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.
Capital: Athens
Region: Europe
Language: Greek
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 52)
Emergency: 112
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Professional Services
Finding lawyers, accountants, doctors and other professionals in Greece.
Greece has a strong tradition of personal relationships in professional services — referrals through trusted contacts carry significant weight. Get all fee agreements in writing before engagement. Professional associations (bars, notarial chambers, OEE) have complaint mechanisms if you experience misconduct. For complex matters involving multiple professionals (property purchase, business setup), understand each party's role clearly — the notary, lawyer, accountant, and agent all have distinct and non-overlapping functions.
Language options: English is widely spoken by professional services providers in Athens and major cities, particularly lawyers, doctors, and accountants working with international clients. Smaller cities and rural areas may have less English-language service. French, German, Russian, and Chinese-speaking professionals are available in Athens for specific communities. For legal documents, official communication with Greek authorities must be in Greek — ensure your professional provides translations or certified documents.
Notary (Συμβολαιογράφος)
Fixed by law based on transaction value. Property purchase (€200,000): ~€1,000–2,000 notarial fees. Company formation: €300–800. General notarial acts: €100–400. How to find: Search the Hellenic Notaries Association directory at notaries.gr, or ask your lawyer or real estate agent for a recommendation. Every city and island has local notaries.
Συμβολαιογραφικός Σύλλογος Αθηνών (Notarial Association of Athens)Συμβολαιογραφικός Σύλλογος Θεσσαλονίκης
💡 A notary is legally required for all Greek property transactions, company formations, gifts of real estate, and inheritance acceptance. The notary is a state official and represents neither party. Request the contract draft in advance for review. Having a bilingual notary or your own lawyer review the contract is strongly recommended for non-Greek speakers.
Lawyer / Attorney (Δικηγόρος)
Property transaction due diligence: €500–1,500. Hourly rate: €100–300/hour for experienced lawyers. Contract review: €200–500. Court representation: varies significantly. How to find: Athens Bar Association (dsa.gr) has a searchable directory. Request referrals from your consulate, expat community, or Chamber of Commerce. Many Greek lawyers speak English, especially in Athens.
Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος Αθηνών (Athens Bar Association)Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος Θεσσαλονίκης
💡 Using an independent lawyer (separate from the notary and the real estate agent) for property purchases is strongly recommended — the notary acts neutrally, not in your interest. For immigration matters, ensure the lawyer specialises in immigration law (δικηγόρος αλλοδαπών). Always get a written fee agreement (συμφωνητικό αμοιβής) before engagement.
Tax Accountant / Tax Advisor (Φοροτεχνικός / Λογιστής)
Annual tax return filing (individual): €100–300. Self-employed bookkeeping + tax filing: €150–600/month. Company accounting: €300–1,000/month. How to find: Licensed accountants are registered with OEE (Οικονομικό Επιμελητήριο Ελλάδας). Ask for referrals from the expat community or your employer's HR department. Many firms in Athens specialise in international clients.
ΟΕΕ — Οικονομικό Επιμελητήριο Ελλάδας (Economic Chamber of Greece)ΣΛΟΤ (Accounting and Auditing Oversight Board)
💡 A Greek accountant (λογιστής) is essential for self-employed persons, company owners, and anyone with complex tax affairs (rental income, foreign income, investment income). Greek tax law changes frequently — annual consultation is highly recommended even for employed persons. Ensure your accountant is registered with OEE and has experience with international/expat clients if relevant.
Real Estate Agent (Μεσίτης)
Commission: 2–2.5% of property value paid by both buyer and seller (total 4–5%). Rental agency: 1 month's rent (typically shared between landlord and tenant). How to find: Licensed agents are registered with ΣΕΓΕ (Σύνδεσμος Ελλήνων Γραφείων Εμπορίας Ακινήτων). Portals: spitogatos.gr, xe.gr, rightmove.gr (for English speakers). International portals: Sotheby's Realty Greece, RE/MAX Greece.
ΣΕΓΕ — Σύνδεσμος Ελλήνων Γραφείων Εμπορίας Ακινήτων
💡 Verify the agent's ΣΕΓΕ licence. In Greece, agents typically represent both parties — independent buyer's representation is rare. Always engage your own lawyer for property due diligence. Be aware that some rural island properties have unresolved title issues, complex inheritance chains, or forest land disputes — thorough legal due diligence is critical.
Employment lawyer (Εργατολόγος)
€100–250/hour. Unfair dismissal claim: €1,500–5,000 depending on complexity. Labour Court filing fees: minimal. How to find: Athens Bar Association (dsa.gr) — filter by "εργατικό δίκαιο" (labour law) specialisation. For free initial mediation: OMED (Οργανισμός Μεσολάβησης και Διαιτησίας — omed.gr) handles collective disputes; the Labour Inspectorate (ΣΕΠΕ — sepe.gr) handles individual complaints and inspections at no cost.
Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος Αθηνών (dsa.gr)ΣΕΠΕ — Σώμα Επιθεώρησης Εργασίας (sepe.gr)
💡 File a complaint with ΣΕΠΕ first for straightforward wage, holiday, and discrimination issues — it is free and can prompt employer compliance without court proceedings. For unfair dismissal: Greek statutory severance depends on years of service; an employment lawyer ensures you receive the correct amount and identifies any additional damages.
Migration Consultant (Συμβούλος Μετανάστευσης)
Residence permit application support: €500–2,000. Golden Visa application (full service): €3,000–8,000. Digital Nomad Visa: €500–1,500. How to find: Ask your consulate, expat groups, or employer HR. Many law firms specialise in immigration. For Golden Visa and investment cases, boutique firms with English-speaking staff are available in Athens.
💡 Migration processes in Greece are complex and change frequently. A specialist ensures correct documentation and avoids costly delays. For Golden Visa, use a firm with verified experience — the investment thresholds and rules have changed multiple times. Ensure the consultant is either a licensed lawyer (δικηγόρος) or works under attorney supervision.
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