Greece offers breathtaking islands, vibrant cities, and a stable property market — making it a prime location for international buyers.
But purchasing real estate in Greece as a foreigner involves legal complexity, especially for non-EU citizens. This guide explains every step with legal clarity.
🌍 Who Can Buy Property in Greece?
✅ EU citizens: Can buy freely without restrictions
✅ Non-EU citizens: Can buy residential or commercial property, but may require approval in border zones (e.g., islands or military areas)
💡 Border zones include regions like Rhodes, Crete, parts of Northern Greece, and islands near Turkey. Legal clearance is often needed.
🧾 Legal Steps to Buy Property in Greece
Here’s a simplified legal process:
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Hire a Greek property lawyer
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Get a Greek tax number (AFM)
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Open a local bank account
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Reserve the property and conduct due diligence
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Sign the preliminary agreement
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Transfer funds and pay applicable taxes
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Sign the final contract in front of a notary
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Register the property with the Land Registry
📜 All documents must be translated into Greek by a certified translator.
🕵️ Legal Due Diligence Checklist
Before buying, your lawyer should:
🔍 Confirm clear title and no debts
📂 Verify building permits and zoning legality
📉 Check for unpaid taxes or liens
📐 Confirm square footage and legal structure
🏛 Ensure seller has full legal rights to sell
💶 Taxes and Fees to Expect
| Expense Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax | 3% of property value |
| Notary fees | 1–1.5% |
| Legal fees | ~1–2% (based on scope) |
| Land registry registration | 0.5–0.7% |
| Real estate agent fee | ~2% (shared or buyer-paid) |
📌 Budget an extra 7–10% of the property’s price for transaction costs.
🏠 Can You Rent Out the Property?
Yes — property owners can rent their real estate for:
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Short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb)
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Long-term leases
📣 Make sure your property is properly registered for tax purposes and complies with Greek rental laws.
📍 Buying on an Island or Border Zone
Non-EU citizens buying in border areas must apply for Ministry of Defense approval. Your lawyer will handle:
📄 Application submission
📌 Background check process
📬 Communication with local authorities
⏱ This may take 1–2 months, so plan ahead.
🏛 Why Work With a Property Lawyer?
Purchasing in Greece without legal guidance can lead to:
❌ Hidden property debts
❌ Delayed or invalid contracts
❌ Overpaying in taxes or fees
❌ Problems with inheritance or citizenship later
🛡 At Borderless Lawyers, we ensure:
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Full due diligence
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Contract drafting in your language
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Tax compliance and registration
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Representation during notary signing
📞 Planning to Buy in Greece?
Whether you’re purchasing a vacation home, rental investment, or primary residence, we make the process seamless.
💬 Schedule a legal consultation today to secure your property with confidence.
✉️ Borderless Lawyers — because peace of mind should come with every property.