12 Aug 2026

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When Can the Sale of Investment Assets Be Treated as Business Income in Greece?

The Greek Income Tax Code distinguishes between income derived from investment activities and income arising from the carrying on of a business. In certain circumstances, gains realised by individuals from the disposal of assets may be treated as business income rather than capital gains. This distinction can have significant tax implications, particularly where the assets disposed of do not fall within the categories of securities specifically covered by the capital gains provisions of the Income Tax Code. The Legal Framework Article 21 of the Greek Income Tax Code provides that a "business transaction" exists where a transaction is carried out in the...

11 Aug 2026

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Greece Introduces Binding Tax Rulings

Posted by Niki Plyta

in Tax Law, Special topics

Law 5301/2026 marks one of the most important developments in Greek tax administration in recent years by introducing, for the first time, a formal Binding Tax Ruling (BTR) procedure. Alongside this innovation, the new legislation also reforms several provisions of the Code of Tax Procedure concerning tax penalties and cash payment restrictions. The new framework is expected to enhance legal certainty for taxpayers, particularly in complex domestic and cross-border transactions, while bringing Greece closer to the practices already followed in many other OECD and EU jurisdictions. Introduction of Binding Tax Rulings The centrepiece of the new legislation is the insertion of Article 9A into the...

06 Jul 2026

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Inheritance Rights of a cohabiting partner” / “de facto partner”

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Family Law, Special topics

The recent recognition, under Law 5303/2026, of inheritance rights in favor of a person who was in a stable and permanent common-law relationship with the decedent constitutes one of the most significant developments in Greek inheritance law. The legislature, taking into account contemporary forms of family cohabitation, provides specific protection to the surviving partner, both through rights to certain assets and through the possibility of participating in intestate succession. This protection is not identical to that afforded to a spouse, nor does it lead to a complete equivalence of the two institutions. However, the surviving cohabitant now acquires substantive rights, which,...

05 Jun 2026

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What you need to know before engaging an estate agent in Greece

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Real Estate, Special topics

A real estate brokerage agreement must be concluded in writing. The agreements must include details of the contracting parties (Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), Broker’s GEMI number, description of the property, type of main contract (e.g. sale or lease) for which the agent shall provide his/her services). The Brokerage fee (which can be either a certain amount or a percentage of the price of the main contract to be signed), is freely negotiable. A usual practice is that the brokerage fee is calculated at 2% of the price of the main contract. The fee is payable when the main contract...

28 May 2026

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Digital Nomad Visa vs. 5C Tax Regime

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Immigration Law, Special topics

Interaction Between a Tax Incentive and an Immigration Route in Greece Greece has emerged as an attractive destination for internationally mobile professionals, offering both immigration pathways for remote workers and favourable tax incentives for new tax residents. Among the most discussed frameworks are the Digital Nomad Visa and the 5C tax regime. Although both regimes target individuals relocating to Greece, they are designed for fundamentally different categories of taxpayers and professionals. Their interaction may create practical and legal conflicts that should be carefully assessed before relocation. The Digital Nomad Visa (Residence Permit “Z.1”) The Greek Digital Nomad framework applies exclusively to third-country nationals (non-EU...

28 May 2026

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Tax Treatment in Greece of Directors’ Fees Received from a Lithuanian Company

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Tax Law, Special topics

Directors’ fees received by a Greek tax resident from participation on the board of directors of a Lithuanian company raise important cross-border tax considerations, both under the Double Tax Treaty (“DTT”) between Greece and Lithuania and under Greek domestic tax law. The analysis below assumes that the remuneration constitutes directors’ fees paid in consideration for duties performed in the capacity of a board member of the Lithuanian company, and that such remuneration does not relate to employment services or dividend distributions. Double Tax Treaty Between Greece and Lithuania The taxation of directors’ fees is governed by Article 16 of the DTT between Greece...

29 Apr 2026

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Criteria for Selecting Employees for Layoff for Economic and Operational Reasons

Posted by Niki Plyta

in Labor & Employment, Special topics

The present memo summarizes the basic criteria and procedures that a company must follow when selecting employees for dismissal for economic and technical reasons, in order to ensure the legality of the decision and reduce the risk of invalidity due to abuse. Fundamental Principles - Dismissal is a last resort (ultima ratio). - The selection of an employee must be based on objective and comparable criteria. - The decision must serve a genuine business purpose and not personal motives. - The process must be documented and verifiable. Prerequisites before selecting an employee to be laid off The company must ensure that: There are genuine economic and technical reasons...

07 Apr 2026

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Taxation of withdrawals made by a Greek tax resident from a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) in the United Kingdom

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Tax Law, Special topics

According to Articles 12(1) and (3), 14(1) and 15(4a) and (4b) of the Greek Income Tax Code: Gross income from employment and pensions includes all types of income in cash or in kind acquired in the context of an existing, past or future employment relationship. The following are considered gross income from pensions: pensions granted by the main and supplementary compulsory insurance institutions, as well as by professional funds established by law, and insurance paid as a lump sum or in the form of periodic benefits under group pension insurance contracts any other benefit received in respect of a past employment relationship. Taxable...

30 Mar 2026

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Inheritance – Taxation of assets belonging to Greek citizens located in Greece and the United States

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Tax Law, Special topics

According to Article 3 of the Code of Provisions on Inheritance Tax, Gifts, Parental Benefits and Winnings from Games of Chance (Law 2961/2001 - hereinafter referred to as the "Code"), inheritance tax in Greece is levied on: Any property of any kind located in Greece, whether owned by Greek nationals or foreigners. Tangible or intangible movable property located abroad belonging to Greek nationals residing anywhere, as well as to foreign nationals residing in Greece. With regard to the Convention between Greece and the USA (Legislative Decree 2734/1953, Government Gazette A' 329/12.11.1953 – hereinafter "DTT") for the avoidance of double taxation in...

30 Mar 2026

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Taxation of director’s remuneration received by a Greek tax resident from the United Kingdom

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Tax Law, Special topics

According to Articles 3, 5 and 15 of the Income Tax Code, natural persons who are tax residents in Greece are subject to tax on their taxable income derived from both Greece and abroad, i.e. on their worldwide income earned in a tax year. Income arising abroad is defined as any income that does not arise in Greece. Income from employment is considered to be of Greek origin when it is earned in Greece and of foreign origin when it is earned abroad. Income from employment is taxed in Greece according to the following scale: Income (€) ...

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