Currently (beginning of 2019) there are some restrictions on the acquisition of real estate for citizens of countries outside the EU. For example, property located near military bases, national borders and on some islands, mainly for security reasons, cannot be acquired by third-country nationals.
To finance a purchase, a potential buyer must open an account in a Greek bank and transfer there all the funds necessary for the purchase. At the same time for the transfer of funds required to obtain permission from the Bank of Greece.
If the buyers are a married couple, then each participant in the transaction must receive permission.
The costs of a real estate transaction are:
- Real Estate Transfer Tax 3.09% - 24.00% - paid by the buyer,
- registration fee 0.48% - 0.68% - paid by the buyer,
- notary fees 0.80% - 1.00% (+ 24% VAT) - paid by the buyer,
- legal services - in the amount of 1.00% - 2.00% - paid by the buyer,
- Broker's fee of 2.00% - 4.00% is paid by the buyer and seller in equal shares.
The real estate transfer tax rate of 3.09% is valid for “new” objects, with a construction permit issued before January 1, 2006, and secondary market facilities, regardless of the date the construction permit was issued.
The tax rate of 24.00% relates to “new objects” with a construction permit issued after January 1, 2006.
Registering a company (type LLC) in Greece is not particularly difficult. This requires:
- the name of the company, which is often associated either with the company's activities or with the name of the main shareholder,
- one shareholder and one director, of which one may be a citizen of any country,
- registered capital of 18,000 euros, which must be paid at 100%; not less than 50% - in cash,
- the registration procedure takes on average 2 weeks (since the transfer of fully prepared documents to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry),
- the business (registered office) must be located at a physical address accessible to tax inspectors at any time,
- no need to visit Greece to register a company.
Sale of business (companies) is carried out in accordance with the current charters of the implemented business structures.
