Power of Attorney & Authorisations Online
The impact of COVID-19 significantly affected many aspects of everyday life, including access to public services.
One of the key challenges that emerged was the limited availability of consular services, both Greek and international, making it difficult for individuals to complete essential legal procedures.
Despite these limitations, personal and professional obligations remain. As a result, many individuals are now seeking reliable and efficient ways to issue authorisations, statutory declarations, applications and powers of attorney.
At Status London, we receive such requests on a daily basis.
While the Greek government has introduced digital services through the gov.gr, allowing citizens to complete certain basic procedures online, many individuals still require legal guidance or may not be familiar with digital processes.
Below, we outline the key aspects you should be aware of:
A. When Are These Documents Required
Authorisations and Powers of Attorney (PoA / Proxy Letters), as well as Statutory Declarations, are commonly required when an individual needs to appoint a trusted person to act on their behalf in Greece or abroad.
These documents can be used for a wide range of legal matters, including:
- Tax-related procedures
- Military obligations
- Civil registry matters
- Inheritance acceptance or renunciation
- Property transactions
(subject to acceptance by the relevant notary in Greece under applicable legal frameworks)
B. Legal Requirements
In order for a principal (the person granting authority) to appoint an agent (the authorised representative), the following conditions must be met:
- The individual must be over 18 years old
- Must have full legal capacity
- Must fully understand the content and legal consequences of the document
If the individual does not understand the language of the document, a trusted interpreter is required.
If the individual is unable to read and/or write the language, two independent witnesses (non-relatives) must be present, with valid identification and sufficient language knowledge.
C. Proper Preparation
Accuracy in personal details is essential. Names, addresses and identification details of both the principal and the authorised representative must be correctly stated.
For this reason, prior communication with our office is highly recommended to ensure that all documentation is properly prepared before the appointment, avoiding delays or errors.
D. Procedure & Execution
Traditionally, the preparation of a Power of Attorney requires the physical presence of the principal, typically before a lawyer or notary.
In the United Kingdom, RFLs and Solicitors have the authority to certify and handle such legal documents. However, for certain legal acts in Greece (such as property transactions), prior confirmation with the relevant notary is required.
Our firm is fully certified and, especially following the pandemic, offers remote signing services via secure video calls, fully compliant with UK regulatory requirements.
We have successfully assisted numerous clients through this process, ensuring legal validity, security and convenience.
E. Acceptance of Documents
Documents prepared and certified by qualified legal professionals are generally accepted by public authorities.
For the UK, this is supported by official guidance via gov.uk, while in Greece, acceptance is confirmed through platforms such as gov.gr and relevant regulatory frameworks.
F. Costs & Available Options
Basic documents issued through gov.gr may be free of charge.
Consular services may involve lower fees but are often subject to delays.
Legal preparation through a qualified lawyer or notary involves a higher cost, but offers:
- Faster processing
- Legal certainty
- Professional guidance
For further information or assistance, you may contact us at:
info@status-london.com
We are available both in person and online, providing secure, reliable and efficient legal support tailored to your needs.
Andreas Annopoulos
RFL / Lawyer
Managing Director
Leave a Reply