Buying Property in Greece

Practical answers to the most common questions international buyers ask

Practical Guidance for International Buyers

Buying property in Greece involves steps, costs, and formalities that are often unfamiliar to non-Greek buyers. This section answers the most common practical questions about travel, taxes, timelines, banking, and completing a purchase safely.

The answers below are designed to help you understand how the process works in practice and what to expect at each stage.

Do I need to travel to Greece to complete the purchase?

No. Once a Power of Attorney is in place, we can handle the entire purchase on your behalf without you needing to be in Greece at any stage.

Our lawyers take care of all legal, administrative, and procedural steps, from due diligence and contract signing to notary representation and registration. You are fully represented throughout the process.

You are, of course, free to travel to Greece at any time if you wish, but your presence is not required for the purchase to be completed safely and correctly.

Can you handle everything remotely with a power of attorney?

Yes.

With a Power of Attorney, our lawyers can represent you in Greece and handle all legal and administrative steps on your behalf. This includes due diligence, tax registration, contract signing, and completion of the purchase.

What are the main taxes and purchase costs for foreigners?

The main costs involved in buying property in Greece typically include:

Property transfer tax, usually 3% of the declared value
Notary fees
Land Registry or Cadastre fees
Legal fees (our fixed, transparent pricing)
Real estate agent commission, if you choose to work with an agent

Before you proceed, we provide a clear cost overview so you understand the total expected expense.

How do I get a Greek tax number (AFM)?

We can obtain your Greek tax number on your behalf using a Power of Attorney.

You do not need to visit Greece for this step. We handle the entire process and provide your AFM once it has been issued.

Can non-EU citizens buy property in Greece?

Yes.

Most areas in Greece are open to buyers from all countries. Certain border regions require additional approval for non-EU citizens, but this is a known and manageable process.

We assess eligibility and handle the necessary applications where required.

What are the residency or visa implications of owning property in Greece?

Owning property in Greece does not automatically grant residency.

However, qualifying investments may allow you to apply for the Greek Golden Visa, which provides residency rights for you and your family. We can advise you on eligibility and guide you through the legal steps if this is relevant to your plans.

Can you help open a Greek bank account for the transaction?

Yes.

If a Greek bank account is required for your purchase, we assist with the process. Depending on the bank’s policies, this may be done remotely or may require one visit to Greece.

We guide you through the requirements and coordinate the steps.

What’s the usual timeline from offer to completion?

A typical property purchase takes between 4 and 8 weeks.

The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the due diligence, the seller’s readiness, document availability, and notary scheduling. We manage the process efficiently and keep you informed throughout.

How is money safely transferred to the seller?

Funds are transferred through secure banking channels, either directly to the seller or via the notary, depending on the structure of the transaction.

We oversee the process to ensure payments are legally compliant, properly documented, and carried out safely.

What happens at the notary signing?

The final purchase contract is signed before a notary, who formally certifies the transaction.

If you have granted us Power of Attorney, we attend and sign on your behalf. Once the contract is signed and registered, ownership is officially transferred to you.