Advisors

Professional Advisory Services in Greece

Navigating the Greek investment landscape requires a specialized understanding of local administrative, legal, and tax frameworks. For foreign nationals, engaging local advisors is a standard procedural step to ensure compliance with the Civil Code and the regulations set by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). This guide outlines the categories of professionals required for secure investment and the protocols for verifying their credentials.

Essential Categories of Advisors

Investing in Greece—particularly in real estate or through the "Golden Visa" program—typically involves a multidisciplinary team. Each role is distinct and regulated by specific professional bodies.

Lawyers (Dikigoros)

Greek law dictates that lawyers perform "due diligence" on property titles to ensure there are no liens, mortgages, or legal encumbrances. They also represent clients in the drafting of the "Pre-sale Agreement" and oversee the application for residence permits.

• Verification: Must be registered with a local Bar Association. The Athens Bar Association (DSA) provides a searchable database of active members.
• Typical Fees: For property transactions, fees range from 1% to 1.5% of the contract value plus VAT. A standard consultation fee is approximately 150 EUR ($158 USD, Jan 2026).

Public Notaries (Symvolaiografos)

In the Greek legal system, the Notary is a public official who acts as a neutral third party. They are the only professionals authorized to draft and execute the "Final Contract" (Oristiko Symvolaio). They are responsible for calculating transfer taxes and ensuring the transaction is recorded in the National Land Registry (Ktimatologio).

Tax Consultants and Accountants (Logistis)

Every foreign investor must obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM). An accountant is necessary for annual tax filings (E1 and E9 forms), which are mandatory for property owners even if they do not reside in Greece or earn local income.

• Annual Compliance Fee: Professional fees for basic tax representation typically start at 300 EUR ($315 USD, Jan 2026) per year.

Practical Steps for Selection and Verification

To ensure the legitimacy of an advisor and protect the investment, foreign nationals should follow these verification protocols:

Verifying Professional Standing

Before sharing sensitive documentation, verify the advisor’s status through official registries:

• For Lawyers: Check the "Plenary of the Greek Bar Associations" electronic portal.
• For Real Estate Agents: Verify registration with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) and the local Chamber of Commerce.
• For Accountants: Ensure they hold a valid license from the Economic Chamber of Greece.

Standard Engagement Process

The engagement of a local advisor typically follows these steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Discussion of investment objectives and fee structure.
2. Issuance of Power of Attorney (PoA): Often drafted by a Notary, this allows the advisor to act on the investor's behalf at the Tax Office or Land Registry.
3. Fee Agreement: A written agreement detailing the scope of work and payment schedule.

Costs and Payment Standards

All professional fees in Greece are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT), which is currently 24%. Payments should be made via bank transfer to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and to serve as legal proof of payment for "Golden Visa" requirements.

Investment-related legal packages for residency programs (Golden Visa) typically cost between 2,500 EUR ($2,630 USD, Jan 2026) and 5,000 EUR ($5,260 USD, Jan 2026), depending on the complexity of the case.