Mileage allowance in Greece: everything you wanted to know (2024)

04 Jul 2024 · 6
Greece, a land renowned for its ancient history and stunning landscapes, is also a bustling hub for international business. In 2023 alone, Greece welcomed 36 million international visitors, reflecting a 17.6% increase from the previous year. 
 If your team is part of this influx, travelling from the ancient ruins of Athens to the bustling port of Thessaloniki, they're likely racking up miles that need accurate reimbursement. Miscalculations in mileage reimbursement can lead to financial discrepancies and business compliance issues. 
 In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about mileage allowance to make your reimbursement process as smooth as olive oil.

How does mileage allowance in Greece work?

A mileage allowance is a reimbursement for employees who use their private car for business trips. While many countries have a standard rate set by tax authorities (like the IRS rate in the US), Greece does not have such a standardised system.
In Greece, there is no mileage reimbursement rate set by the government for employees using their private cars for business purposes. Instead, the reimbursement rate is typically determined by the agreement between the employer and the employee. 
This means that the specifics of mileage allowance, including the rate per kilometre and the conditions under which it is paid, can vary widely depending on the employer's policies and the employment contract terms.
 Here's what is usually included in a mileage allowance relief:
  • Fuel rates: this is the primary expense covered by the allowance
  • Wear and tear: the allowance factors in general vehicle depreciation due to business use.
  • Maintenance and repairs: includes a portion of routine maintenance costs and potential repairs related to business use
  • National insurance: a part of the vehicle insurance cost is considered, as business use may affect insurance premiums
  • Vehicle tax: if applicable, a portion of annual vehicle tax or registration fees may be included
  • Tyre replacement: the allowance typically factors in tyre wear due to business mileage.
Some companies might cover these aspects, while others might focus solely on fuel rates. 
So what’s taxable? Mileage allowances are generally not subject to social security contributions or payroll tax if they are considered reasonable and properly documented. However, if the reimbursement exceeds what is considered reasonable, the excess amount could be considered towards income tax.
In Greece, the tax treatment for cars, whether their own vehicle (owned by the employee) or company cars, includes guidelines for types of cars, such as electric and luxury cars. These rules were updated by a law passed in the tax year 2016. 

Company cars as benefits in kind

The use of a company car is considered a benefit in kind and is taxable. The taxable value is calculated as a percentage of the retail price of the car before taxes. The percentages vary based on the car's price range and age:
Price range (Retail price before taxes)
Percentage of retail price
Reduction for 3-5 years old
Reduction for 6-9 years old
Reduction for over 10 years old
Up to €12,000
4%
10% reduction
25% reduction
50% reduction
€12,001 to €17,000
7%
10% reduction
25% reduction
50% reduction
€17,001 to €20,000
14%
10% reduction
25% reduction
50% reduction
€20,001 to €25,000
18%
10% reduction
25% reduction
50% reduction
Over €25,000
22%
10% reduction
25% reduction
50% reduction
Source
Exemptions: Vehicles provided to employees requiring frequent travel (e.g., sales representatives, technicians) are excluded from this calculation if they are used primarily for business purposes. 

Luxury Vehicle tax

A luxury tax is imposed on private cars with large engine capacities. The tax rates are as follows:
Engine capacity
Additional percentage of retail price
1,929cc to 2,500cc
5%
Over 2,500cc
13%
Source (1), source (2)

Tax Benefits and Subsidies for Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Greece

Electric vehicles (EVs) are exempt from vehicle registration fees, lower CO2-based taxation and higher VAT refunds. EVs are also exempt from the luxury tax. 
Here are some tax-free benefits of EVs:
  • Exemption from luxury tax
  • Lower CO2-based taxation
  • Exemption from vehicle registration fees
  • Exclusion of market value from income calculation for certain vehicles
Subsidies for EVs under the "Kinoume Ilektrika 2" Program:
The "Kinoume Ilektrika 2" (I Move Electrically 2) programme does indeed provide financial incentives for EVs. Here are some recent details:
Recipient
Subsidy description
Subsidy amount
Individuals
30% subsidy for long-term leases of EVs, without buyback obligation
Up to €8,000
Companies
30% subsidy for 1-20 vehicles
Up to €8,000 per vehicle
Companies
20% subsidy for 21 vehicles and over
Up to €6,000 per vehicle
Additional subsidies
Disabled persons, families with dependent children and companies based on Greek islands
Variable amounts
Smart charger purchase
€500 subsidy for purchasing a smart charger
€500
Source (1), source (2)
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What is not included in the mileage allowance?

The mileage allowance specifically covers the costs associated with using a personal vehicle for business purposes. It does not include:
  • Travel allowance: separate travelling allowance that covers broader travel expenses, such as flights, trains, or other transportation modes
  • Public transportation fares: costs for using buses, trams, subways, or other public transport services
  • Parking fees or tolls: charges for parking or road tolls, which are usually reimbursed separately
  • Per diem: a daily allowance provided to cover meals, lodging and incidental expenses during business travel, so employees are compensated for out-of-pocket costs. The European Commission's per diem rate for Greece (updated as of 2022) is €82 for daily subsistence and €140 for accommodation per night.

Manage business travel smarter with TravelPerk

Managing business travel is a constant juggle for HR and travel managers—ensuring policy compliance, chasing approvals and tracking expenses across multiple trips. TravelPerk helps you save time and resources. 
With TravelPerk, you gain access to an extensive travel inventory with tens of thousands of negotiated rates across airlines, hotels and more—all in one platform. Send your employees anywhere they need to go, confident that you're getting the best value and service along the way.
Plus, TravelPerk integrates with popular expense management tools like Expensify and Pleo. This eliminates time-consuming manual data entry for everyone—especially when it comes to tracking mileage! Empower your team to explore new horizons with confidence and peace of mind.
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Frequently asked questions about mileage allowance in Greece

How do the mileage rates in Greece compare to other European countries?

Are there different mileage reimbursement rates in Greece for each type of car?

What is the HMRC equivalent in Greece?

How often are mileage reimbursement rates updated in Greece?

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