Power of Attorney in Greece for Foreigners: How to Handle Legal and Administrative Matters Remotely

Living abroad does not necessarily mean that you must travel to Greece every time you need to complete a legal, financial or administrative procedure.

Foreign nationals who own property, invest, conduct business or have personal matters in Greece can often appoint a representative through a Power of Attorney (PoA). This legal instrument allows another person, usually a lawyer or trusted representative, to act on their behalf before Greek authorities, banks, notaries and other institutions.

Understanding how a Power of Attorney works in Greece, how it can be signed abroad and what powers it should include can save considerable time and simplify cross-border procedures.

1. What Is a Power of Attorney in Greece?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document through which an individual (the principal) authorises another person (the attorney-in-fact or representative) to perform specific legal acts or handle certain matters on their behalf.

In Greece, a notarial Power of Attorney is required for many formal legal transactions, particularly those involving real estate, inheritance and other acts that must be completed through a notarial deed.

Depending on the purpose, a representative may be authorised to:

• Purchase or sell real estate in Greece.

• Sign property-related agreements and notarial deeds.

• Obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).

• Represent the principal before the Greek Tax Authority (AADE).

• Handle banking procedures, subject to the bank's requirements.

• Accept or renounce an inheritance, where legally permitted.

• Represent the principal before public authorities.

• Submit applications and collect official documents.

• Handle residence permit and immigration-related procedures.

The exact powers depend on the wording of the document and the requirements of the relevant authority.

2. Can You Issue a Power of Attorney Without Travelling to Greece?

Yes. Foreign nationals who live abroad can generally arrange a Power of Attorney without travelling to Greece.

There are two main ways to execute the document.

Option A: Signing at a Greek Consulate

One option is to sign the Power of Attorney before the competent Greek Consular Authority in the country of residence.

In this case:

1. A draft is prepared in Greek, usually by a Greek lawyer or notary.

2. The draft is submitted to the relevant Greek Consulate for review, where required.

3. The principal arranges an appointment and appears in person.

4. The document is signed before the competent consular officer.

5. The signed document is issued in the required form for use in Greece.

The specific requirements, appointment procedures and fees may vary depending on the consular authority.

Option B: Signing Before a Foreign Notary

Alternatively, the principal may sign the Power of Attorney before a notary public in their country of residence.

Depending on the country and the applicable international arrangements, the document may need:

• Certification or notarisation by the competent local authority.

• A Hague Apostille, if applicable.

• Consular legalisation, where the Apostille Convention does not apply or an exception requires it.

• An official translation into Greek.

The authentication requirements must be checked for the specific country and document before signing.

It is particularly important to confirm the required format with the Greek notary or authority that will receive the Power of Attorney. Not every document prepared abroad is automatically accepted in Greece.

3. What Information Should a Power of Attorney Include?

A properly drafted Power of Attorney should clearly identify the principal, the appointed representative and the specific legal acts that the representative is authorised to perform.

Depending on its purpose, the document should include:

1. Full identification details

The full name, date of birth, nationality, passport or identification number and other required personal details of the principal and representative.

2. Clear description of the authorised powers

The document should specify exactly what the representative is allowed to do. General wording may not be sufficient for certain transactions.

3. Identification of relevant assets or transactions

For property transactions, for example, the document may need to identify the property, the intended transaction and the relevant actions that the representative is authorised to complete.

4. Financial and payment authorisations

Where necessary, specific powers may be included regarding payment of taxes, receipt of funds, execution of banking documents or other financial transactions.

5. Duration and revocation provisions

Depending on the arrangement, the Power of Attorney may be limited to a specific transaction or provide for ongoing representation. The possibility and procedure for revocation should also be considered.

The wording should be tailored to the intended procedure rather than relying on a generic template.

4. Power of Attorney vs. Simple Authorisation: What Is the Difference?

A common source of confusion is the difference between a notarial Power of Attorney and a simple authorisation (exousiodotisi).

Although both documents allow another person to act on someone's behalf, they are not interchangeable.

A simple authorisation is generally used for less formal administrative matters, such as collecting documents or submitting certain applications, provided that the relevant authority accepts it.

A notarial Power of Attorney is required for more formal legal acts, such as signing property transfer deeds or accepting an inheritance on behalf of another person.

The appropriate document depends on the specific legal act and the formal requirements imposed by the competent authority.

5. Can a Power of Attorney Be Used for Buying or Selling Property in Greece?

Yes. One of the most common reasons foreign nationals issue a Power of Attorney is to complete a real estate transaction without being physically present in Greece.

An authorised representative may, depending on the powers granted:

• Coordinate the legal and administrative stages of the purchase or sale.

• Obtain the necessary tax documents.

• Sign the relevant agreements and notarial deed.

• Make or receive payments where expressly authorised and permitted.

• Complete the registration procedure with the competent Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre.

For a property purchase, the document should be prepared in coordination with the lawyer and notary handling the transaction.

The same principle applies to property sales, although the powers and documentation required may differ.

6. Can a Power of Attorney Be Used for Tax and Administrative Matters?

Yes. A representative may also be authorised to handle various tax and administrative procedures in Greece.

These may include:

• Obtaining or managing a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).

• Appointing or coordinating with a tax representative.

• Submitting applications and supporting documentation.

• Communicating with AADE.

• Handling E9 property declarations and related administrative matters, where authorised.

• Collecting certificates and other official documents.

Certain procedures may require specific wording, additional documentation or the personal involvement of the taxpayer. The relevant authority's requirements should therefore be checked in advance.

7. Can You Revoke a Power of Attorney?

Yes. A Power of Attorney can generally be revoked by the principal, subject to the applicable legal rules and any specific circumstances affecting the document.

For a notarial Power of Attorney, revocation normally requires the appropriate formal procedure.

It is also important to ensure that the representative and any relevant third parties, such as banks, notaries or public authorities, are properly notified of the revocation.

If the document was issued for a specific transaction, it is advisable to review whether it should include a limited duration or other restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a foreign citizen issue a Power of Attorney in Greece without travelling there?

Yes. A foreign citizen can generally sign a Power of Attorney at a Greek Consulate abroad or before a foreign notary, subject to the applicable authentication and translation requirements.

2. Does a Power of Attorney signed abroad need an Apostille?

Not always. An Apostille may be required when the document is signed before a foreign notary in a country covered by the Hague Convention. Other authentication arrangements or exemptions may apply depending on the country and document.

3. Can my lawyer buy or sell property in Greece on my behalf?

Yes, provided that the lawyer has been granted the necessary powers through a valid Power of Attorney and all applicable legal requirements are met.

4. Can I use the same Power of Attorney for different procedures?

Possibly. However, the document must expressly cover the relevant legal acts and satisfy the requirements of the authorities involved. A Power of Attorney prepared for a property purchase may not automatically cover inheritance, banking or other unrelated procedures.

5. Can I issue a Power of Attorney in English?

The document's language and format depend on where it is executed and where it will be used. For use in Greece, a Greek-language document or an appropriately authenticated and officially translated foreign document may be required.

6. Do I need a lawyer to prepare a Power of Attorney in Greece?

Although the formal requirements depend on the type of document, professional legal assistance is strongly recommended, particularly when the Power of Attorney concerns property transactions, inheritance or financial matters.

How MBG Consulting Services Can Help

Managing legal and administrative procedures in a foreign country can be challenging, particularly when you cannot be physically present.

MBG Consulting Services assists international clients with the preparation and coordination of Powers of Attorney in Greece, working with lawyers, notaries and the relevant authorities to ensure that the necessary documentation is properly organised.

Whether you need to purchase or sell property, manage an inheritance, obtain a Greek AFM or handle other legal and administrative matters, our team can help coordinate the process remotely.

Contact MBG Consulting Services to discuss your requirements and find out how we can assist you with your legal and administrative procedures in Greece.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The requirements for executing and using a Power of Attorney depend on the nature of the transaction, the country of execution and the applicable Greek and international legal framework.