The short answer
- 1Most steps can be handled from Turkey through a power of attorney given to your lawyer in Greece.
- 2Some steps, such as the visa and biometrics (fingerprints, photo), usually need you in person; plan at least one trip.
- 3Your lawyer and the authority concerned decide which steps apply to you.
What an attorney can do, and what may need you
Can be done by an attorney
- Submitting the Golden Visa application online (the official page says it can be filed through an attorney before you enter Greece)
- Signing the preliminary contract and the transfer deed before a notary (with a suitable power of attorney)
- Land registry and cadastre registration
- Applying for a tax number (AFM) (usually)
- Paying taxes and gathering documents for the application
May need you in person
- Signing the power of attorney (at the Greek Consulate General in Istanbul or a Turkish notary)
- The visa: Turkish citizens usually need a Schengen visa to enter Greece
- Biometrics: fingerprints and photo are usually given in person in Greece; family members come too
- Bank account: some banks open one through an attorney, others want to see you to sign
Practice varies by authority, bank and period. Confirm your own case with your lawyer.
Step by step
- 1
Power of attorney
Your lawyer drafts it, you sign it
Two common routes: the Greek Consulate General in Istanbul (appointment by e-mail; the draft comes from your lawyer or notary in Greece; an interpreter attends if you do not speak Greek) or a Turkish notary. Keep it narrow: one property, a price ceiling, a time limit.
- 2
Apostille and translation
You or your notary in Turkey
A power of attorney made at a Turkish notary needs an apostille and a sworn Greek translation. Ask your lawyer about the order; the consulate route may work differently.
- 3
Tax number (AFM)
Your lawyer, with the power of attorney
A Greek tax number is needed for the deed and payments. It is usually obtained by the attorney.
- 4
Bank account
Your lawyer or you
A Greek bank account is not a Golden Visa requirement on its own but makes payments easier. Banks ask for ID, address, tax number and proof of the source of funds; some use their own power of attorney wording.
- 5
Payment
You, through your bank
For the Golden Visa the price must be paid traceably, by cheque, bank transfer or POS; payment by someone else is accepted only from a spouse or a relative up to the second degree. Turkish banks may ask for the purpose and documents on large transfers.
- 6
Title deed
Your lawyer and the notary
First the title and building checks, then the preliminary contract and the final deed before a notary, then cadastre registration. Your power of attorney must cover these acts explicitly.
- 7
Residence application
Your lawyer files it, you come for biometrics
The application is filed online. The official page gives about 50–60 days for the review; in practice it can take longer. Your lawyer tells you when the biometrics appointment is.
Timings vary by person and period; this page does not promise any timeline.
Border areas
Foreigners can generally buy property in Greece. In some border areas, however, buyers from outside the EU and EFTA need a committee’s permission (law 1892/1990). The rule applies to everyone from outside the EU and EFTA, not only Turkish citizens, and changes are being discussed. Have your lawyer check at the very start whether the property is affected; if so, make the contract conditional on the permit.
What a power of attorney costs
The consulate charges per sheet; the Turkish notary route has notary, apostille and translation fees. Our cost calculator uses €80–€400 for this item (an estimate). Your lawyer may charge separately for drafting it.
Calculate with the power of attorney optionWhat to watch out for
A broad, general power of attorney
A power of attorney covering everything can have consequences that are hard to undo if it is misused.
How to reduce it: Limit it to one property, a price ceiling and a time limit; state that the attorney may not deal with themselves or related persons; keep a copy and learn how to revoke it from the start.
Payment safety
Bank details changed through a fake e-mail are a known fraud on large payments.
How to reduce it: Confirm the receiving account in writing and separately by phone; never pay a new IBAN that arrived by e-mail without confirming it. Pay traceably and keep every receipt.
Title and building checks
Even with clean ownership there can be a mortgage, a seizure, an unlicensed floor or incomplete legalisation.
How to reduce it: Before any deposit, have your lawyer check the title, cadastre and encumbrances, and an independent engineer the building. Ask your lawyer for a written opinion on Golden Visa eligibility.
Fake or unauthorised intermediaries
People presenting themselves as lawyers or consultants may not be registered.
How to reduce it: Check the lawyer’s bar registration, office address and tax number, and agree the fee in writing. Make sure buyer and seller do not use the same lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
Browse listings within your budget, or work out the total cost of a home.
Sources
- Göç ve İltica Bakanlığı / Ministry of Migration – Golden Visa (mitos.gov.gr)
- migration.gov.gr – Golden Visa
- Yunanistan İstanbul Başkonsolosluğu – Vekâletname (mfa.gr)
- ν. 3978/2011 άρθρο 114 (border-area permits, ν. 1892/1990 άρθρο 26)
Rules change often. Before deciding, get a written opinion from a lawyer registered in Greece.