Yes — foreigners can legally buy real estate in Greece, including residential homes, apartments, land, and commercial property. Whether you’re dreaming of a villa in Crete, a historic flat in Athens, or a holiday home in the Cyclades, property ownership is open to non-Greek nationals.
However, the legal process differs for foreigners and includes several requirements you must comply with. In this guide, we walk you through the full process of buying property in Greece as a foreigner, including legal checks, taxes, and how Borderless Lawyers protects your investment.
🌍 Who Can Buy Property in Greece?
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✅ EU/EEA Citizens: Can buy without restrictions
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✅ Non-EU Citizens: Allowed to purchase, but may need extra clearance
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❌ Special Zones: Near military or border areas (e.g. islands near Turkey) may require Ministry of Defense permission
Most buyers from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Israel, and Latin America face no major restrictions, especially in urban or touristic zones.
🧾 Step-by-Step: Buying Property in Greece
1. 🔍 Find a Property
Work with a licensed real estate agent and visit properties in person or remotely.
2. 👩⚖️ Hire a Lawyer (Recommended)
Legal due diligence is not optional in Greece. You need a lawyer to:
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Review the title deed
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Check ownership history
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Verify if there are debts, mortgages, or encumbrances
📌 Borderless Lawyers provides full legal support for foreign buyers, including property screening, contract review, and remote purchases.
3. 🆔 Get a Greek Tax Number (AFM)
All buyers must register for an AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) at the local tax office. Your lawyer can do this for you via Power of Attorney (POA).
4. 💶 Open a Greek Bank Account
Required to pay the purchase price and taxes. You’ll need:
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Passport
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AFM
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Proof of income/source of funds
5. 📄 Sign a Preliminary Agreement (Optional)
Some sellers request a private pre-contract (with deposit), known as a binding offer.
6. 📘 Sign the Final Contract
This must be done:
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In front of a Greek notary public
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With the presence (or POA) of your lawyer
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With all taxes paid in advance
7. 🏛️ Register the Property
After signing, your lawyer files the purchase deed with:
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The Hellenic Cadastre (Ktimatologio)
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The local Land Registry Office
Now you are the legal owner.
⚖️ Legal Due Diligence – Critical for Foreign Buyers
Before signing any contract, your lawyer must:
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Confirm legal title and property boundaries
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Check for liens, debts, or pending disputes
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Confirm urban planning permissions (especially for land)
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Review any zoning laws or building restrictions
📌 A title search is standard practice — never skip this step.
💸 Costs and Taxes When Buying
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax | ~3.09% of the purchase price |
| Notary Fees | 0.8%–1.2% |
| Land Registry & Cadastre | ~0.5% |
| Lawyer Fees | ~1% (may vary) |
| Real Estate Agent | 2%–2.5% (buyer + seller share) |
| VAT (on new properties) | Currently suspended in most cases |
🧠 Can You Buy Remotely?
Yes — many foreigners buy property in Greece without visiting, using a Power of Attorney (POA). Your lawyer can:
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Get your AFM
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Open your Greek bank account
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Sign all contracts on your behalf
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Register the property in your name
This is especially useful for buyers from outside the EU or those planning to apply for residence later.
🧾 Ongoing Obligations After Purchase
After buying, you must:
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Declare the property on your Greek tax return (Form E9)
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Pay ENFIA (annual property tax)
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Maintain property insurance and utilities
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Comply with zoning and rental rules, especially if you rent it out
🏡 Does Property Ownership Grant Residency?
As of now, Greece’s Golden Visa program has been suspended. Owning property alone does not grant a visa or residence permit.
However, you can still apply for other routes like:
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Retirement residence permit (with income + property)
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Financially independent residence permit
We’ll help you choose the right strategy.
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Helps Foreign Buyers
We handle every part of the process for foreign property buyers:
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Legal due diligence
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Remote POA-based purchases
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Contract drafting and negotiation
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Tax registration and compliance
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Dealing with realtors and notaries
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Post-purchase registration and utility setup
📞 Whether you’re already in Greece or abroad, we make sure your property purchase is 100% legal, safe, and smooth.
❓ FAQ – Foreigners Buying Property in Greece
Q: Can I buy land in Greece as a foreigner?
A: Yes, but some border regions may require clearance. Always check zoning and land-use laws.
Q: Can I rent out my property short-term?
A: Yes, with an EOT number and proper registration. Different rules apply to Airbnb-style rentals.
Q: Is a notary enough to protect me legally?
A: No — notaries do not represent your interests. Always use a qualified lawyer.
🏠 Ready to Buy Property in Greece?
Buying a home abroad is a big step—make sure it’s a smart and secure one. Let Borderless Lawyers protect your investment from start to finish.
👉 Book a consultation today to begin your property purchase in Greece.