02.12.2024
You would like to buy a home in Greece but are not sure what documents you need. Do you need a Greek bank account? A Greek passport or ID card? Are extra documents needed depending on where in Greece you buy? Here are the documents you will need.
The most common form of identification is a passport. It can be from your home country and does not need to be a Greek passport or ID card. Keep in mind that how long you can stay in Greece each year depends on your nationality. If you are an EU citizen, you can stay as long as you wish. If you are a non-EU citizen, you can stay for 90 days in any 180-day period.
A Greek tax number, the AFM, is a nine-digit number that is mandatory for everyone who wants to buy real estate in Greece, regardless of nationality. Contrary to popular belief, a Greek bank account is not needed to buy a home in Greece. You can make all the necessary payments from your home country.
An AFM is needed to buy a property in Greece. It is also needed to get a residence permit, to file taxes, to secure a rental contract, and to open a bank account.
If you do not have one, do not worry. That is the case for most foreign buyers, and you can apply for it during your search for a home. It is common to use an accountant or lawyer to apply. If you have given an Elxis lawyer power of attorney, we can apply for the tax number on your behalf through our network of accountants. You provide the documents, and we keep you updated until it is done.
A power of attorney (POA) is not required to buy a home in Greece, but it is very helpful if you live abroad or do not speak Greek. With a POA, a Greek lawyer can represent you throughout the purchase and act on your behalf, even when you are not in Greece. For example, the lawyer can apply for your AFM and sign the final purchase contract for you. Without a POA, you would need to travel to Greece yourself for many of the key steps.
Jointly owned properties are held in the name of two or more people, such as a couple, business partners, friends, or family. One reason to buy jointly is to share the cost. One party may later decide to sell their share. The split can be 50/50, or one owner can hold a larger share. Each owner can sell or bequeath their own share without consulting the others. In this case, you will each need to present the documents listed above.
This section applies only if you are not an EU citizen. If you are buying in a border region and are not an EU citizen, a few extra documents are needed compared with buying elsewhere in Greece. The exact requirements may vary depending on the office where your request is submitted:
A short CV in Greek, with a certified translation
A copy of your valid passport, certified by a competent authority or a lawyer
Your criminal record certificate, with a certified translation
A residence permit, if you are a resident of Greece or another EU country
Property details (description, purpose of purchase, and topographical map)
Birth certificate, with a certified translation
The seller's signature
You may need additional documents if you buy as a business in Greece. It is best to take legal advice on the extra requirements for a company purchase.
Yes. Sellers have to provide many more documents than buyers. For example, a seller is required to provide:
The deed of the property
The topographical plan
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The building permit
The Electronic Building Identity (E-ID)
Copies of personal ID
Front and back of an electricity bill
The E-9 tax form
The E-ID, or Electronic Building Identity (Ηλεκτρονική Ταυτότητα Κτιρίου), is an electronic file on each property in Greece that holds information on its current condition and the changes made over its lifetime. It is prepared by a registered engineer and brings the key property documents together in one place. Gathering the right paperwork in advance saves time and stress during the purchase, and helps avoid delays at notaries, banks, and public services.
10.06.2026
If you own a property in Greece and are thinking about selling, one of the first things on your mind is probably a practical one: what do I pay to the estate agent? It's a sensible question to ask early, and the answer shapes how you budget for the sale and what you can expect from the agency representing you.
10.06.2026
If you have bought or sold property in the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, or most other Western European countries, you are probably used to a clear setup: the seller has their agent, the buyer has theirs, and each represents their respective client. In Greece, things work differently, and it is very important to have a clear overview before you decide to move forward with a property transaction.
02.06.2026
Buying a house in Greece is often an exciting decision, whether it is for holidays, relocation, investment, or future retirement. At the same time, property buyers need a clear overview of the additional costs involved in the purchase process. This helps them understand the full budget required and make an informed choice based on their financial plans, personal needs, and property preferences.
18.05.2026
You have probably pictured your home in Greece for years: where it is, the meals on the terrace, the summer light. One of the practical questions to settle is what kind of ownership you want. This article explains the main types of property in Greece and the ways a property can be owned.
17.05.2026
If you’re searching for your dream home in Greece, you’ve probably already run into the question: should I buy an existing home in Greece, or a new, off-plan home? Many buyers are specifically looking for off-plan houses in Greece in the best locations in Greece to maximize their investment and lifestyle benefits, with off-plan apartments and villas also being popular choices among buyers. Off-plan property investment refers to purchasing real estate before construction is completed, allowing buyers to secure a unit at lower pre-construction prices and benefit from potential capital appreciation. Many investors choose to invest in off-plan properties in Greece for both lifestyle and financial benefits, such as flexible payment plans and the potential for rental income.
First things first, let’s define off-plan homes and discover the unique opportunities they offer in Greece. The Greek property market continues to attract international investors seeking geographic diversification, with a growing number of off-plan developments available. Recent data from market reports shows a steady increase in off-plan property purchases among overseas buyers, with data analysis highlighting this upward trend. Off-plan developments in Greece typically offer modern specifications and warranties, making them especially attractive to international investors looking for both quality and security in their property investments.
15.05.2026
Buying a house in Greece comes with many things people already expect: sunshine, sea views, olive trees, village squares, and terraces that seem specifically designed for “just one more coffee.” But the buying process itself may also include a few details that feel different if you are used to purchasing property elsewhere. The Greek real estate process has its own rhythm, local habits, and practical steps. Some are legal. Some are technical. Some are simply part of life in Greece.
Here are 10 things you may find a bit strange when buying a house in Greece.
13.05.2026
“I need to be a Greek citizen to buy a home in Greece, right?” “Don't I need a Greek bank account to buy a home in Greece?” “I signed a Private Purchase Agreement... does that mean I own the house now?” In this article, we present the most common misconceptions we hear from clients. Keep in mind, this is perfectly normal if you're buying a home in Greece for the first time!
12.05.2026
I want to buy a home in Greece, but I don’t know anything about the process. Who will I work with when buying a home in Greece? If I don’t speak Greek, will someone help me with the documents? Do I need a lawyer, a real estate agent, or an engineer? Which of these contacts do I need to have in Greece before I start the process of buying a home?
When buying property in Greece, you will typically work with a real estate agent, a buyer’s lawyer, who is a key participant in drawing up and signing the purchase deed in collaboration with the notary, and a notary. The notary office is the expert entity for notarial acts and legal services related to property transactions, including property conveyancing, document formalization, and legal consultancy, as well as notarial acts and legal services for documents intended for use abroad, addressing cross-border requirements such as translations and legalization. The office serves as the professional space where legal and notarial services are conducted, such as signing, verification, and consultations. Understanding all the costs involved, such as notary fees, transfer taxes, and legal fees, is crucial to avoid surprises and ensure a smooth transaction. These professionals are essential for both individuals and businesses looking to invest in Greek real estate.
Buyers, whether private individuals or commercial entities, often require guidance to navigate the Greek notary system, understand the legal framework, and ensure all necessary documents and legal requirements are met. Greece is a popular destination for international clients, including those seeking a golden visa through real estate investment. This is especially important for international clients who may not be familiar with the local language or the digital systems now supporting notarial acts in Greece. The contract for property transactions is always drafted in Greek, so a translator is required for non-Greek speakers. The process and role of notaries can differ from those in other countries, so expert guidance is highly recommended. Notaries in Greece also provide services related to wills, which are important for estate planning and succession.
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