Power of Attorney for Greece: Legal Requirements 2025

For the global investor pursuing the Greece Golden Visa, efficiency and security are paramount. The Power of Attorney (PoA) is the single most critical legal instrument that enables a seamless and remote investment process. It empowers a trusted legal representative in Greece to act on your behalf, navigating the complex bureaucratic and transactional landscape without requiring your physical presence at every stage.

This guide provides a definitive analysis of the legal requirements for a Power of Attorney for the Greece Golden Visa in 2025. It details the necessary clauses, the vital legalization process (Apostille), and the strategic best practices to ensure your interests are protected while your application progresses efficiently. Understanding this document is not a formality; it is fundamental to a successful and secure investment journey.

Investor’s Quick Brief

• Essential for Remote Processing: A PoA is mandatory if you do not plan to be physically present in Greece to open a bank account, purchase property, and file the visa application.
• Limited, Not General: Your PoA must be a Limited Power of Attorney. This legally restricts your lawyer’s authority to specific, pre-approved actions related to the Golden Visa, protecting you from potential misuse.
• Apostille is Non-Negotiable: For the PoA to be legally valid in Greece, it must be notarized in your home country and then legalized with an Apostille stamp, pursuant to the 1961 Hague Convention.
• Official Translation Required: Once the Apostilled PoA arrives in Greece, it must be officially translated into Greek by a certified translator or a lawyer.
• Core Powers: The PoA must grant authority to perform key tasks: apply for a Greek tax identification number (AFM), open a Greek bank account, sign the final property purchase deed, and submit the residency application to the migration authorities.
• Appoint a Reputable Lawyer: The PoA cedes significant power. It is imperative to grant it only to a registered, reputable Golden Visa lawyer in Greece with a proven track record.

The Strategic Role of the Power of Attorney in the Golden Visa Process

The Greek bureaucracy, while robust, involves numerous steps that demand in-person signatures and filings. For a High-Net-Worth Individual (HNWI) whose time is their most valuable asset, traveling to Greece for each procedural step is impractical. The PoA acts as a legal bridge, closing this logistical gap.

By executing a PoA, you authorize your legal counsel to perform a series of critical functions that would otherwise halt the process in your absence. This transforms the Golden Visa application from a burdensome, travel-intensive exercise into a streamlined, remote procedure managed by your trusted representative on the ground. It is the primary mechanism that allows you to remotely apply for the Golden Visa in Greece.

Core Legal Requirements for a Valid Greek PoA in 2025

For a Power of Attorney to be accepted by Greek banks, public notaries, and migration authorities, it must adhere to a strict set of legal standards.

Drafting the Document: Essential Clauses and Powers

The document must be drafted with precision. Your Greek lawyer will typically provide a draft for your review, which should clearly and unambiguously grant the power to:

1. Represent before Tax Authorities: To apply for and receive a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) on your behalf.
2. Represent before Financial Institutions: To open, manage, and transact through a Greek bank account necessary for the investment.
3. Represent before Public Notaries: To conduct due diligence, sign preliminary agreements, and, most importantly, execute the final Title Deed for the property purchase.
4. Represent before Migration Authorities: To submit the Golden Visa application, along with all supporting documents, and to receive the final residency permit cards.
5. General Representation: To collect, submit, and manage any and all documents required by any Greek public authority in relation to the investment and residency process.

The Principle of Specificity: Why a Limited PoA is Critical

It is a crucial risk mitigation strategy to insist on a Limited Power of Attorney for the real estate purchase in Greece and visa application. A “General” PoA grants broad, almost unlimited power to your representative. A “Limited” PoA, by contrast, explicitly restricts the attorney’s authority to only the tasks listed within the document, all of which are directly related to the Golden Visa. This protects the investor by preventing the PoA from being used for any other purpose.

The Legalization Process: Apostille vs. Consular Legalization

For your PoA to have legal force in Greece, it must be authenticated. The method depends on whether your home country is a signatory to the Hague Convention of 1961.

• For Hague Convention Countries: The process is streamlined via an Apostille stamp. After you sign the PoA in the presence of a local notary public in your country, the document is sent to the designated authority (often the Secretary of State or Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to receive the Apostille. This single stamp certifies the document’s authenticity for use in all other convention member states, including Greece.
• For Non-Hague Convention Countries: The process is more complex, involving consular legalization. The PoA must be notarized, then authenticated by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and finally, legalized by the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country. This multi-step process serves the same purpose but takes longer.

Step-by-Step Guide: Executing Your Power of Attorney Remotely

1. Step 1: Appointing Your Legal Representative Engage a reputable Greek law firm specializing in investment immigration. They will be your “attorney-in-fact” and will guide you through the entire process.
2. Step 2: Drafting and Review Your lawyer will draft the Limited PoA in both Greek and English (or your native language). Review it carefully to ensure it only contains the necessary powers.
3. Step 3: Execution and Notarization in Your Home Country You will sign the final document in the presence of a licensed Notary Public in your city of residence. The notary will witness your signature and affix their own seal and signature.
4. Step 4: Obtaining the Apostille Stamp The notarized PoA is then sent to the competent authority in your country to be Apostilled. Your legal team can often provide guidance on identifying this authority.
5. Step 5: Official Translation and Registration in Greece The original, Apostilled PoA is couriered to your lawyer in Greece. They will then have it officially translated into Greek by a certified translator. The lawyer then formally accepts the PoA, and it is ready for use.

Key Actions Your Lawyer Will Perform Using the PoA

Once the PoA is active, your lawyer can proceed with the core components of the Golden Visa application.

Acquiring a Greek Tax Number (AFM)

The AFM is a prerequisite for any major financial transaction in Greece, including opening a bank account and buying property. Your lawyer will use the PoA to apply for and obtain this number on your behalf.

Opening a Greek Bank Account

The investment funds must be transferred into a Greek bank account in the applicant’s name. The PoA empowers your lawyer to open this account remotely, satisfying a crucial KYC (Know Your Customer) requirement.

Executing the Real Estate Purchase

This is the most significant function of the PoA. Your lawyer will act as your proxy at the closing, signing the final purchase deed before a Greek public notary to officially transfer the property title to your name.

Submitting the Golden Visa Application

With the investment completed, your lawyer will compile the entire application file—including the title deed, proof of funds, and personal documents—and submit it to the appropriate Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum office.

Risk Mitigation and Best Practices for Investors

• Vet Your Lawyer: Conduct thorough due diligence on your legal representative. Seek references and verify their registration with a local Greek Bar Association.
• Understand Every Clause: Do not sign a document you do not fully understand. Have your lawyer explain the legal and practical meaning of each clause.
• Include an Expiration Date: For added security, you can specify that the PoA is only valid for a certain period (e.g., 1-2 years), sufficient to complete the process.
• Keep the Original: While your lawyer in Greece will work with the Apostilled document, you should always retain a fully executed copy for your records.
• Right to Revoke: The PoA should include a clause specifying that you can revoke it at any time by providing written notice.

The Path Forward: Ensuring a Secure Mandate

The Power of Attorney is the engine of your Golden Visa application, enabling progress while you focus on your other commitments. Its proper drafting and execution are a testament to a well-planned and secure investment strategy.

To confidentially discuss the specific requirements for drafting a Power of Attorney that aligns with your investment goals and ensures maximum security, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our senior advisors.

Investor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can my spouse and I sign a single Power of Attorney?
   1. Yes, it is common and efficient for a married couple who are co-investing or applying together to execute a joint PoA. This authorizes the lawyer to act on behalf of both individuals, streamlining the process.
2. How long is a Power of Attorney valid for in Greece?
   1. A Greek PoA is generally valid until the specified tasks are completed or until it is officially revoked by you (the principal). For enhanced security, many investors choose to include a specific expiration date (e.g., 24 months) in the document itself.
3. What is the process to revoke a Power of Attorney if I change my lawyer?
   1. You can revoke a PoA at any time. The process involves drafting a “Deed of Revocation,” which must also be notarized, Apostilled, translated, and formally delivered to the original attorney and any relevant Greek authorities to ensure they are aware it is no longer in effect.
4. Are electronic signatures valid for a Greek Power of Attorney?
   1. No. For the purposes of real estate transactions and Golden Visa applications in Greece, the Power of Attorney requires a physical “wet ink” signature witnessed by a notary public. Digital or electronic signatures are not currently accepted for this specific legal instrument.
5. What are the primary risks of an improperly drafted Power of Attorney?
   1. An improperly drafted PoA presents two main risks. If it is too vague or missing key clauses, it may be rejected by Greek banks or authorities, causing significant delays. Conversely, if it is too broad (a general PoA), it could potentially be used for actions beyond the scope of your Golden Visa investment, creating financial and legal exposure. Precision is key.