Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a document with a lot of force. Whoever holds it acts legally for you, which is why a notary and, where needed, your lawyer draw it up. We do not draft it. We coordinate what goes around it: appointments, documents, translations and its use with the authorities.

Power of attorney or simple authorisation

You do not always need a notary. For simple matters with public services, an authorisation with a certified signature, or the electronic authorisation described by mitos.gov.gr, is often enough. For a property purchase or other serious acts a notarial power of attorney is usually needed. Which one is enough is told by the office or notary that will accept it. We ask there before you do anything.

What we do and what others do

A power of attorney signed abroad

If you are outside Greece there are usually two routes: to sign at a Greek consulate, or before a notary in your own country with the document carrying the Hague Convention apostille where it applies, and a translation. Which route is accepted in Greece is set by the office or notary that will use it, and it can differ. We always ask there first. We cannot promise that a document will be accepted.

Power of attorney for buying property

When the buyer cannot be in Corfu on the day of the contract, the attorney can sign. You appoint the person, usually a lawyer or someone you trust, and the power of attorney states exactly what that person may sign. The notary who will carry out the transfer reviews the text and can ask for changes, so it is wise to ask the notary before you sign. For the whole process see our page on buying property.

What it is most often needed for

• Buying or selling property when the person concerned is not present.
• AFM, Taxisnet and tax office matters for people living outside Greece.
• EFKA and AMKA matters, where the office accepts a representative. See AMKA.
• Inheritance and certificates, with a lawyer.
• Collecting documents when the person cannot go in person.

Before you sign anything

• Which acts it covers exactly, and until when it is valid.
• Whether you need a general or a special power of attorney, which a lawyer decides.
• Whom you appoint: a lawyer, a relative or another person you trust.
• Whether the office that will accept it has its own form or type.

We do not give legal advice on the content. That is for the lawyer or notary, and we can connect you with our partner lawyer when needed.

Working remotely

We can organise most of it remotely: documents by photo or scan, appointments, translations. The signing of the power of attorney, however, normally takes place before a notary or a consular authority, not through our office. If another way exists in your case, the notary will tell you.

For services that need codes, we never store clients’ passwords. By default we guide you to log in yourself, remotely or at the office with your own phone. Only when needed, the login is done on a secured office computer in a clean private (incognito) session, with you present, and with our lawyer where relevant. Never send passwords or one-time codes to anyone, including us, by email, chat or phone.

Time and cost

The notary’s fee, apostilles and translations are separate costs, and we do not list them here because they change. Our own fee is agreed before we start. Time depends on appointments and offices, and we do not promise it.

How to start

Write to us through the contact page or drop in at the office. Tell us what matter you need the power of attorney for and where you will sign. Our fee is agreed before we start.

Questions about powers of attorney

Do you draft the power of attorney?

No. The notary drafts it. We coordinate and prepare the documents.

Do I have to come to Greece to sign?

Not always. It can be signed abroad in a way the Greek office accepts. We confirm that first.

What is an apostille?

A Hague Convention certificate that confirms a public document is genuine for use in another member country.

Does it need a translation?

Usually, for documents in a foreign language. We work with certified translators.

Can you advise me legally?

No. A lawyer gives legal advice, and we can connect you with our partner lawyer.

The Corfu Office is a private paperwork office. It is not a government service and not the municipal KEP. We take care of documents, collection and coordination. The competent authority issues the documents and makes the decisions, and we do not promise any outcome. The information on this page is general and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Legal advice comes from a licensed lawyer, where relevant in cooperation with our partner lawyer, and tax advice from a licensed accountant.

Official sources

• mitos.gov.gr: Authorisation and e-authorisation (Greek)
• Notaries (notariat.gr)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gr)
• HCCH: Apostille Convention

Last checked: 8 October 2026