Renting out your property
If you intend to let your property as a holiday rental you should be licensed to do so. The Greek National Tourist Organisation (GNTO or EOT in Greek) issues the licences. The tourist season runs for approx. 30 weeks from April to October. Realistically you can expect a property to be occupied for 10 to 20 weeks during this season if it is well marketed or rented through a company.
If your house is rented on a long term basis (over 3 months) to the same party, then this is not classed as a holiday rental and you do not need an EOT license. You still need to pay taxes for this income and you have to submit a copy of the lease contract to the tax office.
This does not just benefit the Greek government but also ensures that your house and/or pool reach the certain standards which protects you should any accidents occur.
Do not try to rent a property without this license as the authorities are very clever in finding out about it and you will face arrest, a heavty fine, arrest, court appearance and a possible deportation.
You will need to employ an architect or civil engineer to get started - especially if you do not live there or do not speak greek you should get someone to do this work for you.
The following is only a guide of how the process works:
- the building has to be built to the architect plans - without the "illegal" basement flats (converted living space not mentioned on the planning permission)
- Complex buildings are required to obtain an EOT license for the whole block. Individual licences will not be issued.
- Swimming pools need to match strict requirements - depth markings, warning signs, over a depth of 1.70m deep you are supposed to have a lifeguard on duty. You are required to obtain an operational licence from the town hall - should an accident occur and you are not licensed you can be imprisoned.
- Property must be accessed by a public road.
How does it work?
- Architectural and structural papers are required - an architect or civil engineer must do this for you.
- The papers are officially stamped an EOT will arrange a visit to your property to check the property against the plans
- When they are approved you receive a protocol number
An EOT license includes following documents:
- Certificate of Water Clarity - drinking water
- Certificate of Fire Safety
- Copy of your criminal record
- Certificate from the Tax office
What are the costs?
They depend also on your architect or civil engineer. The most charge anything from 3.000 to 5.000 Euros.
Once you have your EOT license, it is valid for 5 years. The renewal costs are minimal.
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