Vehicle owners across Greece face a looming deadline as the clock winds down for the payment of 2025 vehicle license fees. According to the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, the final date for payment is Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and no extensions will be granted, making it imperative for owners to comply or face significant penalties.
This year, the ministry has implemented strict deadlines, assuring citizens earlier this month, "The Ministry clarifies there will be no extension... Compliance is necessary to avoid additional penalties." The urgency is palpable, with vehicle owners advised to settle their dues quickly to avoid unwanted fees.
Those who miss the deadline will find themselves subject to a new system of penalties unveiled by the ministry. Specifically, if the license fee payment is made after December 31, but before January 31, 2025, vehicle owners will incur an additional charge of 25% on their fees. If payment is delayed until February 2025, the penalty rises to 50%. Lastly, any payments made after March 1, 2025, will see fees double, bringing serious financial consequences for tardy payers. This new tiered penalty system replaces the previous flat penalty structure, which simply doubled the fees from the first day of delay.
Vehicle owners can check their license fee notification and make payments via the digital platform, myAADE. The Ministry has emphasized convenience, stating, "Payment can be made through various channels, including e-banking and physical banking institutions."
The options for payment are varied; vehicle owners can utilize e-banking, allowing them to input the 23-digit RF code listed on their notification. For those who prefer handling transactions face-to-face, payments can also be made at designated banking locations or via automatic payment machines using the QR code from their notifications. The ministry clearly states, "Payments cannot be included in the permanent installment plan of 24 installments, but must be settled immediately by the aforementioned channels."
On top of the urgency surrounding payments, vehicle owners have the option to declare their vehicles as immobilized digitally through the myAADE platform. This declaration must also be made by the end of the payment deadline on December 31, 2024, collecting necessary information about the vehicle's storage location. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines, reaching up to €10,000 for non-compliance, skyrocketing to €30,000 for those who repeatedly ignore the law.
For those considering this route, the process for declaring digital immobilization is straightforward, involving registration of the vehicle’s pertinent details, and requires certification of ownership or rental status of the parking area, whereby the application is concluded instantly for sole ownership cases. Joint ownership situations, conversely, may require additional approvals.
Lastly, the Ministry reminds all citizens, “Prompt payment of vehicle license fees is mandatory for vehicle transfer, exporting, or reclassification within Greece.” These warnings serve as stark reminders of compliance's importance.
With the deadline fast approaching, citizens must be vigilant about their responsibilities. The ministry's call for early compliance cannot be overstated, as failure to meet this obligation could lead to severe financial penalties. Vehicle owners are urged to act quickly as the new payment system is fully operational, and additional fees are set to take effect shortly.