Search these terms online and you will get all sorts of scary answers. For example, “purchases are often impossible for border areas of Greece,” or “purchase is permitted only to those (individuals and legal entities) who have Greek nationality.”
In reality, the process of buying in a border area in Greece is not as scary as some sources online make it out to be. However, if you are a non-EU resident, you should be aware of the few extra steps required in the process, when compared to buying in the rest of Greece. We will explain the process in detail below.
Who Is This Article For?
This article is for buyers from OUTSIDE the EU. For buyers inside the EU, no extra permit is required for buying a home in a border region.
Which Areas of Greece Are Considered “Border Regions”?
Some of the most beautiful areas of Greece are near the border areas. Border region areas in Greece include the islands of the East Aegean, the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes, Lesvos, Karpathos, and Chios.
Note that even some islands which are not close to the borders, like Astypalaia, are also included. On the mainland, areas classified as border regions include Evros, Thesprotia, Kastoria, Kilkis, Xanthi, Preveza, Rodopi, Florina, and Evros.
Dodecannese Islands
The Dodecanese islands are a Greek island group located on the southeastern side of the Aegean Sea, close to Turkey. The name Dodecanese means “the twelve islands” in Greek, as this is the number of the largest islands of the complex.
The most popular island of the Dodecanese chain is Rhodes, famous for its beautiful Old Town, wonderful beaches, and lush green nature. Very popular areas to buy a home in the Dedecannese are also Samos, Kos, and Karpathos, because they are small beautiful islands that are great for relaxing holidays.
East Aegean Islands
Among the islands included in Greece’s border regions are Chios, Lesvos, Limnos, and Samothraki.
Chios
Chios is an island in the North Aegean that is popular for homebuyers in Greece because of its beaches and its mastic trees; the resin they produce (called ‘tears of the gods’) has a healing effect and is also delicious to eat and drink. In addition, the 20 medieval mastic villages are incredible works of art which are not to be missed.
Samothraki
Samothraki or Samothrace is one of the Greece’s most difficult islands to get to and is known for its beautiful nature. This is supposedly where Alexander the Great was conceived. It is a paradise for nature lovers and is known for its tall chestnut trees that are 500 years old, some of which have trunks at least two meters wide.
Samothraki is also one of the longest continually inhabited islands in Greece. It was one of Ancient Greece’s religious centers and at Therma, you can find hot mineral baths.
Lesvos
Lesvos is Greece’s third-largest island. It is known for its olive oil and ouzo, the national spirit of Greece that is flavored with anise. The most popular pairings with ouzo on Lesvos are meze plates like anchovies, roasted scallops and grilled octopus. Traditional dishes on the island of Lesvos include stuffed onions with meat and rice, sponge with zucchini, and meatballs with ouzo.
What is the Process to Get a Permit?
You will need to gather certain documents, which are listed below, along with an apostille stamp. The permit request is then submitted to a special committee for approval.
These types of permits are just a formality, especially for citizens from the UK, US, Canada, and other large countries outside of the EU. However, the application process adds time to buying a home in Greece. The amount of time needed to review the permit varies based on the office where your permit request was submitted, and can take several months.
What Documents are Required?
Several of the documents required to submit your request are already included in the process of purchasing a home in Greece. The exact documents required may vary based on the office where your permit request is submitted.
- A short CV in Greek, with certified translation
- A copy of your valid passport certified by a competent authority or a lawyer
- Your criminal record certificate, with certified translation
- A Residence Permit (if you declare as a resident of Greece or another EU country)
- Property details (description, purpose of purchase, and topographical map of the property)
- Birth certificate, with certified translation
- Signature from the seller
I Want to Buy a Home in a Border Region — Who Can Help Me?
We recommend partnering with a local real estate specialist or lawyer to help prepare and submit your documents. Elxis – At Home in Greece has over 30 years of experience in the buying and selling of homes in Greece, including the border permit application process. For a non-committal consultation, reach out to us here.
Areas of Military Interest in Greece
Areas of military interest in Greece also need an extra permit. These areas are treated very similarly to border regions, but the main difference is that all home buyers (whether you are from inside or outside the EU) need to apply. It is also a shorter process, usually needing two to three weeks. We will cover this topic in a separate article.
