Buying a home in Greece is a popular choice for buyers from the US, Canada, Australia, the UK and the rest of Europe. The purchase itself is signed before a Greek notary, and every document that is not in Greek must be understood by the notary, the lawyers and the authorities. Good preparation of your documents saves time and money.
The basic steps
- Get a Greek tax number (AFM) – it is mandatory for every buyer.
- Appoint a Greek lawyer to carry out the legal due diligence on the property.
- Arrange the payment – many buyers open a Greek bank account; ask your lawyer and bank what applies to you.
- Sign the contract before the notary – in person or through a representative with a power of attorney.
- Register the property with the Hellenic Cadastre.
Buying without travelling: the power of attorney
If you cannot be in Greece for the signing, you can authorise a lawyer or another trusted person. A power of attorney signed abroad usually needs:
- a notary’s signature in your country,
- a Hague Apostille (or Greek consular legalisation if your country is not part of the Hague Convention),
- a certified Greek translation of the entire document, including the Apostille.
Greek notaries often prefer a specific power of attorney that names the property, the price and the powers granted. Ask your Greek lawyer for a draft before you sign it abroad – changing it later means repeating the notary, the Apostille and the translation.
Other documents that may need translating
- proof of address and bank statements,
- proof of the origin of funds,
- marriage certificates or prenuptial agreements, if the property is bought by a couple,
- company documents, if you buy through a company,
- for non-EU buyers in border areas: additional documents such as a criminal record certificate or birth certificate, with translations.
Common mistakes
- Translating the power of attorney before the Apostille is added.
- Different spellings of names across passport, bank documents and contracts.
- Using a general power of attorney that the notary does not accept.
- Leaving translations to the last week before the signing.
How Translatable can help
We translate powers of attorney, contracts, bank and company documents between English, German and Greek, including certified translations with lawyer certification. We work online, keep names and figures consistent across all documents and can coordinate deadlines with your lawyer and notary.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a Greek lawyer or notary, who will confirm the exact documents your purchase requires.
Border areas: an extra permit for non-EU buyers
Under Article 25 of Law 1892/1990, individuals and companies from outside the EU/EEA – including buyers from the US, Canada, Australia and the UK – need a permit from a special committee of the Decentralised Administration before acquiring property in designated border areas, such as the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos and others), Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Evros, Santorini and Skyros. The committee may ask for a birth certificate, a criminal record certificate and a short CV, with Apostille and official Greek translation. Ask your lawyer early, as the procedure adds time.
Planning to apply for residence through your purchase? See our guide to the Greek Golden Visa.
