Exchanging a Ukrainian Driving License in Greece: Translation and Procedure

You’ve been living in Greece for a year, driving with your Ukrainian license, and suddenly a fellow Ukrainian tells you he got fined 700 euros for driving without a Greek license. Another friend says - “I’ve been driving like this for three years, no problems.” Who’s right? Both - because one has temporary protection, and the other got a residence permit a year ago and forgot to exchange his license. Let’s figure out how this actually works in Greece for Ukrainians.

When Ukrainian driving licenses work in Greece without exchange¶

It all depends on your legal basis for staying in Greece. And the difference is massive.

Temporary protection (προσωρινή προστασία)¶

If you came because of the war and have temporary protection status under Directive 2001/55/EC - your Ukrainian driving license is automatically recognized across all of Greece. This is guaranteed by EU Regulation 2022/1280, which has been in effect since September 1, 2022.

In practice, this means:

• You can drive with your Ukrainian license without any additional documents
• No International Driving Permit (IDP) needed
• Even if your license expired after February 24, 2022 - it’s still valid
• Translation isn’t formally required, but having one is a good idea (more on this below)
• Licenses written only in Cyrillic are also accepted - as long as you have a document confirming your temporary protection status

Temporary protection has been extended until March 4, 2027 by the EU Council. Until that date, Greek police can’t fine you for driving with a Ukrainian license - as long as you have the corresponding residence permit.

As reported by the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece, residence permits that were due to expire in March 2026 have been automatically extended until March 2027.

Regular residence permit (άδεια παραμονής)¶

If you’re in Greece on a regular residence permit - say, a work visa or family reunification - it’s a completely different story. Under Greek law (Law 2696/1999), your Ukrainian license is valid for only 185 days (roughly 6 months) from the date you receive your residence permit.

After those 185 days, driving with Ukrainian rights is illegal. Fines in Greece aren’t a joke: 200 to 700 euros for driving without a valid license, plus possible vehicle confiscation.

Tourists and short-term stays¶

If you’re in Greece as a tourist or on a short trip (up to 6 months) - your Ukrainian license works without exchange. Both Ukraine and Greece signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which mutually recognizes national driving licenses.

But I’d recommend having an International Driving Permit (IDP) with you - you can get one through Ukraine’s service centers or the “Diia” app. Greek police don’t always know that the Vienna Convention allows driving without an IDP, and a roadside argument isn’t how you want to spend your vacation.

Why you can’t just “exchange” Ukrainian rights for Greek ones¶

Now for the bad news. Unlike Spain, Italy, Lithuania, or Turkey, Greece has no bilateral agreement with Ukraine on driving license exchange. This means a direct swap - hand in your Ukrainian license, get a Greek one - is impossible.

Greece only allows conversion without exams for licenses from:

Country	Basis
EU/EEA countries	Directive 2006/126/EC
USA, Canada, Australia	Bilateral agreements
Japan, South Korea, South Africa	Bilateral agreements
Switzerland	Bilateral agreement
Serbia, Albania	Bilateral agreements
United Kingdom	Separate post-Brexit agreement

As you can see, Ukraine isn’t on the list. For comparison:

Country	Exchange without exams?
Spain	Yes (agreement since 2010)
Italy	Yes (agreement since 2016)
Germany	No, practical exam required
Belgium	No, exams required
Greece	No, both exams required

This means that to get a Greek license, you’ll need to go through the full cycle - driving school, theory, practical test. Details in the next section.

How to get a Greek driving license from scratch¶

If temporary protection eventually ends, or if you’re already on a regular residence permit and your 185 days are up - the only way to get a Greek driving license (δίπλωμα οδήγησης) is to pass the exams. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Gather your documents¶

You’ll need:

• Valid passport and a copy
• Residence permit (άδεια παραμονής) issued at least 185 days before your application
• Certificate of residence registration (βεβαίωση κατοικίας) - you get this from your local municipality (δήμος)
• Two medical certificates: from a general practitioner (παθολόγος) and an ophthalmologist (οφθαλμίατρος). Each costs about 30-35 euros
• Photos 3.5 × 4.5 cm (4 pieces)
• Application for a driving license (submitted to Τμήμα Μεταφορών - the Transport Department)

Step 2: Enroll in a driving school (σχολή οδηγών)¶

In Greece, you can’t take exams without formal training - driving school attendance is mandatory. Minimum requirements:

• 20 hours of theory lessons (road signs, rules, first aid)
• 20 practical sessions (driving with an instructor)

Some driving schools offer lessons in English - for example, Farfaras Driving School in Athens. But lessons in Ukrainian or Russian are basically nonexistent, so it’s either English or Greek.

Training costs depend on the city and school:

Item	Price
Basic driving school package (theory + practice)	350-800 euros
Full package with extra lessons	1,000-1,500 euros
Additional practical lesson	20-30 euros
Athens and Thessaloniki - usually more expensive	20-30% higher

Tip: ask about discounts for Ukrainians with temporary protection - some schools offer them, though it’s not guaranteed.

Step 3: Pass the theory exam¶

The theory exam (θεωρητική εξέταση) is a computer-based test:

• 30 multiple-choice questions
• You need to get at least 25 right (maximum 5 errors)
• Time limit - 45 minutes
• Available in Greek and English

Topics: road signs, traffic rules, first aid, vehicle technical condition. You can prepare for free on sites like testdriver.gr or greekdrivingtheorytest.com.

Greek road signs are nearly identical to Ukrainian ones (both countries follow the Vienna Convention), so this part is usually not a problem for experienced drivers.

Step 4: Pass the practical exam¶

After theory comes the practical test (πρακτική εξέταση). The exam includes:

• Vehicle technical check (show where fluids are, how lights work)
• Maneuvers: parallel parking, U-turn, reversing
• City driving with an examiner

Here’s the catch: the practical exam is conducted only in Greek. The examiner gives instructions in Greek. If you don’t understand - that’s a serious obstacle. Some driving schools prepare you for this by teaching basic Greek commands: αριστερά (left), δεξιά (right), ευθεία (straight), σταματήστε (stop).

Step 5: Get your license¶

After passing both exams, submit your documents to the local Τμήμα Μεταφορών. The Greek driving license is issued within 1-3 weeks.

Total costs:

Item	Cost
Medical certificates (2)	60-70 euros
State fee (e-paravolo), categories A and B	18 euros
Driving school (theory + practice)	350-1,500 euros
Exam fees	~50 euros
Photos	5-10 euros
Total	500-1,650 euros

As you can see, the procedure isn’t cheap and takes 2-4 months from your first lesson to receiving the license.

Driving license translation: when you need it and how to do it¶

Even if you don’t need to exchange your license (say, you’re under temporary protection), a translation of your driving license might come in handy. And Greece has its own quirks here.

When translation is mandatory¶

• For any procedure at Τμήμα Μεταφορών (Transport Department)
• For car rental - most companies require a translation or IDP
• For car insurance (ασφάλεια αυτοκινήτου)
• If police stop you and want to understand the categories on your license

When translation isn’t needed¶

• If you have temporary protection and drive with your Ukrainian license (though having one is useful)
• If you have an International Driving Permit - it already contains translations in multiple languages, including Greek

Who can translate: the Greek specifics¶

This is where Greece differs from many EU countries. According to the official gov.gr portal, translation of a driving license for official procedures must be done through one of three channels:

1. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών) - the MFA’s official translation service
2. A Greek lawyer - any licensed lawyer (δικηγόρος) can certify a translation
3. The Ukrainian Consulate in Greece - with subsequent authentication of the consul’s signature by the Greek MFA

Note: unlike France or Germany, Greece doesn’t have a sworn translator system in the traditional sense. Translations are certified through the MFA or lawyers, not through translators who’ve taken an oath in court.

Translation costs¶

Method	Cost	Timeline
Through a Greek lawyer	50-100 euros	2-5 days
Through Greek MFA	30-50 euros	5-10 business days
Through Ukrainian Consulate	20-40 euros	3-7 business days

The fastest option is through a lawyer. The cheapest is through the consulate, but there might be a queue. If you’re really pressed for time and just need a preliminary translation for a car rental - you can upload your document to ChatsControl and get an AI translation in minutes. But for official procedures, it won’t work - you need a certified translation through one of the three methods above.

Special cases¶

Digital license from the “Diia” app¶

The digital driving license from the “Diia” app is recognized in Greece for people with temporary protection - confirmed by EU Regulation 2022/1280. But for any exchange procedure or getting Greek rights, you’ll need the physical document.

Expired licenses¶

If your license expired after February 24, 2022 and you have temporary protection - it’s still recognized as valid until temporary protection ends. For those with a regular residence permit - no, expired licenses aren’t recognized.

Categories C, D (trucks, buses)¶

Getting a Greek license for categories C or D has even stricter requirements:

• Additional medical examination by a specialized committee
• More practical training hours
• Higher fees: 108.15 euros instead of 18 euros for categories A and B
• Separate practical exam on the relevant vehicle type

What to do after temporary protection ends¶

Temporary protection runs until March 4, 2027. If you’re planning to stay in Greece long-term - start preparing now:

1. Start learning Greek (at least basic commands for the practical exam)
2. Find out driving school costs in your city
3. Get your medical certificates
4. Sign up for theory - you can do this alongside other things

Don’t leave it to the last minute. Driving schools in Athens and Thessaloniki have queues, and the whole process can take 2-4 months.

Comparison with other EU countries¶

So you know where Greece stands relative to other popular destinations for Ukrainians:

Parameter	Greece	Germany	Spain	Italy
Exchange without exams	No	Practical only	Yes	Yes
Ukrainian license validity	185 days	6 months	6 months	1 year
Cost to obtain	500-1,650 €	800-2,000 €	30-60 €	50-100 €
Exam language	Greek/English	Multiple languages	Spanish	Italian/English
Theory exam	Yes	Yes	No	No
Practical exam	Yes	Yes	No	No

As you can see, Spain and Italy are the most convenient options thanks to bilateral agreements with Ukraine. Greece is currently on par with Germany and Belgium - you’ll need to take exams.

FAQ¶

Can I drive in Greece with my Ukrainian license?¶

If you have temporary protection - yes, until March 4, 2027 with no restrictions (EU Regulation 2022/1280). If you have a regular residence permit - only for the first 185 days. After that, you need a Greek license.

How much does it cost to get a Greek driving license?¶

Between 500 and 1,650 euros depending on the driving school and city. This includes training (350-1,500 euros), medical certificates (60-70 euros), state fees (18 euros for categories A/B), and exam fees (~50 euros).

Is there an agreement between Ukraine and Greece for license exchange?¶

No, as of 2026 there’s no bilateral agreement. This means you can’t directly exchange Ukrainian rights for Greek ones - you need to complete a full driving school course and pass both exams.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Greece?¶

Formally - no, if you have temporary protection. But for car rentals and interactions with police, an IDP is really useful. For tourists - it’s recommended, even though the Vienna Convention allows driving without one.

Can I take the theory exam in English?¶

Yes, the computer-based test is available in Greek and English. But the practical exam is conducted only in Greek - the examiner gives commands in Greek.