How to transfer money to Greece for real estate purchases in 2026

Payment Planning

Transferring money is one of the key stages of buying property in Greece. Even a selected deal can be delayed if the bank has not received documentation regarding the origin of capital or has not approved the payment route. Therefore, the payment method must be determined before paying a deposit and signing a preliminary agreement.

Where can you transfer money from?

The buyer can transfer funds from their account in Greece or from a bank in another country. The feasibility of the transfer depends on bank regulations, the client’s citizenship, and the origin of the funds.

It is safer to use the buyer’s personal account. A transfer from a relative, partner, or company may require additional contracts and explanations. The payer, recipient, purpose of payment, and the property must be clear to the bank, lawyer, and notary.

What documents might be requested?

For a large payment, the bank may request:

• Passport and proof of address.
• Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).
• Tax returns and bank statements.
• Documents regarding salary, business, or dividends.
• A contract for the sale of a company or real estate.
• Documents regarding inheritance or gifts.

A bank statement alone is often insufficient. Documents must explain where the money came from and how it reached the buyer’s account.

How to prepare the transfer

First, the lawyer and notary confirm the transaction amount, recipient details, and payment procedure. Then, the documents are sent to the bank in advance for verification.

Do not transfer a large sum or pay a non-refundable deposit before receiving a response from the bank. An international payment may be stopped for additional control, even if the funds are of legal origin. The payment purpose should include the buyer’s, seller’s, and contract details. After the transfer, you must save the payment order, bank statement, and confirmation of the SWIFT or other banking channel.

Sanction restrictions

If the bank, intermediary, or participant in the transaction is under sanctions, the payment may be rejected or frozen. Cash settlements, formal intermediaries, and opaque schemes create serious risks. A legal route must be agreed upon with the bank and a lawyer. A transfer through another country is permissible only if the origin of funds is transparent and sanction rules are followed.

Additional costs

In addition to the property price, the buyer pays the property transfer tax, notary fees, registration, legal fees, and technical inspection costs. As a general rule, the property transfer tax is paid before signing the main contract. If the property is purchased for a Golden Visa, the notary records the payment method and details, so the entire chain of payments must be supported by bank documents.

How AILIT Group helps

AILIT Group helps coordinate the financial route, organize legal due diligence, and prepare the transaction before the deposit is paid.

You can view our offers:

• Land plot in Kounoupidiana
• Villa Olyren Project
• Contact AILIT Group to calculate the total purchase cost.

Conclusion

Transferring money to Greece is possible if you confirm the origin of capital in advance and coordinate the payment with the bank, lawyer, and notary. First, the financial route is verified, then documents are signed, and the deposit is paid.