Clear first orientation

Guide 01

Buying Property in Greece: Initial Legal Considerations

A property purchase should begin with independent legal and technical due diligence, not with the signing of a reservation document or the transfer of funds.

Before committing

The first review should identify the seller, the legal title, the precise property and any rights, restrictions, claims or security interests affecting it. The proposed use of the property, planning position, access, boundaries and any construction or alterations should also be checked with the appropriate professional input.

Typical elements of the process

• Obtaining or confirming the buyer’s Greek tax identification and appointing any necessary representatives.
• Legal due diligence on title and registered encumbrances, together with technical review by an appropriately qualified engineer.
• Review and negotiation of reservation terms, preliminary agreements and the final notarial deed.
• Coordination with the notary, tax adviser, engineer and other professionals required for the transaction.
• Payment of the applicable transfer tax before completion and registration of the acquisition in the competent land-registration system.
• Post-completion attention to the E9 real-estate statement, annual ENFIA obligations and practical ownership arrangements.

The applicable tax, planning, residence and investment rules depend on the property, the buyer and the transaction at the relevant time. This guide is only a first orientation and should not be used as a transaction checklist without advice on the particular acquisition.

Official orientation: Independent Authority for Public Revenue, “Before buying a property” and the AADE tax guide for non-residents.

Guide 02

Urgent Legal Problems While Visiting Greece

In an urgent matter, the quality of the first information and the accurate identification of the deadline are often as important as speed.

Situations requiring prompt assessment

Urgency may arise from detention or another restriction of liberty; an imminent hearing or procedural deadline; threatened enforcement; a serious family or property dispute; the need to seek a temporary order, protective measure or other interim relief; or a risk that assets, evidence or a legal position will be materially affected by delay.

Information to provide immediately

• Your full name, telephone number, current location and preferred means of contact.
• The names of all parties involved, so that a conflict check can be carried out.
• The authority, court, police station or other body involved, with any reference number.
• The exact hearing date, deadline or immediate risk, supported by a copy of the relevant notice where available.
• A concise chronology and only the documents necessary to understand the urgent issue.

Immediate safety and public authorities

Where there is an immediate threat to life or physical safety, contact the competent emergency or public authority without waiting for a legal consultation. Foreign nationals may also need to contact their embassy or consulate, particularly in cases involving detention, lost travel documents or the need for consular assistance.

The Law Office reviews urgent requests on a priority basis, subject to availability, conflict checks and express written acceptance. The service is not a 24-hour emergency hotline and an email alone does not establish representation.

Guide 03

Litigation in Greece for Overseas Individuals and Businesses

A useful initial assessment separates the merits of the dispute from jurisdiction, evidence, limitation periods, service, enforcement and the practical economics of proceedings.

The initial questions

Before proceedings are begun or defended, it is necessary to identify the parties and their correct legal details, the relevant agreements and events, any jurisdiction or governing-law clause, the relief sought, the available evidence and every applicable procedural or substantive deadline. Cross-border disputes may also require analysis of service abroad, taking of evidence, recognition and enforcement.

Preparing the first review

• Prepare a short chronology separating established facts from disputed allegations.
• Identify all contracts, formal notices, court documents and material correspondence.
• State where each party and relevant asset is located.
• Record any hearing, service date, limitation issue or contractual notice period.
• Explain the practical objective: payment, performance, restraint, preservation of an asset, settlement or defence of a claim.

Strategy and proportionality

Litigation strategy should consider not only whether a claim can be made, but also the evidence required, procedural risk, interim protection, likely duration, recoverability and the prospects of enforcement. Negotiation or a structured settlement may be appropriate in some matters; in others, prompt court action may be necessary to preserve rights.

Court competence, procedure and time limits depend on the claim and the facts. No step should be postponed on the basis of this general guide.

Official orientation: the European e-Justice Portal on bringing a case to court in Greece, time limits and service of documents.

Guide 04

Animal Welfare and Animal Protection Law in Greece

Animal-protection matters often require coordinated use of administrative, civil and criminal procedures, supported by careful preservation of evidence.

Where legal issues arise

Matters may concern companion animals, strays, shelters, ownership and custody disputes, mistreatment or neglect, regulatory duties, municipal action or inaction, veterinary and identification records, the operation of organisations, and questions with an EU-law or cross-border element.

Evidence and immediate reporting

• Record the date, time and precise location of the incident or continuing condition.
• Preserve original photographs, video, messages, veterinary material and witness details without public editing or commentary.
• Identify the animal where possible through lawful records, microchip information or distinguishing features.
• Keep copies of reports made to police, municipal, veterinary or prosecutorial authorities and note any reference number.
• Where an animal is in immediate danger, contact the competent authority promptly rather than relying only on online publication.

Choosing the appropriate route

The correct response depends on the facts and may involve a criminal complaint, an administrative application or challenge, a request for prosecutorial or judicial protection, civil proceedings, or structured engagement with a municipality or other competent body. Public campaigning may assist some cases but should not compromise evidence, personal data, safety or pending proceedings.

This is a specialised and fact-sensitive field. Early legal assessment can help identify the competent authority, preserve evidence and avoid procedural steps that do not address the actual risk to the animal.

Official orientation: the Ministry of the Interior’s companion-animal portal on the applicable institutional framework and the National Register of Companion Animals.