Why Can't the Purchase Deed Be Signed Digitally
In Greece, a property transfer is a public act. The notary acts as a representative of the state, and the deed is completed at the notary's office. A notarial deed is a public document, and public documents cannot be signed with a digital signature. This holds regardless of where the buyer lives or which signing platform they use. There is no digital route to the final deed. The signing happens at the notary, in person or by proxy.
Can a Power of Attorney Be Signed Digitally?
No. A power of attorney for a property purchase is also a public document. It cannot be signed digitally, not even from within Greece. Signing a power of attorney requires physical presence. This can take place before a notary in Greece. It can also be done at a notary or a Greek embassy or consulate in the country where you live.
Do You Have to Travel to Greece to Buy?
Not necessarily. Your presence at the deed itself is not required if you appoint someone to act for you. With a power of attorney, your lawyer can represent you and complete the purchase on your behalf. This is how many international buyers complete a purchase without travelling to Greece. The one step that stays with the person is signing the power of attorney. Once that is in place, the rest of the transfer can be handled for you. At Elxis, our in-house legal team commonly completes the purchase this way, so clients who cannot travel can still buy safely.
Which Documents Can Be Signed Digitally in Greece?
Digital signatures do have a place in Greek transactions. They are accepted for private documents. This can include private agreements between parties and various declarations. What they cannot cover is any document that passes through a notary. So, the private side of a transaction may be handled digitally, while the transfer itself stays with the notary. The distinction is between private documents and public ones, not between "preliminary" and "final".