A power of attorney (“POA”) is a document in which you, as the "principal," give authority to your "attorney-in-fact" (who need not be a lawyer) to act on your behalf. The scope of the power can be quite limited – for example, the purchase of a single real estate investment - or almost unlimited. You can even grant the power to make gifts of your property, but not to make a Will. All powers of attorney end at the death of the principal.

The person who gives power of attorney must be legally capable of doing so, i.e. to be sound of mind and of legal age (over 18 years old). Those who wish to give power of attorney must do it in person, before the Consular employee, providing at the same time documents which establish beyond any doubt their identity (=name, surname, place and date of birth, name of the father and mother).

The full name (father's and mother's included) of the proxy (=the person to whom the power of attorney is given) shall also be provided at the time that any Act of power of attorney is to be drawn up and signed.

If the power of attorney is for a specific case, the appropriate draft text from a notary public or a lawyer in Greece should be submitted to the Consulate either in an electronic form (diskette, CD) or sent by e-mail, preferably in Word or Text format.

For those who do not read or write the Greek language (even though they may speak and understand Greek) the presence of two witnesses is required. These witnesses should not be related to the person who signs the power of attorney, or to each other; they must be able to read, write and speak Greek, and to have with them either a passport (Greek or Australian), or a Greek identification card. The witnesses will make sure that the person who gives the power of attorney understands what is stated in the document and they sign the document themselves.

If the person who will sign the power of attorney does not know Greek at all, then an interpreter is required. The interpreter will translate the document for the benefit of the person who gives the power of attorney and he/she will also sign it as interpreter.

Necessary requirements:

1) Greek Identity Card (light blue colour) or valid Greek Passport or valid Australian Passport.

2) The exact particulars of the assignee, such us name, surname, father’s name, mother’s name, occupation, address and if possible the Greek ID number, date of issue and place of issue.

3) Exact specifications of the power of attorney (buying, selling, making or receiving payments, etc.) This document should be drawn up by an attorney or a notary public.

4) In case of a name-change the DEED POLL or certificate.

5) Fill in GREEK the appropriate application form provided by the Greek Consulate

Please note that an appointment is required for a Power of Attorney.

When you make the appointment, please specify the number of the persons involved in the Power of Attorney, the instruction (content) or instructions (contents) and also how many Power of Attorney you required.

Should you have any further questions regarding the above mentioned or for any clarification concerning the relevant regulations, you may contact the Consular Officer in charge at the Consulate: by e-mail at: grgencon.sid@mfa.gr or power_of_attorney.sid@mfa.gr or  by fax at (02)92646135 or phone at: (02) 92649130.