Litigation · Greece
Find your litigation lawyer in Greece
Disputes in Greece can be complex, from civil and commercial disagreements to administrative challenges. We match you with a litigation lawyer in Greece who understands the local courts and procedural rules, so you can move forward with clear guidance. Tell us about your case and receive tailored options within 24–48 hours.
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Your case in Greece
Why a local litigation lawyer matters
If you are facing a dispute in Greece, the civil-law rules, strict deadlines and formal court procedures can feel overwhelming. Greek courts are organised into civil, criminal and administrative branches, and procedural mistakes can be costly. A litigation lawyer in Greece can analyse your position, prepare the necessary documents and represent you before the competent court. We help you find that lawyer. Our matching service connects you with verified Greek advocates who handle civil, commercial, employment, inheritance and administrative disputes. You tell us about your case once, and we send you a shortlist of suitable lawyers within 24–48 hours. There is no charge for the matching and no obligation to proceed. You remain in control of whether and how to instruct the lawyer.
Local rules at a glance
How litigation works in Greece
Greek litigation follows the continental civil-law tradition, with codified statutes and a three-tier court structure. A litigation lawyer in Greece can help you assess limitation periods, prepare procedural documents and appear before the competent courts. The key points below summarise how the system works.
Court system and hierarchy
Greece follows the continental civil-law model based on codified statutes, with civil, criminal and administrative jurisdictions. Ordinary civil disputes start in the Magistrates’ Courts or Courts of First Instance, with appeals to the Courts of Appeal. The Supreme Court (Areios Pagos) reviews only legal correctness, not facts, ensuring uniform interpretation of the law.
Who may represent you
Membership of a Greek Bar Association is compulsory to practise law. A lawyer is a public functionary under Article 1 of the Code of Lawyers, bound by professional secrecy and disciplinary control. Legal representation is generally required for litigation; a lawyer may represent you in court and provide advice and opinions, subject to statutory powers of attorney for certain acts.
Costs and legal aid
Court fees include a proportional judicial stamp duty of 4 or 8 per mille on the value of civil claims, plus a 30% surcharge for the TAXDIK fund. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed in writing or, absent agreement, fixed by statutory scales and subject to 24% VAT. Low-income parties may qualify for free legal aid under Law 3226/2004.
Real property formalities
For immovable property, a notarial deed is mandatory and ownership passes only upon registration with the Land Registry or Cadastral Office; the registration is constitutive. A 3% Real Estate Transfer Tax must be paid before signature. Only lawyers, bailiffs and notaries may conduct searches at the registries.
Inheritance and forced heirship
Greek succession law restricts freedom of testation through forced heirship: descendants and the surviving spouse (and sometimes parents) are entitled to a reserved portion equal to one half of their intestate share. Gifts made in the last ten years before death may be added back. Cross-border successions may be governed by EU Regulation 650/2012.
Key time limits — Litigation & Dispute Resolution
| Matter | Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| General civil claims | 20 years | Ordinary limitation period for civil claims under the Greek Civil Code. |
| Commercial, professional-fee and periodic claims | 5 years | Shorter limitation for recurring or commercial claims. |
| Tort (delict) claims | 5 years (20 years absolute) | Action in tort must be brought within five years, subject to an absolute twenty-year cut-off. |
The data above comes from official sources: the Athens Bar Association, the Greek Ministry of Justice, e-Justice, AADE, the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate and the Ministry of Labour, retrieved in June 2025.
- National justice systems – Greece
- Athens Bar Association – Identity
- Greek Civil Code (consolidated PDF)
- Costs – Greece
- Divorce and legal separation – Greece
- Labour relations – Frequently asked questions
- Succession – Greece
- Hellenic Labour Inspectorate – Termination of contract
- Inheritance tax – AADE
- Tax obligations arising from loss of life
Common challenges
Litigation without local support can be costly
Disputes in Greece often involve formal procedures and tight deadlines. Here is what you may be up against.
Unclear court procedures
Greek civil procedure has strict formalities and deadlines. Without local guidance, a missed filing or formal defect can delay or compromise your case.
Language and court access
Court documents and hearings are in Greek. If you do not speak the language, a bilingual litigation lawyer can translate, prepare submissions and appear for you.
Uncertain costs and outcomes
Legal fees and court costs can be difficult to estimate. We connect you with a lawyer who explains fee structures and procedural options before you commit.
Why use our service
A simpler way to find the right lawyer
We do the legwork so you can compare qualified advocates quickly and make an informed choice.
Verified Greek advocates
Every litigation lawyer we recommend is registered with a Greek Bar Association and bound by the Code of Lawyers, so you deal with a regulated professional.
Rapid, free matching
Submit your case once and receive suitable lawyer profiles within 24–48 hours. The matching service is completely free, and you decide whether to instruct the lawyer.
Full practice coverage
From civil and commercial disputes to employment, inheritance and administrative cases, we match you with a litigation lawyer in Greece who handles your specific matter.
Clear local guidance
You receive an initial assessment of deadlines, procedural steps and likely costs in Greece, so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Coverage
Also available in these European countries
If your matter touches another jurisdiction, we can help you find a lawyer there as well.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about litigation in Greece
What does a litigation lawyer in Greece do?
A litigation lawyer in Greece represents you before Greek courts, prepares procedural documents, advises on limitation periods and negotiates on your behalf. The lawyer is bound by the Code of Lawyers and must be a member of a Greek Bar Association.
Do I need a lawyer for court proceedings in Greece?
For most litigation, legal representation is required. A lawyer may appear before courts, authorities and public services. For certain acts, such as real property transactions, a notarised special power of attorney may be used.
What are the main limitation periods in Greece?
The general civil limitation period is 20 years. Commercial, professional-fee and periodic claims have a 5-year period, and tort claims must be brought within 5 years, subject to a 20-year absolute cut-off.
How are lawyer’s fees determined in Greece?
A lawyer’s fee is freely determined by written agreement. Without agreement, the statutory scale based on the value of the matter applies, and fees are subject to 24% VAT. Legal aid may be available for low-income parties.
Can a foreign national litigate in Greece?
Yes, EU citizens and, in many cases, third-country nationals may bring claims in Greek courts. Your lawyer will help with language, service of documents and applicable law, including EU instruments such as Regulation 650/2012 for cross-border successions.
How quickly will I hear from a lawyer?
We match you with a litigation lawyer in Greece within 24–48 hours of receiving your case details. There is no fee for the matching and no obligation to proceed; you choose whether to instruct the lawyer.
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Tell us briefly about your dispute. We will send you a shortlist of qualified Greek advocates within 24–48 hours, free of charge.