Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Greece
Experienced Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyers in Greece for civil, commercial and administrative claims
When a dispute becomes formal, the procedural choices you make early define the case. We match you with a lawyer who handles the Greek court system, evidence rules and filing deadlines. It costs nothing to be introduced.
- Free, no-obligation matching with Greek litigation lawyers
- Support across civil, commercial and administrative disputes
- Clear guidance on Greek procedure, deadlines and costs
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Greece · Litigation & Dispute Resolution
How Litigation & Dispute Resolution works in Greece
Civil litigation in Greece follows the continental tradition: codified rules in the Civil Code and the Code of Civil Procedure, heard before Magistrates’ Courts, Courts of First Instance and Courts of Appeal, with the Areios Pagos reviewing only legal correctness. That structure leaves little room for improvisation. Choosing the right Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyers in Greece early means securing advice on jurisdiction, limitation periods, evidence and enforceable settlement. We match you with Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyers in Greece who handle civil, commercial and administrative claims, from contractual disputes to enforcement. You describe the situation once; we suggest lawyers whose practice and language fit your matter. There is no charge for the introduction and no obligation to instruct any lawyer.
Local practice · Greece
Greece’s civil-law system at a glance
Greece applies a codified civil-law model where the Constitution and statutes are the primary sources of law. Court structure separates civil, criminal and administrative jurisdictions. The following points are the practical anchors for a dispute in Greece.
A codified system, not binding precedent
The Greek Civil Code entered into force in 1946 and is complemented by the Code of Civil Procedure, the Commercial Code and the Constitution of 1975. Statutory law is the primary source; the Areios Pagos does not create formally binding precedent but ensures uniform interpretation.
Court hierarchy in ordinary disputes
Ordinary civil claims start before the Magistrates’ Courts or Courts of First Instance. Appeals go to the Courts of Appeal, and the Areios Pagos reviews only the legal correctness of decisions, without re-examining facts. Administrative disputes follow a separate branch under the Council of State.
Who may appear and practise
Membership of a Greek Bar Association is compulsory. Under the Code of Lawyers, a lawyer acquires the title by passing the nationwide bar examinations, obtaining an appointment decision, taking the statutory oath and being entered in the Bar’s register. Greek, EU or EEA citizenship is generally required.
Costs and fee agreement
Court fees include a proportional judicial stamp duty of 4 or 8 per mille depending on the claim, plus a 30% TAXDIK surcharge. A lawyer’s fee is freely set by written agreement covering the proceedings or specific acts; otherwise the statutory scale applies. Fees are subject to 24% VAT.
Limitation periods vary sharply
The general civil limitation period is 20 years, but commercial, professional-fee and periodic claims prescribe in 5 years, as do tort claims. Employment dismissal challenges and inheritance options have much shorter windows, and missing them can bar the claim. Early advice is critical.
Key time limits — Litigation & Dispute Resolution
| Matter | Deadline | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| General limitation period for civil claims | 20 years | The default prescription period for civil claims under the Greek Civil Code. |
| Commercial, professional-fee and periodic claims | 5 years | Shorter prescription applies to commercial receivables, professional fees and recurring periodic claims. |
| Tort (delict) claims | 5 years (20 years absolute) | Tort claims prescribe in five years, with an absolute twenty-year limit. |
Verified data from official Greek and European sources (Ministry of Justice, AADE, e-Justice, Athens Bar Association, Hellenic Labour Inspectorate) accessed at the date of writing.
- European e-Justice Portal – National justice systems: Greece
- Athens Bar Association – Identity of the DSA
- Ministry of Justice – Greek Civil Code
- Hellenic Labour Inspectorate – Termination of open-ended contracts
- AADE – Inheritance tax
- AADE – Tax obligations arising from loss of life
- European e-Justice Portal – Costs: Greece
- European e-Justice Portal – Divorce and legal separation: Greece
- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs – Individual employment relations FAQ
- European e-Justice Portal – Succession
Challenges
Why Greek litigation can feel difficult
The Greek system is structured, but the practical rules are not always obvious at first.
Multiple court paths and short deadlines
You may face several court branches and strict windows. Dismissal challenges, inheritance renunciations and adverse-possession claims all carry different Greek deadlines that can extinguish a claim.
Language and procedural formalities
Greek is the language of the courts, and some steps require notarial or registration formalities. Filing errors are costly, so working with a lawyer who knows the local rules avoids unnecessary delays.
Uncertain costs and risk of prescription
Court stamp duty, VAT and fee agreements vary by claim. Without early advice, you may not know which limitation period applies or what evidence must be preserved before a dispute escalates.
How we help
A calmer way into Greek dispute resolution
We remove the first barrier: finding the right lawyer who understands both the legal system and your commercial or personal situation.
Free matching in Greece
We do not charge for introductions. You receive options for Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyers in Greece who match your matter and city, from Athens to Heraklion, without any obligation.
Lawyers regulated by the Code of Lawyers
Every lawyer is a registered member of a Greek Bar Association and is bound by professional secrecy. The Code of Lawyers characterises the role as a public functionary, not a commercial activity.
Clear procedural orientation
You get a first conversation about how Greek civil, commercial or administrative procedure applies to your dispute. The lawyer explains realistic next steps, including limitation periods and costs.
No obligation to instruct
Matching is just an introduction. You compare lawyers, ask about experience and fees, and decide whether to instruct one. There is no retainer required before you choose.
Where to find us
Related jurisdictions
If your dispute crosses borders or you are comparing legal environments, we can also help with lawyers in these European countries.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What types of disputes do Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyers in Greece handle?
Our network covers civil, commercial and administrative disputes. Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyers in Greece assist with contractual claims, tort claims, employment dismissals, real-estate litigation, inheritance disputes and enforcement proceedings. They also advise on limitation periods, evidence and settlement before proceedings are filed.
Do I need a lawyer for litigation in Greece?
Yes. Legal representation is generally required for litigation before Greek courts. Under the Code of Lawyers, a lawyer represents and defends clients before every court, authority and public service, and membership of a Bar Association is compulsory to practise.
How are court fees calculated in Greece?
Court fees include a proportional judicial stamp duty of 4 or 8 per mille on the value of civil claims, plus a 30% TAXDIK surcharge. Public entities and legal-aid recipients are exempt. A lawyer’s fee is agreed in writing or fixed by a statutory scale.
What limitation periods apply to civil claims in Greece?
The general civil limitation period is 20 years. Commercial, professional-fee, periodic and tort claims generally prescribe in 5 years. Employment dismissal challenges can require action within 3 or 6 months, and inheritance options have shorter windows.
Can a consensual divorce in Greece be completed without a court?
Yes. Since Law 4509/2017, a consensual divorce is concluded by notarial deed signed by both spouses and their respective lawyers, with no hearing and no minimum duration of marriage. Only contested divorces remain before the courts.
How does the matching service work?
You describe your dispute and city, such as Athens or Thessaloniki. We identify Greek lawyers whose practice and language fit your matter. The introduction is free and there is no obligation to instruct any lawyer. You compare options before deciding.
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Talk to a Greek litigation lawyer
Tell us briefly what the dispute is about. We match you with Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyers in Greece who can assess your position and explain the next steps. Free, confidential and without obligation.