shqiptarëtExchanging an Albanian or Kosovo driving licence in Greece
Greece and Albania have an agreement on recognising and exchanging driving licences (Greek law 4657/2020). Under it, a valid Albanian licence can be exchanged for a Greek licence of the same category, without a theory or practical test, if you meet the conditions below. We found no such procedure for Kosovo licences.
This is general information from the official Greek sources below, not legal advice. Rules and fees change: ask the Transport Directorate or a ΚΕΠ before you pay.
- Albanian licence
- Yes, it can be exchanged. The official procedure: "Conversion of a valid driving licence of the Republic of Albania into a Greek licence of the same category", with no theory or practical test.
- Kosovo licence
- Kosovo is not on the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's list of countries with a licence recognition agreement, and the official Greek register of procedures has no exchange procedure for Kosovo licences.
- Where to apply
- In person, at the Transport and Communications Directorate (or Department) of the Regional Unit where you live, or at a ΚΕΠ (citizen service centre). Not online.
- Fee
- €105 for one category (e-paravolo code 3691). Each extra category needs further fees. The Cyclades islands add a local charge.
- Time
- About 45 days according to the official register; it can take longer.
Steps
- Check the conditions
You must have your usual residence in Greece (or have studied there for at least 6 months), the licence must be valid and not provisional or probationary, and you must not hold another licence (Greek, EU or from another country). - Get the medical certificates
You need at least two health certificates: one from a GP/internist (or a related specialty) and one from an ophthalmologist, marked "ΙΚΑΝΟΣ" (fit). Over 80, you also need an ENT doctor and a neurologist or psychiatrist. Certificates are accepted within 6 months of issue. - Pay the e-paravolo
On the official e-paravolo site (code 3691 for one category). You can pay at a bank, at ELTA (Hellenic Post) or online. - Hand in the file in person
The application/declaration, a copy of your passport or entry document, the document proving your residence, a copy of the Albanian licence (show the original), one recent passport-style photo, the medical certificates, the licence printing request and the payment proof. The office may ask for an official Greek translation of the licence. - Collect the Greek licence
In person (or by an authorised person), or by courier at your cost if you ask for it in the application. When you collect the Greek licence you hand over the Albanian one; it is returned to Albania through the Albanian mission in Greece.
The document proving your residence
- For example a residence permit under the Migration Code, proof of submission of a permit application, a permit issued by the Police, or the Special Identity Card for People of Greek Descent (ΕΔΤΟ).
- It must have been issued at least 185 days before you apply. If it is newer, bring two more proofs for that period, such as your tax return (E1), a lease from myAADE, social insurance, your children's schooling, employment in ERGANI, or an energy, phone or water bill.
- Students bring the original certificate from their school or university instead.
When it can NOT be exchanged
- Provisional or probationary licences.
- A category first issued in Albania after 2 June 2001, if at that time your usual residence was in Greece.
- A category on a licence whose item 4a date is after 19 May 2020, if on that date your usual residence was in Greece.
- The Certificate of Professional Competence (ΠΕΙ) is not exchanged.
- The office checks when each category was issued and where you lived then; it may ask for a record of your residence permit periods.
Ages and categories
- AM: 16. A1, B, BE, C1, C1E: 18. A2: 20. C, CE, D1, D1E: 21. A, D, DE: 24 (for A, also 22 with A2 held for at least 2 years).
- For BE, C1, C, D1 or D you must also hold B; for C1E you need C1; for CE you need C; for D1E you need D1; for DE you need D.
If the Albanian licence is lost or damaged
- The Greek office asks the Albanian authority for an official document in English confirming the licence details and that it is valid.
When you become resident in Greece
- Under the Greece–Albania agreement (Article 2, Law 4657/2020), an Albanian licence stops being valid for driving in Greece from the date you are granted normal residence in Greece.
- Before that, Greece recognises a valid Albanian licence (Article 1). So if you become resident, exchange it in good time.
Kosovo citizens: Greece has not recognised Kosovo's independence. For Kosovo's office in Athens, see the Greece essentials page. Greece: the essentials
Sources
- Greek National Register of Administrative Procedures (mitos.gov.gr), Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: Conversion of a valid Albanian driving licence into a Greek one (updated 5 Oct 2026)
- mitos.gov.gr: all driving licence procedures (49 pages; Albania, Serbia, Moldova, Georgia, UAE, Switzerland, UK and others, no Kosovo)
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: Travelling abroad (Table 2, countries with a licence recognition agreement)
- Government Gazette: Law 4657/2020 ratifying the Greece–Albania driving licence agreement
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue: e-paravolo (electronic fee)