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Legal & administrative services

A lawyer can help with many everyday documents and procedures: property transfers, translations, residence permits, powers of attorney and more. This section will soon let you find a lawyer near you for exactly what you need. For every service we note what you can do yourself, for free or more cheaply, before deciding whether you need a lawyer.

This service has not launched yet. The information here is general and indicative, not legal advice. The platform is not a government service. For your specific case, always ask the relevant authority or a lawyer.

Property & vehicle transfers

Everything you need when buying, gifting or inheriting a home, land, or a vehicle.

Property title search

Lawyer recommended

Before you buy property, someone needs to check it has no debts, mortgages or other problems.

What the lawyer does

Searches the Land Registry/mortgage records for liens and claims on the property.
Prepares a written title-search report you can show the notary.
The fee is freely agreed in writing with the lawyer — there is no fixed statutory rate.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

You can request certificates/copies from the Land Registry yourself, without a lawyer — this is free/low-cost. Reading and assessing what they mean is where a lawyer helps.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

ID
Property details (cadastral number)

Legal basis: Άρθρο 36 §2(α) και Άρθρο 73 ν.4194/2013

Lawyer at a property sale deed

Lawyer optional

A lawyer at the deed has not been legally required since 2011 — it is your choice, for extra protection.

What the lawyer does

Attends the deed alongside the buyer or seller, if you choose.
Checks that the deed's terms protect your interests.
Coordinates with the notary on any corrections before signing.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

A notary is always required for the transfer — that role cannot be skipped. A lawyer is optional extra protection, not a legal requirement.

Typical documents

ID
Tax number
Property-tax (ΕΝΦΙΑ) certificate
Energy performance certificate

Legal basis: Άρθρα 73-74 ν.4194/2013· ν.3919/2011 (κατάργηση υποχρεωτικού τιμολογίου/παράστασης)

Parental grant or gift of property

Lawyer recommended

When a parent gives property to a child, or someone gifts it to another person, a notarial deed and a tax declaration are both needed.

What the lawyer does

Advises on the terms (e.g. splitting usufruct from bare ownership).
Coordinates with an accountant/notary on the tax declaration and the deed.
Helps when there is more than one beneficiary.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

The tax declaration is filed by you or your accountant with AADE. A lawyer is not required, but helps when the terms are more complex.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

ID
Title deed
Tax numbers of both parties

Legal basis: Κώδικας Φορολογίας Κληρονομιών, Δωρεών, Γονικών Παροχών (ν.2961/2001, όπως ισχύει)

Accepting an inheritance

Lawyer recommended

When someone dies, the heirs must declare inheritance tax and, if there is property, formally accept the inheritance to register it in their name.

What the lawyer does

Tracks deadlines (the inheritance-tax declaration has a strict time limit).
Prepares the notarial deed accepting the inheritance when real estate is involved.
Advises when the deceased had debts (the right to accept 'with benefit of inventory', so you do not inherit debts beyond the estate's value) or when there are several heirs.
If a court certificate of inheritance is needed, files it with the court — there a lawyer is mandatory, because it is a court filing, not because anyone is in dispute.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

You can file the inheritance-tax declaration with AADE yourself. A lawyer/notary is needed when there is property to register, debts, or several heirs.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Death certificate
Certificate of next-of-kin
Title deeds if any

Legal basis: Άρθρο 36 §1 ν.4194/2013 (υποχρεωτική παράσταση δικηγόρου στα δικαστήρια)· Κώδικας Φορολογίας Κληρονομιών (ν.2961/2001)

Vehicle transfer

Lawyer optional

Transferring a car or motorbike today is done digitally, and does not need a lawyer in straightforward cases.

What the lawyer does

Only helps in special cases: an inherited vehicle, a disagreement between co-owners, or if one party cannot complete the digital process alone.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

The transfer itself is done by buyer and seller together on gov.gr for no extra service fee (you only pay the statutory transfer duty) — no lawyer needed.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

ID and Taxisnet codes of both parties
Vehicle registration certificate

Legal basis: gov.gr — ψηφιακή μεταβίβαση οχήματος (γενική γνώση, όχι επιβεβαιωμένο σε live έλεγχο αυτής της συνεδρίας — το gov.gr φορτώνει με JavaScript)

Translations & certifications

Certified copies, official translations, signature certification and Apostille.

Certified document copies

Lawyer optional

A lawyer can certify that a copy is an exact match of the original document.

What the lawyer does

Issues a certified copy with full legal effect before any authority and any private party.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

Since 2014, Greek public administration can no longer require a certified copy for your own dealings with it — a plain, legible photocopy is enough. A certified copy is usually only needed for court use, for a private party, or abroad.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

The original document

Legal basis: Άρθρο 36 §2(β) ν.4194/2013· Άρθρο 1 §2 ν.4250/2014 (κατάργηση υποχρέωσης επικύρωσης για τις συναλλαγές με το Δημόσιο)

Document translation

Lawyer optional

A lawyer has the legal right to officially translate documents from and into a foreign language.

What the lawyer does

Translates the document and certifies sufficient knowledge of the language.
The translation has full legal effect when accompanied by a certified copy of the original.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

For simple personal documents (diplomas, certificates), a translator from the official Register of Certified Translators is often cheaper and equally valid. A lawyer is worth more when the document itself is a legal instrument (e.g. a contract, a court ruling).

Go to the official page

Typical documents

The original document or a certified copy of it

Legal basis: Άρθρο 36 §2(γ) ν.4194/2013· Μητρώο Πιστοποιημένων Μεταφραστών (γενική γνώση — δεν επιβεβαιώθηκε το ακριβές άρθρο νόμου σε αυτή τη συνεδρία)

Signature certification

Lawyer optional

Someone needs to certify that a signature on a document is genuinely yours.

What the lawyer does

Certifies the genuineness of their client's signature, in specific cases defined by law.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

For everyday cases, signature certification is done for free by a citizens' service centre (ΚΕΠ) or a police station, no lawyer needed. A lawyer is only needed when a specific law requires one.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

ID
The document to be signed

Legal basis: Άρθρο 36 §2(δ) ν.4194/2013, σε συνδυασμό με Άρθρο 42 §2 Κώδικα Ποινικής Δικονομίας και άλλες ειδικές διατάξεις

Apostille legalisation

Lawyer optional

A Greek document to be used in another country often needs an Apostille stamp to be recognised there.

What the lawyer does

Can request the Apostille on your behalf, with a power of attorney, if you are abroad or short on time.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

If you can go yourself or send someone you trust, the Apostille is requested directly from the competent authority (usually the Region or the court that issued the document) with no lawyer needed.

Typical documents

The original document

Legal basis: Σύμβαση της Χάγης 1961 (γενική γνώση — η αρμόδια ελληνική αρχή δεν επιβεβαιώθηκε σε live έλεγχο αυτής της συνεδρίας)

Residence permits & other matters for foreign nationals

Residence permits, citizenship, tax/social-security numbers, recognition of foreign documents.

Residence permit

Lawyer recommended

Non-EU nationals need a residence permit: first issue, renewal, family reunification, long-term resident, Golden Visa, digital nomad, students, workers.

What the lawyer does

Prepares the file and supporting documents for the category that fits you.
Tracks deadlines, so you do not lose your legal residence status.
For Golden Visa, often also assists with the property purchase (see the Property transfers section).

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

You can file the application yourself with the Immigration Directorate or via migration.gov.gr. A lawyer is not required, but helps a lot when the file is complex or the deadline is tight.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Passport
Proof of residence/employment/studies depending on category
Health insurance

Legal basis: Ν.4251/2014 (Κώδικας Μετανάστευσης), όπως ισχύει

Greek citizenship

Lawyer optional

Obtaining Greek citizenship requires years of legal residence, a knowledge test, and an application to the Ministry of Interior.

What the lawyer does

Checks whether the conditions are met before you apply.
Helps if the application is rejected and you want to file an administrative appeal.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

The application is filed by you; free guidance is also available at a ΚΕΠ. A lawyer mainly helps with unclear cases or rejections.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Proof of legal residence
Certificate of sufficient knowledge of Greek language/history/culture

Legal basis: Κώδικας Ελληνικής Ιθαγένειας (ν.3284/2004, όπως ισχύει)

Tax number, social security number, temporary health number

Lawyer optional

To work, get paid, or access public services in Greece, you need these numbers.

What the lawyer does

Can apply on your behalf with a power of attorney, if you are abroad.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

These numbers are issued to you directly and for free: tax number from the tax office/gov.gr, social security number and the temporary health number from a ΚΕΠ or e-ΕΦΚΑ.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Passport or ID
Residence permit (for the social-security numbers if you are a foreign national)

Legal basis: Γενική γνώση διοικητικής πρακτικής — δεν επιβεβαιώθηκε συγκεκριμένη νομοθετική διάταξη σε αυτή τη συνεδρία

Recognition of foreign documents and qualifications

Lawyer optional

A diploma or certificate from another country often needs official recognition to be valid in Greece.

What the lawyer does

Prepares the recognition file.
Files an administrative appeal if the application is rejected.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

The application to recognise academic qualifications is filed by you directly with ΔΟΑΤΑΠ, no lawyer needed.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Original diploma/certificate
Official translation
Apostille

Legal basis: Γενική γνώση — αρμόδιος φορέας ΔΟΑΤΑΠ, δεν επιβεβαιώθηκε σε live έλεγχο αυτή τη συνεδρία

Registering foreign civil-status records

Lawyer optional

A birth, marriage or death that took place abroad must be registered with the Special Registry Office to be recognised in Greece too.

What the lawyer does

Prepares the file (official translation + Apostille) and files it, with a power of attorney if you are abroad.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

If you are in Greece, you can do this yourself at the Special Registry Office of Athens, no lawyer needed.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Foreign civil-status record with Apostille
Official translation

Legal basis: Γενική γνώση — Ειδικό Ληξιαρχείο Αθηνών, δεν επιβεβαιώθηκε σε live έλεγχο αυτή τη συνεδρία

Exchanging a foreign driving licence

Lawyer optional

A driving licence from another country can often be exchanged for a Greek one, without new driving tests.

What the lawyer does

Helps if the foreign licence needs an official translation or if its equivalence is disputed.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

The application is made by you directly at the Region's Transport Directorate, no lawyer needed.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Foreign driving licence
Official translation if needed
Medical certificates

Legal basis: Γενική γνώση διοικητικής πρακτικής — δεν επιβεβαιώθηκε συγκεκριμένη διάταξη σε αυτή τη συνεδρία

Powers of attorney & authorisations

When you need a notarial power of attorney, and when the free digital authorisation is enough.

Notarial power of attorney

Lawyer recommended

A formal document authorising someone else to act on your behalf in important matters, e.g. selling property.

What the lawyer does

Drafts the wording of the powers you are granting, so it is clear and covers what is needed.
Especially useful for complex or high-value matters.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

For simple authorisations you can ask the notary directly for a standard text, no lawyer needed. A lawyer helps when the powers you are granting are numerous or complex.

Typical documents

ID
Details of the person you are authorising

Legal basis: Γενικές διατάξεις συμβολαιογραφικού δικαίου (Κώδικας Συμβολαιογράφων, ν.2830/2000)

Digital authorisation (gov.gr)

Lawyer optional

For everyday matters with public administration, there is a free digital authorisation, with no lawyer or notary needed.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

You do this yourself, for free, on gov.gr with your Taxisnet codes. It does not cover matters that require a notarial deed, such as selling property.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Taxisnet codes
Tax number of the person you are authorising

Legal basis: Υπηρεσία gov.gr — η ακριβής εμβέλεια/όρια της υπηρεσίας δεν επιβεβαιώθηκαν σε live έλεγχο αυτή τη συνεδρία (το gov.gr φορτώνει με JavaScript)

Real estate & leases

Lease agreements and Land Registry declarations.

Lease agreement

Lawyer optional

A lease for a home, shop or office must be declared to the tax authority.

What the lawyer does

Drafts a lease with terms tailored to your situation.
Especially useful for commercial leases or non-standard terms.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

For a simple residential lease, you can use the standard lease template and declare it yourself on myAADE, no lawyer needed.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

ID of landlord and tenant
Tax numbers of both
Property details

Legal basis: Γενική διοικητική πρακτική δήλωσης μισθωτηρίων στην ΑΑΔΕ

Land Registry declarations and corrections

Lawyer recommended

Every property must be correctly registered with the National Cadastre.

What the lawyer does

Helps when there is an error, gap or dispute in your property's registered details.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

A simple declaration or correction of details can be done by you yourself, online, at ktimatologio.gr.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Title deed
Land survey diagram if needed

Legal basis: Ν.2664/1998 (Εθνικό Κτηματολόγιο), όπως ισχύει

Starting & running a business

Sole proprietorship or a company: what is needed, and when you need a lawyer or notary.

Starting a sole proprietorship

Lawyer optional

The simplest business form in Greece — you run it in your own name.

What the lawyer does

Mainly helps with special matters (e.g. a partner agreement, a commercial lease).

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

The business is started by you together with your accountant, at the tax office and the Business Registry/Chamber — no lawyer or notary needed.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Tax number
Business address details

Legal basis: Γενική διοικητική πρακτική έναρξης επιχείρησης

Company formation (ΙΚΕ, general/limited partnership)

Lawyer recommended

When starting a business with others, you need articles of association and registration with the Business Registry.

What the lawyer does

Drafts the articles of association, especially with several partners or special terms.
For an ΙΚΕ/ΑΕ with non-standard articles, a notary is required — a lawyer helps draft the text beforehand.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

General/limited partnerships and an ΙΚΕ using the standard model articles can be set up through the Business Registry's one-stop-shop, with your accountant, no notary or lawyer required.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

Articles of association
Partner details
Partners' tax numbers

Legal basis: Ν.4441/2016 (Υπηρεσία Μιας Στάσης)· Ν.4072/2012 (ΙΚΕ) — αρμοδιότητες πιστοποιημένων φορέων δεν επιβεβαιώθηκαν πλήρως σε live έλεγχο αυτή τη συνεδρία

Benefits & administrative appeals

How to appeal a public body's decision, with or without a lawyer.

Appealing a decision by ΟΠΕΚΑ, e-ΕΦΚΑ, ΔΥΠΑ

Lawyer optional

If a benefit or pension application is rejected or reduced, you have the right to appeal within a set deadline.

What the lawyer does

Checks whether the decision is correct and which deadline applies to your case.
Drafts the appeal with the right arguments and supporting evidence.
If the appeal is rejected, explains whether taking it to court is worthwhile — that step does need a lawyer.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

You can file the appeal yourself, for free, directly with the same body (ΟΠΕΚΑ/e-ΕΦΚΑ/ΔΥΠΑ), usually within the deadline stated on its decision.

Go to the official page

Typical documents

The decision you are contesting
Supporting documents for your appeal

Legal basis: Άρθρα 24-25 ν.2690/1999 (Κώδικας Διοικητικής Διαδικασίας) — γενικό πλαίσιο· η προθεσμία κάθε παροχής ορίζεται στον δικό της κανονισμό

General administrative recourse

Lawyer optional

When you disagree with any public authority's decision, the law gives you the right to ask for it to be reconsidered.

What the lawyer does

Identifies the right type of appeal (request for reconsideration, hierarchical appeal, special administrative appeal, or quasi-judicial appeal).
Drafts the appeal with clear, evidenced arguments.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

The basic administrative appeal can be filed by you yourself, for free, in writing to the same or the higher authority. The law gives the authority 30 days (or 3 months in special cases) to respond.

Typical documents

The act or decision you are contesting

Legal basis: Άρθρα 24-25 ν.2690/1999 (Κώδικας Διοικητικής Διαδικασίας)

Civil status

Name changes and corrections to official records, with no dispute between parties.

Change of surname or given name

Lawyer optional

You can request an official change of surname or given name, when there is a serious reason and nobody objects.

What the lawyer does

Drafts the application and documents the reason for the change.
Helps if any authority or person objects to the change.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

In simple, uncontested cases, the application is filed by you with the Region/Decentralised Administration, no lawyer needed.

Typical documents

Civil-status certificates
Justification for the change

Legal basis: Γενική γνώση διοικητικής πρακτικής μη αμφισβητούμενης αλλαγής ονόματος/επωνύμου — δεν επιβεβαιώθηκε συγκεκριμένη διάταξη σε αυτή τη συνεδρία

Correcting a civil-status record

Lawyer optional

A clerical error in a civil-status record (birth, marriage, death) can be corrected.

What the lawyer does

For simple clerical errors, can help with the request to the registry office.
For substantive corrections requiring a court order, a lawyer is mandatory because it is a court filing — not because anyone is in dispute.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

A simple clerical error is corrected for free, directly at your municipality's registry office, no lawyer needed.

Typical documents

The civil-status record with the error
Proof of the correct detail

Legal basis: Άρθρο 36 §1 ν.4194/2013 (υποχρεωτική παράσταση δικηγόρου μόνο για τη δικαστική διόρθωση)

Court certificate of inheritance

Lawyer mandatory

An official court certificate proving who the lawful heirs are, when title deeds are missing or formal proof is needed.

What the lawyer does

Files the application for the certificate with the competent court.
Is mandatory here because it is a court procedure — not because there is a dispute between heirs.

Free or cheaper, without a lawyer

There is no free alternative, since this is a court filing.

Typical documents

Death certificate
Certificate of next-of-kin

Legal basis: Άρθρο 36 §1 ν.4194/2013 (υποχρεωτική παράσταση δικηγόρου στα δικαστήρια)· Αστικός Κώδικας, διατάξεις κληρονομικού δικαίου

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