Βραχυχρόνια Μίσθωση Laws in Greece

Βραχυχρόνια Μίσθωση Laws in Greece

Greece

Introduction
Introduction to Βραχυχρόνια Μίσθωση in Greece

Greece’s short-term rental (STR) market has rapidly expanded, offering travelers authentic stays in top destinations like Santorini, Athens, and Crete, while making a substantial economic impact. STRs contribute millions in tax revenue, supporting local communities and the broader tourism sector, which is a key component of Greece's GDP. In 2022, a report by Professor George Doukidis said Short Term Rentals made up 1.65% of GDP of Greece. STRs booked via online platforms comprised of 21.5% of all overnight stays by tourists in Greece. With thousands of Greek properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, visitors enjoy a variety of options from island villas to city apartments. To foster sustainable growth and safeguard local housing, Greece has implemented regulations that balance the benefits of tourism with the needs of its communities, securing a sustainable future for the STR sector.

Overview

Greece’s short-term rental (STR) market has rapidly expanded, offering travelers authentic stays in top destinations like Santorini, Athens, and Crete, while making a substantial economic impact. STRs contribute millions in tax revenue, supporting local communities and the broader tourism sector, which is a key component of Greece's GDP. In 2022, a report by Professor George Doukidis said Short Term Rentals made up 1.65% of GDP of Greece. STRs booked via online platforms comprised of 21.5% of all overnight stays by tourists in Greece. With thousands of Greek properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, visitors enjoy a variety of options from island villas to city apartments. To foster sustainable growth and safeguard local housing, Greece has implemented regulations that balance the benefits of tourism with the needs of its communities, securing a sustainable future for the STR sector.

Property
Overview

1- Yes, Greece has a national association dedicated to short-term rentals: the Short-Term Accommodation Managers Association of Greece (STAMA Greece). Established in January 2020 by leading property management companies, STAMA Greece represents the interests of the short-term rental industry at both national and international levels. It is also a member of the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA) based in Brussels.

2- Greek Property Managers Association: This association focuses on property managers operating within Greece, offering support and resources to enhance property management services. They advocate for the interests of property managers and provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. To learn more about their activities and how to join, you can contact them directly through their official channels.

3- Hellenic Chamber of Hotels: While primarily representing hotels, this chamber also engages with broader accommodation providers, including short-term rental operators. They offer insights into the hospitality industry and work towards the development of tourism in Greece. Membership information is available on their website:

4- Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Entrepreneurs (SETKE): SETKE represents owners of small tourist accommodations, including short-term rentals. They provide support on regulatory matters, quality standards, and promote sustainable tourism practices. For membership inquiries, visit their official website

Joining these associations can provide valuable support, resources, and advocacy for individuals and businesses involved in Greece's short-term rental market.

Property
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short term rentals
What is Βραχυχρόνια Μίσθωση in Greece?
What are short Term Rentals in the Country?

The term "short-term rental" in Greece refers to the short-term leasing of furnished real estate property through online marketplaces like Airbnb, with only the provision of necessary services, such as bed linen, and not other services like catering, cleaning, laundry, etc.

An apartment, a room, and any other building with basic amenities for a comfortable stay are considered real estate properties.

Short-term rentals carried out in rooms or apartments are popularly referred to as

Is Subletting Legal?
Is Subletting Legal in Greece?

Yes

National Association for STR Owners
What is the maximum length of stay in Greece?
What is the maximum length of stay?

The maximum length of stay in Greece varies depending on the local jurisdiction’s population and rental income, but it is usually for about

Is there any National Registration Requirement or Permit?

There are national laws regarding license requirements with the Greek National Tourist Organization, the registration of accommodation on the short-term register, ownership requirements, restrictions on the number of properties that can be rented in the short term by an individual, building permits, energy certifications, rental contracts, etc. The laws are highlighted below;

  1. Obtain a license known as EOT(Elliniko Organismo Tourismo) from the Greek National Tourist Organization (GNTO) or register as a short-term owner on the unique Short-Term Rental Register.
  2. Occasional short-term renting is only permitted for 60 or 90 days per year. For properties located on islands that have less than 10,000 habitats, rental is allowed for 60 days per year, while properties located on islands that have more than 10,000 habitats can be rented for up to 90 days. However, the length of stay can be exceeded if the sum of the rental income of all of the properties of an individual is less than 12,000€ per year. The limit is either 12,000€ or the number of nights whichever comes first.
  3. The property is furnished and is only allowed to provide linen & towels.
  4. The property must have a building permit or legalize as a standard building.
  5. The owner of the property must be only an individual, who has registered his property in the short-term register and has a registration number that must be displayed on digital platforms or any other advertising media.
  6. Only 2 properties are permitted for short-term rental by an individual owner.
  7. The minimum space of the property is 9 square meters. The property must have natural light, sufficient heating in cold weather, and proper ventilation.
  8. A lease contract must be submitted to the tax office for each guest that must include: the property registration number in the above register, the energy-efficient certification number, the full name of the guest, the arrival and departure dates of the guest, and the amount in euros that the guest or the digital platform has paid for the guest.
Is there a need for Permission from Landlord/Local Council/Neighbors?

Short-term rental owners are required to register for VAT and rental income tax. Villas are liable for income tax and are not required to pay business tax while real estate properties classified as a furnished tourist house or a furnished tourist house with the key system are required to register as a small business with the Greek tax office and a 26% tax rate will be charged on your net income.

The penalty for not registering as a business is 5,000 euros for a week and offenders are given two weeks to make corrections and register as a business. If the deadline is not met you will be fined with a second penalty of 10,000 euros, and given a second opportunity to amends, If a third audit is carried out after two extra weeks and you are yet the fine shoots to 20,000€.

A contract must be drawn up for the rental of the villa between the owner and client and deposited in the tax office. This income gotten from the villa is taxed at a rate of 15% up to 12,000 euros 35% for 12,001 euros up to 35,000 euros, and 45% for any additional revenues between 35,001 euros and above.

Kindly check with your municipality to ensure that you are not required to pay any tax to the municipality or subscribe to the lodge compliance premium package to access the regulations that affect your specific property.

Is Short-term rental Income taxable?

You must obtain an EOT license for a short-term rental in Greece. The process of obtaining the license is time-consuming as you will be required to submit various documents such as your tax certificate to show that you owe no taxes, your tax number, a record from the

Is there any National Tourism Fund or Tourist Tax?

There is a national short-term rental association online that you may consider joining, but remember that you are not mandated to join the association. The website of the association is;

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Is there any Guest Registration and Reporting Requirement?
Is there any National Health and Safety Requirements?
Is there any Platform Accountability Requirement?
Is there any Anti-Discrimination Law?
Is there any Data Sharing Requirements?
Is there any National Insurance Requirement?
Is there any National Zoning law/Cultural Heritage law?
Is there any Environmental Regulations that affects STR?
Is there any National Tenant Protection Law?
Is there any Reporting Requirements for Foreigners?
Is there any Digital Platform Regulation Compliance?
Is there any Consumer Protection Law that affect STR?
Is there any Law that applies to Non-resident Owners?
Is there any classification of STR in the country?
Are there Special National Event Regulations?
Is there any Penalty for Violating National Rules?
Are there National Rules or Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in Greece?
Are there National Rules or Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in the Country?

Short-term rental properties in Greece must meet basic health and safety standards, including appropriate fire safety equipment, safe structural conditions, and cleanliness. These requirements are enforced to ensure guest safety, with additional inspections possible for high-density urban areas.

These include waste management, water conservation, and energy-efficient practices, which local municipalities encourage, especially in eco-sensitive regions.

During peak tourism seasons or national events, municipalities may impose additional regulations, such as shorter rental periods, increased security checks, and noise restrictions. For instance, heightened regulations may apply during Easter and summer festivals to ensure community safety and minimize disruptions.

Is there any National Tax that affects short-term rental?

Yes, income from short-term rentals in Greece is taxable, with various taxes applicable. Progressive Rental income is subject to income tax, with rates ranging from 15% to 45% depending on the total income generated from the rental. Rental income of €12,000 is taxed 15%; €12,000 - €35,000, 35; more than €35,000 at 45%.

From January 1st 2024, if you rent out one or two properties, then you will have to pay an accommodation fee (€1.50 per booking). Meanwhile, if you have three or more properties will be taxed as a business activity. You will have to pay 13% VAT and taxes and fees as if you were a hotelier.

Some regions in Greece, such as Athens, impose additional nightly taxes collected from guests and remitted by the host. This tax usually ranges from €0.50 to €4 per night based on the property type.

permits, license
Are there any Permits, Licenses, or Registrations for Βραχυχρόνια Μίσθωση in Greece?
Are there any Permits, Licenses, or Registrations for Short-term Rentals in the Country?

There are national laws regarding license requirements with the Greek National Tourist Organization, the registration of accommodation on the short-term register, ownership requirements, restrictions on the number of properties that can be rented in the short term by an individual, building permits, energy certifications, rental contracts, etc. The laws are highlighted below;

  1. Obtain a license known as EOT(Elliniko Organismo Tourismo) from the Greek National Tourist Organization (GNTO) or register as a short-term owner on the unique Short-Term Rental Register.
  2. Occasional short-term renting is only permitted for 60 or 90 days per year. For properties located on islands that have less than 10,000 habitats, rental is allowed for 60 days per year, while properties located on islands that have more than 10,000 habitats can be rented for up to 90 days. However, the length of stay can be exceeded if the sum of the rental income of all of the properties of an individual is less than 12,000€ per year. The limit is either 12,000€ or the number of nights whichever comes first.
  3. The property is furnished and is only allowed to provide linen & towels.
  4. The property must have a building permit or legalize as a standard building.
  5. The owner of the property must be only an individual, who has registered his property in the short-term register and has a registration number that must be displayed on digital platforms or any other advertising media.
  6. Only 2 properties are permitted for short-term rental by an individual owner.
  7. The minimum space of the property is 9 square meters. The property must have natural light, sufficient heating in cold weather, and proper ventilation.
  8. A lease contract must be submitted to the tax office for each guest that must include: the property registration number in the above register, the energy-efficient certification number, the full name of the guest, the arrival and departure dates of the guest, and the amount in euros that the guest or the digital platform has paid for the guest.
Is there any National Association for Βραχυχρόνια Μίσθωση owners in Greece?
Is there any National Association for STR owners in the Country?

1- Yes, Greece has a national association dedicated to short-term rentals: the Short-Term Accommodation Managers Association of Greece (STAMA Greece). Established in January 2020 by leading property management companies, STAMA Greece represents the interests of the short-term rental industry at both national and international levels. It is also a member of the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA) based in Brussels.

2- Greek Property Managers Association: This association focuses on property managers operating within Greece, offering support and resources to enhance property management services. They advocate for the interests of property managers and provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. To learn more about their activities and how to join, you can contact them directly through their official channels.

3- Hellenic Chamber of Hotels: While primarily representing hotels, this chamber also engages with broader accommodation providers, including short-term rental operators. They offer insights into the hospitality industry and work towards the development of tourism in Greece. Membership information is available on their website:

4- Confederation of Tourist Accommodation Entrepreneurs (SETKE): SETKE represents owners of small tourist accommodations, including short-term rentals. They provide support on regulatory matters, quality standards, and promote sustainable tourism practices. For membership inquiries, visit their official website

Joining these associations can provide valuable support, resources, and advocacy for individuals and businesses involved in Greece's short-term rental market.

National Association for STR Owners

Disclaimer

Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.

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