe packing and professional preparation of furniture
- Loading, transport coordination and regular updates
- Delivery, unloading and help with reassembly
Packing and protecting your furniture
Protecting your belongings is our priority. We use suitable packing materials and techniques to secure fragile items, furniture and electronics safely. On request, we take care of packing and unpacking so that you are relieved of this work.
Transport, communication and flexibility
For the transport, we choose the right solution for your load and keep you informed of the status during the journey. Should interim storage or special handling be necessary, we discuss practical options with you that meet your requirements.
Arrival, handover and follow-up services
At the destination, we coordinate the unloading and help to place your furniture. If you would like additional services such as assembly work or special help with furnishing, we agree on these in advance and integrate them into the process.
Moving Berlin–Greece: overland or by ferry
There are two basic routes to Greece. The overland route leads across the Balkans, partly through countries outside the EU, and is around 2,300 kilometres to Athens. The alternative is to drive to Italy and from there take the ferry across the Adriatic to Igoumenitsa or Patras. Which route we choose depends on the destination, ferry times, waiting times at the borders and costs. In both cases, the transport is on the road for several days.
Moving to an island
Many moves to Greece go to an island – to Crete, Rhodes or one of the Cyclades. Then another ferry crossing from Piraeus or another port is added. In high season the ferries are full, and the roads on the islands are narrow. We therefore recommend dates in spring or autumn.
Formalities
- No customs for removal goods within the EU – but transit papers are required when travelling through non-EU countries
- Tax number (AFM) for tenancy agreement, bank and electricity
- Registration for longer stays in accordance with Greek rules
- Deregistration at the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) in Berlin
Heat and packing
In the summer months, it gets very hot in the cargo area. Sensitive items such as candles, medicines, photos or electronics should be well protected or carried in your own luggage. We pad wooden furniture carefully so that it survives the long journey well. Our packing service takes care of this on request.
Full lorry or part load?
Over this distance, a dedicated lorry is particularly worthwhile for large households with a fixed date. If you are flexible or only taking part of your belongings, you can save with a part load.
Costs
You can find the basis of our pricing under moving company Berlin costs, and an overview of all destinations abroad under international removals Berlin. If you choose the route via Italy, you will find further information on the page moving Berlin–Italy.
Flats in Athens and Thessaloniki
In the large cities, many people live in multi-storey apartment buildings with lifts, although the lift cars are small. Large pieces of furniture are often hoisted up via the balcony with an external lift. Check with the landlord beforehand whether this is possible at your address and whether a permit is needed to park the lorry.
Partial move and holiday home
Many customers do not move to Greece completely, but furnish a holiday home or spend part of the year there. In that case, a selection of furniture and personal belongings is often enough. For such quantities, a part load is usually the most economical solution.
Keep documents to hand
Have your ID, tenancy agreement and tax number ready when the delivery arrives. The inventory list helps with checking and is required anyway when travelling through non-EU countries.
Moving to Greece: over the Alps and the Adriatic to the south
Greece attracts Germans as a holiday destination, but also as a place to live. Many families of Greek origin return from Berlin, retirees look for the sun, and professionals move to Athens or Thessaloniki. As Greece is an EU country, the move is customs-free, but the distance and the many islands make it a special project.
Overland or by ferry via Italy
Athens is around 2,400 kilometres from Berlin by road, across the Balkans with several borders outside the EU. Many transports therefore take the route via Italy and the ferry from Ancona, Bari or Venice to Igoumenitsa or Patras. Depending on the connection, the ferry crossing takes many hours to more than a day. For a lorry, a total of four to six days should be planned. Over such distances, a part load or groupage transport is the most economical solution for smaller households.
Islands
If you are moving to a Greek island, you need an additional ferry connection from Piraeus, Rafina or another port. On the islands, the roads are narrow and houses are often located on slopes or in villages with narrow lanes. Delivery is handled by local partners who know the local conditions. Allow more time for island moves, especially in high season when ferries are fully booked.
Registration in Greece
In Berlin, you deregister at the Bürgeramt. EU citizens who stay in Greece for more than three months register with the relevant authority. For tax, banking and contracts you need a Greek tax number, the AFM. Greek nationals arrange their registration through the municipality. Dealing with the authorities can take time; being accompanied by someone who speaks Greek is helpful.
Living in Athens
In Athens, many people live in multi-storey concrete apartment buildings, the polykatoikies, with small lifts and balconies. The streets are narrow and often full of parked cars. For moves in the city centre there are time windows for delivery traffic. We clarify this based on your address.
Heat and packing
In summer it gets very hot in Greece. We protect furniture and boxes that are on the road for days against heat and moisture. You should transport candles, medicines, food and sensitive electronics yourself.
Costs
The costs depend on distance, ferries, volume and delivery. We prepare each quote individually. Find out more on our page international removals Berlin.
Arriving in Greece
Greece is a country of hospitality. If you embrace the rhythm, with late dinners and long summer nights, you will quickly feel at home.
Pets and personal belongings
Within the EU, dogs and cats travel with a pet passport, microchip and rabies vaccination. Depending on the shipping company, there are dedicated cabins or areas for animals on the ferry, which you should book early. It is best to carry documents, medicines and valuables yourself. If you take your own car on the ferry, you can also put sensitive items in it that should not go in the lorry.
Planning a move? We will be happy to advise you.
Free on-site survey and a binding fixed-price quote – with no hidden costs.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prepare a long-distance move to Greece?
Start sorting your boxes and labelling them by room early on. Document valuable or sensitive items separately and use suitable protective materials. We provide you with a checklist in advance and advise you on special packing solutions.
Does Lion Umzüge also operate locally in Greece?
Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and carries out moves from or to Berlin. We do not claim to be a local removal company in Greece. For work at the destination, we discuss with you how it should be organised and define clear responsibilities.
How much does a move from Berlin to Greece cost?
Athens is around 2,300 kilometres away via the Balkans; alternatively, the lorry drives via Italy and takes the ferry to Igoumenitsa or Patras. Diesel, tolls, the ferry and several overnight stays make up the largest part of the price. For smaller quantities, a part load is often cheaper. General information under moving company Berlin costs.
How long does a move from Berlin to Greece take?
Expect around four to six days to Athens or Thessaloniki. For the islands, the ferry connection is added, and the departure times then determine the schedule.
How much lead time do I need for a move from Berlin to Greece?
Eight weeks’ lead time or more is ideal. In summer, ferries and island access routes are very busy – autumn and spring are often more relaxed for a move to Greece.
How are my belongings insured when moving from Berlin to Greece?
On the long route to Greece, the German Commercial Code limits our liability to 620 euros for each cubic metre occupied. For glass display cabinets or high-quality electronics, an additional policy is worthwhile.
Do I need customs papers when moving from Berlin to Greece?
No, Greece is an EU member, so customs papers are not required. For a stay of more than three months, EU citizens generally need a registration certificate as well as a Greek tax number (AFM).
Ready to tackle your move with good planning? Contact Lion Umzüge in Berlin for personal advice. We will prepare a quote tailored to you and accompany your long-distance move to Greece with experience and care. Write to us or give us a call – together we will plan a smooth start at your new home.
Enquire about your move to Greece
For your move to Greece, we need the destination, your Berlin address and your preferred date – via the form or by phone on 030 612 964 73. You will receive a written quote after the free survey. You can see what we offer within Berlin at your moving company in Berlin.
