Proof Assets · Process · Workflows · Trust References
Anonymised examples, checklists and process workflows showing how Greek property, residence, citizenship, inheritance and remote legal matters are reviewed and organised for international clients.
The examples and workflows below are illustrative. They are not testimonials, guarantees, legal advice, or confirmed outcomes for future matters. Each matter depends on its facts, documents and current law.
Proof Principle
Hellenic Law Firm does not publish client names, confidential transaction details, testimonials or identifiable facts without written consent. Anonymisation is a matter of professional obligation and client respect, not a limitation on what the firm can show.
The purpose of this page is to show the type of legal issues reviewed, the kind of work performed and the process discipline used in international matters, in a way that is honest, discreet and useful to a prospective client assessing whether the approach matches their needs.
Representative Matters
The following examples are anonymised and illustrative. They show the type of legal issue reviewed and the work performed. They do not identify any client, address, permit number or transaction. They are not testimonials, confirmed results or guarantees of future outcomes.
Client Context
Foreign buyer considering a Greek property marketed as eligible for the lower investor-residence threshold.
Legal Issue Reviewed
Whether the property qualified under the applicable statutory threshold, given its location, prior use and legal classification, as distinct from the asking price and marketing description.
Work Performed
Review of location against the current threshold map, title documents, planning classification, engineer documents, prior-use and conversion-position documentation, and the proposed payment route.
Risk / Result Framing
The legal risk position was set out in writing before any funds moved. The client had the factual basis to decide whether to proceed, renegotiate the transaction structure, or withdraw.
Client Context
Foreign buyer introduced to a Greek property through seller-side or agent-side channels, without independent legal representation at the outset.
Legal Issue Reviewed
Title ownership, encumbrances, planning position, preliminary agreement terms and payment route, reviewed independently of the seller or agent characterisation of the property.
Work Performed
Title search, encumbrance check, cadastral review, planning and building-permit review, preliminary agreement analysis and payment-route assessment.
Risk / Result Framing
The buyer received a written legal note before committing funds, setting out the legal position of the property and any conditions or risks requiring attention.
Client Context
A family investor using an authorised representative for document coordination and communication, with the principal based outside Greece.
Legal Issue Reviewed
Organising the property file, family-member documentation, Power of Attorney scope and communication structure so that sensitive documents were handled appropriately and the matter progressed with written scope.
Work Performed
Property file review, family-member eligibility review, Power of Attorney drafting, secure communication protocol and matter management through controlled channels.
Risk / Result Framing
The matter was organised through a defined communication structure. The authorised representative coordinated on non-sensitive matters; substantive legal correspondence and document review were handled directly with the firm.
Client Context
Buyer based outside Greece, considering a Greek apartment without the ability to be present for each procedural step.
Legal Issue Reviewed
How to complete a property acquisition with the buyer represented through a Power of Attorney, coordinating AFM registration, cadastral review, notarial file and payment route from outside Greece.
Work Performed
Title and cadastral review, planning review, AFM coordination, Power of Attorney drafting and execution-route guidance, notarial file preparation, payment-route review, signing attendance and post-completion registration.
Risk / Result Framing
The buyer received structured legal guidance before signing. The Greek-side transaction steps were coordinated through the Power of Attorney, subject to notarial requirements, and the post-completion registration file was provided to the buyer.
Client Context
UK citizen purchasing property in Greece after Brexit, requiring clarity on the distinction between property ownership rights, residence-permit options, tax awareness and succession planning.
Legal Issue Reviewed
The scope of what Brexit changed for UK nationals in Greece, specifically the difference between the right to purchase property (not restricted) and the residence position (now third-country national), and succession-planning implications.
Work Performed
Independent property acquisition review covering title, planning and payment route, combined with a written note distinguishing property ownership, residence options, the applicable investor-residence permit route, and a referral note for separate UK tax advice.
Risk / Result Framing
The client received a clear written distinction between property acquisition and residence rights, and understood which matters required separate UK advice.
Client Context
Diaspora family member seeking Greek citizenship by descent through a Greek parent or grandparent, holding a mix of foreign civil certificates and incomplete Greek registry records.
Legal Issue Reviewed
Whether the available documents established a continuous documentary link from the Greek ancestor through the qualifying generation to the applicant, and what steps were required to address gaps, name variations or missing records.
Work Performed
Review of Greek municipal and civil registry records, foreign civil certificates with apostille and translation, name-variation reconciliation across documents, family-line continuity assessment and identification of the documentation route before filing.
Risk / Result Framing
The documentation route was clarified in writing before any application was filed. The review identified the specific gaps and the steps recognised by the competent authority to address them.
Client Context
Foreign heirs dealing with a Greek estate involving property, bank accounts and documents, without prior knowledge of the Greek legal process or existing legal representation in Greece.
Legal Issue Reviewed
Establishing the Greek-side legal steps for inheritance, including tax registration, competent authority filings, Power of Attorney scope and representation needs, in a way the heirs could follow from outside Greece.
Work Performed
Review of inheritance documents and legal basis, tax registration coordination, competent authority filing requirements, Power of Attorney drafting and remote-representation coordination.
Risk / Result Framing
The heirs received a structured Greek-side process with defined steps, a clear scope and a written summary of what each stage required.
Client Context
International client unable to attend each Greek procedural step in person, requiring a Power of Attorney covering a range of Greek legal actions.
Legal Issue Reviewed
Drafting a Power of Attorney with scope calibrated to the specific matter, advising on execution-route options outside Greece, and coordinating Greek-side procedural steps subject to the requirements of each competent authority.
Work Performed
Power of Attorney drafting, execution-route guidance, certified translation coordination, document handling through the Secure Client Portal and remote coordination of each procedural step.
Risk / Result Framing
Greek-side procedural steps were coordinated through the Power of Attorney, subject to acceptance by the competent authority, notary or registry in each case. The client received confirmation of each completed step.
Sample Checklist
A typical independent buyer-side review covers the following points. This checklist is indicative only. The scope of review depends on the property, its location, the documents available and the transaction structure.
Seller Identity and Authority
Identity of the registered owner; review of the seller's authority to transfer title; review of any joint-ownership or third-party rights.
Title Ownership Chain
Review of the full chain of title from the current owner back through prior registered owners; consistency of registration entries.
Land Registry and Cadastral Review
Registration status in the Greek land registry and cadastre; KAEK identifier where available; declared boundaries.
Mortgages, Liens, Seizures and Claims
Search for registered mortgages, prenotations, seizures, attachments and third-party claims against the property.
Building Permit and Planning Legality
Status of the building permit; declared use; compliance with applicable planning zone rules.
Engineer Documents
Review of engineer certificate and drawings; declared floor areas and structural elements.
Unauthorised Construction
Whether any part of the property involves unauthorised construction; status of any past or pending regularisation; implications for title and resale.
Preliminary Agreement Review
Terms of the preliminary agreement or reservation; deposit terms; conditions precedent; withdrawal rights.
Payment Route
Assessment of the payment route before signing; documentation requirements for the notarial and permit file.
Tax Number (AFM) Coordination
Application for the buyer Greek tax number, required before any property contract is signed.
Notarial Deed Review
Review of the draft notarial deed; review of consistency with the title and cadastral records.
Registration After Signing
Post-completion registration with the land registry and cadastre; registered title documentation provided to the buyer.
Note: This checklist is indicative only. The scope of review depends on the property, location, documents available and transaction structure. It does not constitute legal advice.
Sample Timeline
The stages below reflect a typical investor-residence process. Timelines depend on authority workload, document readiness, notarial coordination and appointment availability. No guaranteed timing is stated. For residence-permit cards, biometric data collection requires physical presence in Greece.
Property Identification
The client identifies a property and sends the listing link, address and asking price for initial review.
Legal Risk Check
Independent review of title, planning, cadastral position, payment route and Golden Visa eligibility before any funds are committed. Written legal note issued.
Power of Attorney
PoA drafted; client executes before the competent Greek consular authority or a local notary with apostille where applicable.
AFM β Tax Number
Greek tax number registered for the buyer through the Power of Attorney before any property contract is signed.
Property Due Diligence
Full title, cadastral, encumbrance, planning and engineer-document review; preliminary agreement review.
Notarial File Preparation
Notarial deed prepared; payment route reviewed and documented; documents assembled for signing.
Signing and Payment Route
Representation at notarial signing under the Power of Attorney, where accepted by the notary; payment transferred through the documented route.
Post-Completion Registration
Deed registered with the land registry and cadastre; registered title documentation provided to the buyer.
Residence-Permit Application
Application prepared; documents assembled; application submitted to the competent authority.
Biometric Appointment
Physical presence in Greece required for biometric data collection for the residence-permit card, for each included family member.
Card Issuance and Renewal Monitoring
Residence-permit card issued; five-year renewal cycle monitored; investment-maintenance requirement noted.
Sample Process
Many Greek legal steps can usually be handled through a Power of Attorney, subject to the requirements of the competent authority, notary, bank or registry in the specific case. The process below reflects the typical route for international clients.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document, not a guarantee that every authority will accept it. Each competent Greek authority, notary, bank or registry retains the right to require additional documentation or direct attendance where it considers it necessary.
Scope Drafted
The firm drafts the Power of Attorney with scope calibrated to the specific matter, specifying what the attorney-in-fact is authorised to do.
Client Review
The draft is provided to the client for review before execution. The client may request adjustments to scope or duration.
Execution
The PoA may be executed before the competent Greek consular authority in the client country of residence, or before a local notary with apostille where accepted. Requirements should be verified against official Greek consular instructions before execution.
Certified Translation
Where required by the receiving authority, notary or registry, a certified translation into Greek is coordinated by the firm.
Use in Greece
The firm uses the Power of Attorney before notaries, authorities, land registries, cadastral offices or banks, subject to acceptance by each institution in the specific case.
Revocation or Scope Limitation
Where appropriate, the Power of Attorney can be revoked or limited in scope. The firm advises on the revocation process where needed.
Sample Workflow
Remote handling does not mean no visit is ever required. For Golden Visa residence-permit cards, biometric data collection requires physical presence in Greece. The steps below reflect the typical route; exact requirements depend on the property and notarial requirements.
Enquiry
Client sends property link, address, asking price and initial questions. The firm reviews and confirms scope.
Conflict and Scope Review
The firm confirms it acts for the buyer only, independently from the seller, agent or developer.
Legal Risk Check
Title, planning, cadastral position, payment route and Golden Visa eligibility reviewed. Written legal note issued before any commitment.
Full Due Diligence
Encumbrances, engineer documents, prior use, regularisation position and preliminary agreement reviewed in full.
Power of Attorney
PoA drafted; client executes outside Greece. Certified translation coordinated where required.
AFM Coordination
Greek tax number registered through the PoA before any contract is signed.
Notarial Coordination
Notarial deed prepared; file assembled; signing coordinated under the PoA subject to notarial acceptance.
Payment-Route Review
Payment route reviewed and documented before transfer; documentation prepared for the notarial file.
Signing
Representation at signing in Greece under the Power of Attorney, where accepted by the notary.
Registration
Post-completion registration with the land registry and cadastre.
Post-Completion File
Completed documents provided; client file closed or transitioned to permit or renewal monitoring.
Sample Workflow
After engagement, the Secure Client Portal is used to organise documents, legal notes, checklists and communication for the matter. The portal supports remote clients and authorised representatives.
Document Handling Rule
WhatsApp Business is available for first contact and scheduling only. Sensitive documents are handled by email where appropriate or through the Secure Client Portal after engagement, according to the firm instructions for the matter. Sensitive documents are not sent by WhatsApp.
Engagement
Scope and fee confirmed in writing. Engagement letter issued.
Portal Access
Client receives Secure Client Portal access credentials.
Document Upload
Client uploads identity documents, title documents, civil records and other matter documents through the portal, not by WhatsApp.
Matter Checklist
Firm populates the matter checklist: documents received, documents outstanding, next steps.
Written Legal Notes
Legal notes, risk assessments and matter updates issued in English through the portal.
Power of Attorney Drafts
PoA draft circulated for client review and approval before execution.
Invoices and Payment Records
Fee invoices issued through the portal. Payment records maintained.
Deadline Tracking
Key deadlines tracked and flagged: permit applications, renewal dates, filing deadlines.
Authorised Assistant Access
Where approved by the client, an authorised assistant or family-office contact may be given access to specific portal sections.
Closing Archive
On matter completion, the file is archived in the portal for the client reference.
Trust References
All substantive legal work is partner-led and supervised by a qualified lawyer. Administrative coordination may be handled by authorised firm personnel where appropriate, under lawyer supervision.
All lawyers of Hellenic Law Firm are members of the Athens Bar Association. Legal services, written advice, legal notes and formal correspondence are provided in English.
Partner-Led
Every matter is supervised by a partner. Written legal notes, risk assessments and scope confirmations are issued under partner supervision.
Athens Bar Association
All lawyers of the firm are members of the Athens Bar Association. The firm is not a property broker, seller, developer or investment promoter.
Independence
In property purchase matters, the firm acts independently from sellers, agents and developers. The firm does not earn commissions from transactions.
English-Language Work
Legal services, written advice, legal notes and formal correspondence are provided in English. Initial enquiries may be sent in any language.
Content Discipline
Legal guides and articles on this site show an update date where the applicable legal rules, thresholds or administrative practice may change. Golden Visa, investor-residence, property, tax, citizenship by descent and inheritance content is reviewed periodically and updated when the law or practice changes.
Content that has not been reviewed recently should not be relied upon without verifying that the rules described remain current. Where the law or administrative guidance has changed since an article was published, the article is updated or withdrawn.
Disclaimers
This page and the examples, checklists and workflows it contains are for general information only. They do not constitute legal advice and do not create a lawyer-client relationship.
No legal advice is provided and no engagement is formed until a written scope and fee agreement has been issued and accepted.
Nothing on this page is a guarantee of outcome, a confirmation of eligibility, or a commitment as to timing, result or approval in any specific matter.
Eligibility for the Greek investor residence permit, Greek citizenship by descent, property transactions and inheritance matters cannot be confirmed without reviewing the specific documents, facts and applicable law in each case.
Greek law, administrative practice, threshold levels, competent-authority requirements and procedural rules may change. Content should be verified against current law before being relied upon.
Each matter depends on its specific facts, documents, the state of the relevant records and the requirements of the competent authority. No general description applies automatically to a specific case.
The examples are anonymised and illustrative. They are based on the type of legal work conducted in international matters but do not identify any client, transaction, address or permit. No client names, exact prices, permit numbers or identifiable facts are disclosed.
Hellenic Law Firm does not publish client names, confidential transaction details, testimonials or identifiable facts without written consent. Anonymisation protects client confidentiality and is consistent with professional obligations under Greek Bar rules.
No. The examples are illustrative only. Each matter depends on its specific facts, documents, the state of the relevant records and current law and administrative practice. Nothing on this page is a guarantee of outcome, eligibility confirmation or legal advice.
Yes. The Legal Risk Check reviews the property title, planning, cadastral position, payment route and Golden Visa eligibility risks before any funds are transferred or a commitment is made. The fee is confirmed in writing before work begins. There is no obligation beyond the check.
WhatsApp Business is available for first contact and scheduling only. Sensitive documents are not sent by WhatsApp. After engagement, the firm will confirm whether documents should be sent by email or through the Secure Client Portal, according to the firm instructions for the specific matter.
Yes. Where the client has approved it, communication may be coordinated with an authorised assistant, family-office principal or personal representative. Billing, document handling and substantive legal correspondence can be separated. Sensitive documents are not sent by WhatsApp. The firm will confirm the document-handling route after engagement.
The legal position should be reviewed in writing.
Send the property, enquiry or matter summary. The firm will confirm scope, fee and process in writing before any work begins.
Request Legal Risk CheckTelephone
+30 210 363 6035