The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Qualified Expat Lawyer in Greece

If you're an expat navigating the complexities of residency, visas, or property in Greece, finding the right legal professional is the most critical step. The difference between an immigration lawyer and an expat lawyer is often their scope: while one focuses on permits, the other handles much broader legal support, such as tax, inheritance, family law issues, and property purchases.

This guide will walk you through the vetting process, ensure you get the right representation, and help you find the best Greek lawyer for your specific journey.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Vetting an Expat Lawyer in Greece

The market is crowded, especially in big cities Athens and Thessaloniki. Follow these steps to narrow your search and find a lawyer who is both qualified and trustworthy.

1. Confirm Registration and Credentials

The first rule of hiring any legal professional is verification. If a lawyer or firm cannot be verified, walk away immediately.

The Role of the Athens Bar Association (DSA) in Vetting Lawyers

The Athens Bar Association (DSA) is the official public body that governs lawyers practicing in the Attica region, which includes Athens. Every lawyer in Greece must be registered with a local Bar Association (DSA in Athens, DSTH in Thessaloniki, etc.) to practice law.

• Actionable Tip: You can and should verify any lawyer's registration via the Plenary of Greek Bar Associations online directory. A lawyer's registration number (A.M.) is public information and a non-negotiable proof of their legal standing.

How to Check Reviews and Credentials for an Expat Lawyer in Athens

While online reviews (Google, Facebook, expat forums) offer insight into customer service, they are not a reliable substitute for professional vetting.

• Look Beyond: Search the lawyer's name and the term "Expat law Athens reviews." Look for testimonials that mention specific, complex processes (e.g., Golden Visa, Tax ID setup, Residency Permit renewal) rather than just general praise.
• Ask for Relevant Cases: A reputable lawyer will have experience with "expat law," which goes beyond simple immigration. Ask about their most recent success stories dealing with non-EU tax registrations or property purchases by foreigners.
• Check for Experience: Search the lawyer’s LinkedIn profile to check how many years or decades of experience they have in the related field, and where they went to study, or how they obtained their qualifications.

2. Prioritize Language and Communication

For an expat, clear communication in English is essential to avoid costly misunderstandings, and other potential problems.

• Fluency vs. Legal Fluency: Ensure the lawyer not only speaks English, but can clearly explain complex Greek legal concepts in English.
• Response Time: Before committing, test their response time. A lawyer who takes two weeks to answer a basic question during the vetting process will likely be slow to submit your residency application, or cause further delays.

3. Fee Structure and Transparency (Avoid Common Mistakes)

Cost is a factor, but transparency is more important than the lowest quote.

• Fixed Fee vs. Hourly: For immigration and residency cases, a fixed fee package is usually best, providing cost certainty. For complex issues like family law or inheritance, hourly rates are common.
• Separation of Costs: Ensure their proposal clearly separates the lawyer’s professional fee from the official government/court fees (known as paravola), third-party costs (translator/notary), and VAT. Hidden fees are a major red flag.

Remote Representation: Power of Attorney (POA) and Document Verification

For many expats, traveling back to Greece for every signature or bureaucratic step is very costly, and practically impossible. This is where the Power of Attorney (POA) becomes your most powerful tool.

What is a Power of Attorney? (POA)

A Power of Attorney (POA) in Greece is a legal document that authorizes another person, usually your lawyer, to act on your behalf in specific matters. For expats, this is an essential tool when you cannot be physically present in Greece to sign documents or complete administrative procedures.

With a notarized POA, your lawyer can handle everything from property transactions and visa renewals to opening a bank account or submitting tax filings. It must be drafted in Greek, and either signed before a public notary legalized with an Apostille, or verified by the Greek Consulate if executed abroad. A well-prepared POA ensures your affairs are managed smoothly, saving you time, travel, and unnecessary stress.

How Your Lawyer Can Act Remotely with a Power of Attorney (POA)

As mentioned, the POA grants your Greek lawyer the authority to act on your behalf for specific, defined tasks (i.e. signing a property purchase contract, collecting a residency card, applying for a tax ID number). Here is how you can complete this process:

• Your Greek lawyer drafts the POA document in Greek and sends you the English translation. You then must sign the document in front of an authorized official in your home country, such as a public notary that can issue an apostille stamp (see the next section), or at the Greek Consulate or Embassy in your place of residence.
• Once the POA is properly legalized or “executed”, your lawyer can complete nearly all necessary administrative and legal tasks in Greece without your physical presence.

The Critical Step: Getting the Apostille Stamp or Consular Verification

For a POA (or any official foreign document) to be legally recognized in Greece, it must be legalized. The method depends on whether your home country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.

1. Apostille Stamp (Hague Convention Countries): If your country is a member (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, Canada, etc.), you can sign the POA in front of a local notary and then get the document validated with an Apostille Stamp (or Certificate) from the designated authority (often the Department of State, Foreign Office, or Supreme Court). This single stamp is sufficient for Greece to accept the document.
2. Consular/Embassy Verification (Non-Hague Countries): If your country is not a member of the Hague Convention, the POA must be signed in front of a local notary and then taken to the nearest Greek Consulate or Embassy for their official verification stamp and seal (legalization). Sometimes, visiting the Greek Consulate or Embassy is preferred and less costly relative to appointing a local notary.
3. Lawyer’s Role: A reliable Greek lawyer will provide precise instructions on the exact wording and specific process required in your country to ensure the POA is drafted and legalized correctly.

Where to Find the Best Expat Lawyers in Athens

While we can't recommend specific firms, here are the most effective places to source qualified candidates:

Should I Hire an Athens-Based Lawyer if I Live Outside Athens?

Yes, in most cases.

Athens remains the central hub for the Greek legal and governmental system. Many administrative bodies, including the key immigration departments and ministries, are based here. A specialized Athenian lawyer can typically handle cases for expats throughout Greece via a Power of Attorney (POA), meaning you do not need to be physically present.

Specialized Expat Legal Needs Beyond Immigration

While an immigration lawyer focuses on your legal status, an expat lawyer often has a broader remit to help you integrate financially and secure your assets. These specialists advise on the unique financial and property law complexities faced by foreigners in Greece.

1. Tax and Financial Matters for Expats (The Incentive Schemes)

Greece offers several attractive tax incentive schemes to draw foreign capital and skilled workers. A qualified expat lawyer will advise you on which schemes you qualify for and manage the application process.

• The Non-Dom Tax Scheme (Flat Tax): This scheme targets high-net-worth individuals who transfer their tax residency to Greece. Instead of paying Greek income tax rates (up to 44%) on worldwide income, participants pay a flat annual tax of €100,000 on their foreign-sourced income for up to 15 years. Eligibility requires investing at least €500,000 in Greek assets (real estate, financial products, or a business) within three years. For a full breakdown of the requirements, read our guide on Greece’s non-dom tax regime, eligibility and benefits.
• The 50% Tax Break (Highly-Skilled Workers): This scheme, often referred to as the "Brain Regain" initiative, is designed for employees and sole proprietors who either repatriate, or relocate to Greece. If eligible (not a Greek tax resident for 5 of the last 6 years), you receive a 50% exemption from income tax and the special solidarity contribution on your Greek-sourced salary or business income for up to 7 years. 👉 Important note: Applicants must have a valid residency permit that allows them to open their own sole trader businesses, or through sponsorship from an employer. ‍
• The 7% Tax Break (Foreign Pensioners): This scheme allows foreign pensioners who transfer their tax residency to Greece to pay a flat tax rate of 7% on all foreign-sourced income (including pensions, dividends, and rental income) for up to 15 years. For those earning a passive income, read our guide on Greece’s 7% tax break and its eligibility requirements.

2. Property and Real Estate for Expats

Purchasing or leasing property is often the most significant legal transaction an expat undertakes. While a notary is mandatory for final sales, an expat lawyer protects your interests from the start.

• Legal Due Diligence: Your lawyer conducts thorough due diligence at the local Land Registry (Cadastral Office) to verify the property title, confirm ownership history, and ensure there are no legal encumbrances (mortgages, claims, or debts) attached to the property.
• Contract Review and Negotiation: They review the preliminary and final purchase contracts to ensure all terms protect your rights and comply with Greek real estate law.
• Border Area Restrictions: For non-EU citizens, they navigate the legal requirements for property purchases in designated border regions (like certain islands and regions of Northern Greece), which require special permission from the Ministry of National Defense.

3. Inheritance and Family Law for Expats

For expats with assets in Greece and abroad, ensuring that your will and family structure comply with Greek law is vital.

• Succession and Wills: Greek inheritance law can be complex, especially if you have assets in multiple jurisdictions. A lawyer ensures your will is drafted correctly under Greek civil code to protect your assets and align with your family's wishes, minimizing future inheritance tax liability.
• Family Law: Expat lawyers specializing in family law can manage international issues such as divorce proceedings, child custody agreements, and prenuptial agreements, ensuring they are enforceable under both Greek and international law.

4. Residency Permits and Visas

Selecting the right visa based on your needs is crucial prior to your arrival. Each visa caters to specific needs and durations, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your plans. If you're planning on visiting Greece in a short 3-month stint to test out the waters and visit a few attractions, then obtaining a 90-day visa is going to be the most suitable thing for you.

Here are the different types of visas:

• Visa Type "D": This type of visa is for third-country nationals that allows you to stay in Greece for more than 90 days and up to a year. This is beneficial if you have access to a Greek Consulate or Embassy to submit an application prior to entering the country, and this visa can be converted into a 3-year residency permit.
• Digital Nomad Visa: If you’re a digital nomad and your earnings come from abroad, then you can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa at the Greek Consulate or Embassy of your place of residence. This visa valid for up to 12 months, however if you would like a Digital Nomad Residence permit which is valid for up to two years, you can apply in Greece. To review your eligibility and visa requirements, read how you can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in 2025.
• Financially Independent Person’s Visa (FIP): The FIP visas are valid for three years. These are for third-country nationals, ideally retirees, or those earning a passive income who have the financial means to cover their expenses during their residency. These permit holders can travel freely to all Schengen countries during this time, but are required to reside a minimum of 6 months per year in Greece. If you're looking for more details about what paperwork you need for these types of visas, please refer to our guide on obtaining a Greek residency permit in 2025.

Additional FAQs

Do I Need a Lawyer for Importing a Car to Greece?

While you can attempt it alone, the process of importing a car to Greece (especially from outside the EU) is highly complex, involving customs, VAT, and a significant Registration Tax (Télos Taxínotas). You do not need a lawyer for importing a car to Greece, but a customs clearance agent.

Understanding Greek Car Import Tax and Calculating Fees

You won't get a specific Greece car import tax calculator from a lawyer, as the tax is based on multiple shifting variables (CO2 emissions, age, engine type, and Euro standards). You do not need a lawyer to calculate Greek car import tax, but a customs broker, or customs clearance agent.

Final Thoughts

For finding a qualified expat lawyer, success lies in ensuring your chosen professional has a proven track record not just in getting visas, but in managing the entire transition of relocation—from tax registration to complex asset management. By verifying their credentials with the Athens Bar Association and asking the right questions, you can ensure your journey in Greece is legally sound.

Speak with a Highly-Qualified Expat Lawyer

Encountering difficulties at the Greek Consulate or need guidance from a highly-qualified, English-speaking expat lawyer? To find out more, book a 15-minute discovery call or see our services page to inquire for more details.