Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Consumer Rights
Right of withdrawal, contracts and debt collection in Greece.
Consumer rights in Greece are governed by Law 2251/1994 (Consumer Protection Act) and aligned with EU consumer protection directives. The General Secretariat for Consumer Affairs (ΓΓΚΑ — Γενική Γραμματεία Καταναλωτή) enforces consumer rights. EU-wide rights apply: 14-day withdrawal right for distance contracts, 2-year product guarantee, and protection against unfair commercial practices. The Consumer Ombudsman (Συνήγορος του Καταναλωτή) handles disputes free of charge.
Right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht)
Under EU Directive 2011/83/EU (implemented in Greece): for online, telephone, or door-to-door purchases, you have 14 calendar days to withdraw without giving any reason. The 14-day period starts when you receive the goods or when the service contract is concluded. The seller must refund within 14 days of receiving the returned goods or your proof of return. Refund must include original delivery costs (standard rate). You pay return shipping unless the seller has agreed otherwise.
Contract cancellation
Service contracts (internet, mobile phone, gym, etc.): most fixed-term contracts have minimum contractual lock-in periods (usually 12–24 months). Early termination triggers a penalty (ποινική ρήτρα) stated in the contract — typically equal to the remaining contractual fees or a fixed amount. After the minimum period, you can cancel with 1 month's written notice. Utility contracts (electricity, gas): can generally be cancelled with 1 month's notice. Internet and mobile contracts: strictly regulated by EETT (Εθνική Επιτροπή Τηλεπικοινωνιών και Ταχυδρομείων) — cancellation after minimum period requires written 30-day notice.
Auto-renewal clauses are common in Greek service contracts (insurance, gym, internet, software). Under Law 2251/1994, auto-renewal clauses must be clearly highlighted in the contract. Providers must give notice 30–60 days before automatic renewal (varies by sector). You have the right to cancel before the renewal takes effect. EETT strictly regulates telecom auto-renewals. Insurance: auto-renews annually by default — cancellation requires written notice before the renewal date (typically 30 days).
Debt collection — response deadlines
Informal reminders: Initial reminders (υπενθυμίσεις) from creditors or collection agencies can be sent by post, email, or phone. These are not legal documents — you are not required to pay simply because a collection agency contacts you. However, do not ignore them — verify the debt and respond in writing.
Court order: If a debt remains unpaid, the creditor can apply for a court payment order (Διαταγή Πληρωμής) at the Peace Court (Ειρηνοδικείο). Once issued, this order is served by a court bailiff (δικαστικός επιμελητής). You have 15 working days to file an objection (Ανακοπή). If you do not object, the order becomes enforceable and your bank accounts, salary, or property can be subject to enforcement proceedings.
Response deadline: 15 working days from service of the court payment order (Διαταγή Πληρωμής) to file an objection.
Consumer protection authority
General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumer Protection (Γενική Γραμματεία Εμπορίου — gge.mindev.gov.gr): enforces consumer protection law, supervises market surveillance; consumer complaints filed at kataggelies.mindev.gov.gr. Consumer Ombudsman (Συνήγορος του Καταναλωτή — synigoroskatanaloti.gr): free mediation service for consumer disputes; independent authority; also handles ECC Greece cross-border complaints. EETT (telecom regulator — eett.gr) for mobile/internet disputes. ΕΕΕΠ (gambling regulator) for gambling-related complaints.
Consumer Ombudsman (Συνήγορος του Καταναλωτή): online at synigoroskatanaloti.gr or by post. For food safety issues: EFET (Ενιαίος Φορέας Ελέγχου Τροφίμων) at efet.gr. For financial services: Bank of Greece consumer complaints department. For telecom: EETT at eett.gr. For online scams and fraud: Cybercrime Police Unit (Δίωξη Ηλεκτρονικού Εγκλήματος): cybercrime.gr. For major frauds: Economic Crime Unit (Υπηρεσία Οικονομικής Αστυνομίας): yoa.gr.