Greece – End of Life Issues

What end of life care options are available in Greece, and how does the system work?

End-of-life care in Greece is delivered through a mix of hospital-based services, a small number of specialist palliative care programmes, pain clinics, and — most predominantly — care provided by family members at home. Unlike northern European countries where community nursing and hospice services are well integrated into national healthcare frameworks, Greece places a heavy reliance on families and privately hired caregivers to attend to the day-to-day needs of the terminally ill.

Close relatives typically serve as the primary caregivers, alongside paid private attendants who are frequently migrant women. This informal arrangement means the standard of end-of-life support varies considerably depending on a person’s financial situation, their location, and how much family support is available. Residents of larger urban centres such as Athens or Thessaloniki will find specialist services more accessible than those living in rural regions or on smaller islands.

Research indicates that only three specialist palliative care programmes exist across the entire country, collectively serving around 600 patients annually, alongside 57 pain clinics operating within public hospitals. These pain clinics extend beyond prescribing medication and offer some elements of broader palliative care. Expats who wish to plan ahead should investigate both public hospital options through the National Health System (ESY) and private facilities such as Euroclinic in Athens, which runs a dedicated palliative care clinic.

What is palliative care in Greece, and who is eligible for it?

Palliative care — referred to in Greek as Anakoufistiki Frontida — is centred on alleviating symptoms and enhancing quality of life for those living with serious or life-limiting conditions, while also providing support to their families. It is intended to commence from the earliest stages of a chronic illness, addressing not only pain management but also a wide range of other distressing symptoms.

In principle, palliative care in Greece is accessible to anyone with a life-limiting or serious chronic condition — including those with cancer, advanced heart disease, dementia, or age-related frailty. In reality, however, the development of palliative care provision in Greece has been among the weakest in the European Union, and there is no systematic delivery of services to those who need it most.

The gulf between the demand for palliative care and the capacity to supply it is vast. Among people approaching the end of life alone, the annual need is estimated at approximately 62,000 individuals, yet existing capacity meets less than 1% of that figure — and less than 2% of overall palliative need across all patient groups. Expats should not count on automatic referrals to palliative care specialists; in most situations, active engagement with an oncologist, a general practitioner, or an NGO is required to obtain appropriate support.

Are there hospices in Greece, and how do you access them?

As of 2024, Greece has only three palliative care organisations; two of these — Merimna and Nosilia — are partners of the international charity Hospices of Hope. There is currently just one fully operational hospice, the Galilee Hospice, while a Specialised Comfort Care home programme is in the process of being developed.

Merimna was founded in 1995, initially to offer bereavement counselling to children who had lost a parent. In 2010 it launched the first palliative home-care service in Athens, and in 2013 extended its bereavement programme to Thessaloniki. Nosilia has acquired land in Athens for the construction of a new hospice and has broken ground on the project, representing a significant step forward for palliative care capacity in the country.

To access hospice or palliative home care from organisations such as Merimna or Nosilia, individuals should reach out to them directly. A referral from a hospital doctor or oncologist can be helpful, but is not always a prerequisite. Given how severely limited capacity is, waiting times may be a factor. Expats covered by private health insurance should review their policy carefully for hospice or specialist palliative care benefits, as this may facilitate access through private hospital networks.

At present, only 9 dedicated inpatient palliative care beds exist throughout Greece, against an estimated requirement of 500 such beds. In practice, this makes inpatient hospice admission extremely difficult to obtain, and the majority of end-of-life care takes place either at home or within a general hospital ward.

Is palliative or hospice care covered by public health insurance in Greece, or does it need to be funded privately?

Palliative care has only recently gained recognition as a distinct discipline in Greece, and there is currently no government funding or state support of any kind directed at dedicated palliative care services. This contrasts sharply with countries such as the United Kingdom, where NHS-funded hospice and palliative care forms part of the publicly delivered health offer. No equivalent integrated public funding mechanism exists in Greece for specialist end-of-life care.

NGOs and volunteer networks effectively carry the primary burden of what limited palliative care provision does exist. Organisations like Merimna and Nosilia operate through donations and international charitable backing rather than state financing. The pain clinic network within the public hospital system provides some symptom management that overlaps with palliative principles, and this is covered under the national health system (ESY) for those who are registered and eligible.

EU citizens who are resident in Greece and registered with EFKA (the national social security body) can access public hospital care — including pain clinics and oncology services — within the national system. Non-EU expats generally require private health insurance to access quality secondary and specialist care. Given the absence of publicly funded hospice care, comprehensive private health insurance covering chronic illness management and palliative services is strongly advisable for all expats living in Greece.

What legal documents should expats have in place before the end of life in Greece?

Getting legal affairs in order before serious illness or loss of capacity is important in any country — but it carries particular weight in Greece, where administrative and legal processes can be especially challenging for those who do not speak Greek. The key documents expats should consider are a will, a power of attorney, and — where appropriate — an advance directive or healthcare proxy.

Will (Diathiki)

A will prepared in Greece must generally either be notarially executed (a “public will”) or written entirely in the testator’s own handwriting, signed, and dated (a “holographic will”). The notarially executed will is the most secure and reliably enforceable form in Greece. If you hold assets in Greece, it is advisable to have a Greek will prepared by a Greek lawyer or notary, even if you also maintain a will in your country of origin.

Power of Attorney (Plirexousio)

A notarial Power of Attorney (Plirexousio) in Greece differs from a simple written authorisation in that it is drafted and executed before a notary. Greek Powers of Attorney must be prepared by a Greek attorney licensed to practise law in Greece and signed in the presence of a Greek notary or at the Greek consulate with jurisdiction over the area where the individual resides. A PoA empowers a trusted individual to act on your behalf in legal, financial, and property matters should you become incapacitated.

Advance Directive / Healthcare Proxy

Greece does not have a well-developed statutory framework for advance healthcare directives or “living wills” comparable to those available in certain other countries. That said, patients do have rights under Greek medical law to decline treatment and to record their wishes in writing. In practice, a written statement of healthcare preferences — especially one drawn up in consultation with a Greek lawyer and your treating physician — can carry considerable moral and practical weight with medical teams, even if its legal enforceability is less clearly defined than in some other jurisdictions.

Given the relative absence of formal advance directive legislation, expats are particularly encouraged to ensure that a trusted individual holds a valid Power of Attorney covering healthcare decision-making, and to communicate their wishes clearly to both family members and any treating doctors.

Are documents such as advance directives or powers of attorney made in another country legally recognised in Greece?

Foreign legal documents — including Powers of Attorney and wills — can be recognised in Greece, but they must go through proper authentication procedures. For a PoA to carry legal force in Greece, the method of authentication depends on whether the country of origin has signed the Hague Convention of 1961. For signatory countries, the process is simplified through the attachment of an Apostille stamp.

To be legally valid in Greece, a PoA must be notarised in the country of origin and then legalised with an Apostille stamp in accordance with the 1961 Hague Convention. Once the Apostilled document reaches Greece, it must be officially translated into Greek by a certified translator or a lawyer. For countries that are not party to the Hague Convention, consular legalisation by a Greek consulate is required in place of the Apostille process.

A PoA executed directly at a Greek Consulate is enforceable in Greece without the need for an Apostille or translation, making this often the most straightforward route for those seeking immediate legal validity. Greek authorities require an official Greek translation of any PoA not already drafted in Greek. Foreign advance directives or healthcare proxies should be similarly authenticated and translated to maximise the likelihood of their being acted upon by Greek medical and legal professionals.

What are the laws around euthanasia or assisted dying in Greece?

Both euthanasia and assisted dying are prohibited under Greek law. Neither active euthanasia — in which a doctor administers a lethal substance — nor assisted suicide — in which a patient self-administers a lethal substance with medical assistance — is permitted. Greek medical ethics, deeply shaped by both the Hippocratic tradition and the Greek Orthodox Church, upholds the sanctity of human life and forbids any deliberate act designed to end a patient’s life.

Palliative sedation — the clinical practice of reducing a dying patient’s level of consciousness to relieve otherwise uncontrollable suffering — may be available in hospital settings, but this is a medical decision made by treating doctors and is categorically distinct from euthanasia. Patients and their families who wish to discuss end-of-life preferences, including do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, should raise these matters directly with their treating physician and, where possible, record any relevant wishes in writing. There is currently no legislative momentum in Greece toward legalising any form of assisted dying.

What are the local customs, traditions, and religious practices around death and dying in Greece?

Greece is a profoundly Orthodox Christian nation, and the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church shape virtually every dimension of death and mourning. The overwhelming majority of funerals follow Orthodox rites, with clergy playing a central part in services. Funerals are generally held within a short period — frequently within 24 to 48 hours of death — both for religious and practical reasons, and because Greek law requires burial within one month.

Wakes are customary and typically take place in the family home or at a funeral chapel on the evening before the burial. Friends, neighbours, and extended family are expected to come and pay their respects, and it is conventional to dress in dark or black clothing. Following the burial, mourners generally gather for a communal meal (the makaria) at the family home or a local taverna, where simple foods such as koliva (boiled wheat) and fish are traditionally served.

Mourning in Greece is often an extended process. Formal memorial services (mnimosyno) are held at 40 days, 3 months, 6 months, and one year after the death, and on subsequent anniversaries. Close family members — particularly widows — traditionally wear black for an extended period. Non-Orthodox expats who die in Greece may be buried in the Orthodox section of a municipal cemetery where no dedicated section exists for their faith, though multi-denominational areas are available in some larger cities.

It is worth noting that cremation was historically prohibited under Greek Orthodox religious law. Legislation permitting cremation has since been enacted, and cremation facilities have been gradually established, though availability remains limited in comparison to burial. Further detail is provided in the funerals section below.

What must you do when someone dies in Greece? Who do you notify, how quickly, and in what order?

The steps that follow a death in Greece must be completed carefully and, in most instances, promptly. The process encompasses medical certification, civil registration, and — for foreign nationals — consular notification. A local funeral director can guide families through the majority of administrative requirements and is generally the most practical first point of contact once death has been medically certified. The step-by-step process is set out below:

1. Obtain a medical death certificate. A death certificate is prepared and issued either by a doctor or by the hospital where the death occurred. If the death happened at home, contact the family doctor or, if unavailable, the local police.
2. Notify the examining magistrate if required. In all cases of death in Greece, the local Examining Magistrate will review the circumstances. Where nothing unusual is identified, registration of the death is authorised and the family receives permission to proceed with burial or preparation for repatriation. If the Magistrate is not satisfied following a preliminary review, an autopsy may be ordered.
3. Register the death at the local Civil Registry Office (Lixiarcheio). The death must be registered at the Lixiarcheio of the municipality in which it occurred, generally within 24 hours of the medical certificate being issued. The relevant municipal civil registration office is responsible for recording births, marriages, and deaths. The medical death certificate and identification documents for the deceased will be required.
4. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate. Once registration is complete, several certified copies of the official Greek death certificate (bearing the Lixiarcheio’s official blue stamp) should be obtained. A Greek death certificate is required for burial in Greece or for transportation of the remains abroad. The funeral home will typically coordinate the registration process and help in obtaining the necessary copies.
5. Appoint a funeral director. Engage a licensed Greek funeral director (pompa funebris) as early as possible. They will handle the logistics of burial or cremation and, for foreign nationals, the export of remains. It is important to select an international funeral director with experience handling the relevant documentation and formalities.
6. Notify the home country’s embassy or consulate (for foreign nationals). Contact the deceased’s national embassy or consulate in Greece. While there is no legal requirement for a foreign national’s death to be formally registered with their consular office in Greece, many families do so in order to obtain a death certificate in their home country’s standard format. The consulate can also assist with repatriation logistics.
7. Notify relevant authorities and institutions. Inform the deceased’s social security organisation (EFKA if registered in Greece), pension providers, bank, and any relevant authorities in the home country. Cancel or transfer any Greek residence permits or tax registrations (AFM number).
8. Arrange burial or repatriation. Decide whether the deceased will be buried in Greece or repatriated. Greek law requires burial within one month of death; however, in the case of foreign nationals, the authorities generally allow whatever additional time is needed for family and friends to attend a local service or for repatriation arrangements to be finalised.

How is a death officially registered in Greece, and what documents are needed?

In Greece, official death registration is the responsibility of the Lixiarcheio (Civil Registry Office) of the municipality in which the death took place. This broadly corresponds to registering a death with a local registrar in other countries, though the procedures and documentary requirements differ.

Documents typically required include identification for the person making the declaration, as well as the tax identification number (AFM) and social security number (AMKA) of the deceased, where these are available. The resulting death certificate records the place, time, and date of death, and is a prerequisite for proceeding with any burial arrangements.

Registration may be completed by the surviving spouse, a duly authorised third party holding a notarised Special Power of Attorney, a lawyer acting under a notarised Special Power of Attorney, or any individual with a legitimate interest in the matter. All documentation will be in Greek, and the assistance of a lawyer will almost certainly be needed to obtain certified copies or to manage any complications that arise.

Where there are suspicious circumstances surrounding a death, the Examining Magistrate may request an autopsy. If relatives of the deceased object to an autopsy on religious grounds, a public prosecutor’s order is required to proceed. Once registration is complete, the family should secure multiple certified copies of the death certificate, as these will be needed for estate administration, consular procedures, insurance claims, and repatriation.

What happens if a foreign national dies in Greece — what are the specific steps for notifying their home country’s embassy or consulate, and what role does the consulate play?

When a foreign national dies in Greece, their home country’s embassy or consulate in Athens — or the relevant consulate in another city — plays a significant practical and administrative role, even though it has no authority to intervene in Greek legal or administrative proceedings on the family’s behalf.

The next of kin or a close relative should contact the relevant consular services unit (such as the American Citizen Services office, or the equivalent for other nationalities) as soon as possible to convey information about the deceased. The consulate will begin preparing the consular report of death and can answer questions about local procedures and customs. Most major embassies maintain emergency consular contact lines for exactly such circumstances.

All citizens who die overseas will typically be issued a Consular Report of Death Abroad, which is an important document for family and next-of-kin when submitting insurance claims or pursuing any legal actions in connection with the deceased’s estate. The consulate can also provide a list of local funeral directors, recommend Greek-speaking lawyers, and liaise with Greek authorities where feasible — though embassies and consulates do not contribute to the costs of repatriation or burial.

Greek authorities can be restrictive about releasing information relating to a death, and may not share post-mortem or police reports even with consular representatives. If a death involves unusual or suspicious circumstances, engaging a local Greek lawyer at the earliest opportunity is strongly advised. The consulate can typically supply a list of local legal practitioners.

Documents generally required by embassies to issue a Consular Report of Death include: the deceased’s original passport or naturalisation certificate, and a certified copy of the Greek death certificate from the Lixiarcheio bearing the official blue stamp — the Greek death certificate must state the cause of death.

How are funerals typically arranged in Greece, and what are the usual options for burial or cremation?

Funerals in Greece are typically arranged through a licensed funeral director (grafio teleton or pompa funebris). These businesses manage practical logistics including preparation of the body, transport, coordination of the ceremony with church or civil authorities, and — for foreign nationals — preparation of export documentation. Funeral directors operate throughout Greece, including on many of the larger islands.

Burial remains by far the most prevalent form of final disposition in Greece, consistent with Orthodox Christian tradition. The majority of cemeteries in Greece are municipal, and burial plots are typically leased for a fixed term — often three to five years — rather than owned indefinitely. Once the lease has expired, exhumation and placement of remains in an ossuary is standard practice, which can come as a surprise to families from other cultural backgrounds. Permanent grave plots may occasionally be available, particularly in private or denominational cemeteries.

Cremation in Greece has had a complex legislative and religious history. For many years, cremation was unavailable on Greek soil due to prohibitions rooted in both religious doctrine and law. Legislation has since been enacted permitting cremation, and the first crematorium in Greece opened in the Athens area. However, availability remains restricted and is concentrated primarily in Athens; those in other regions may need to make specific arrangements. Non-Orthodox expats or those without a religious preference who wish to be cremated should discuss their wishes with a funeral director and ensure these are clearly recorded in a will or written statement.

For foreign nationals, once the funeral home holds the Greek death certificate, it can arrange for the body or ashes to be transported to the home country. Before repatriation can be carried out, the remains must be embalmed and placed in a zinc-lined coffin — a service that local funeral companies in Greece are equipped to provide.

What are the approximate costs of a funeral in Greece, and are there any state or insurance-based funds that can help cover them?

Funeral costs in Greece vary widely based on the nature of the service, the location, and whether repatriation is involved. A basic funeral including burial in a municipal cemetery can cost from around €800 to €2,000 or more, while more elaborate services involving church ceremonies, floral arrangements, and a private burial plot can exceed €3,000–€5,000. These are indicative figures as of 2024–2025; prospective clients should obtain up-to-date quotes directly from funeral directors. Where repatriation of remains is required, substantial additional costs apply on top of local arrangements — see the repatriation section below for further detail.

Funeral expenses are ordinarily met by a close relative or friend of the deceased; however, the associated costs may be reimbursed by the social security organisation with which the deceased was affiliated. This means that if the deceased was registered with EFKA (Greece’s national social security body), a burial allowance or partial reimbursement may be available. Contact EFKA directly to confirm current amounts and eligibility requirements, as these figures are subject to change.

It should be noted that burial costs for third-country nationals may in some cases be covered by local or regional authorities following a decision on their behalf. This provision operates as a safety net for those without funds or family support, however, and is not a general benefit available to all expats. For most expats, where the deceased held insurance coverage, the insurance company should be contacted without delay. In the absence of insurance, the full costs of repatriation or burial will fall to the family.

What is the process for repatriating the remains of a foreign national from Greece to another country?

Repatriating remains from Greece is a multi-step process that typically requires at least one week and often more. Under favourable conditions, local burial can occur within 48 hours; arranging shipment of remains outside Greece, however, generally takes 7–10 days. Cases involving an autopsy or unresolved legal matters can extend the timeline considerably.

The general repatriation process is as follows:

1. Obtain the official Greek death certificate from the Lixiarcheio, including the stated cause of death. This document forms the basis for all subsequent steps.
2. Engage a funeral director with international expertise. It is essential to use an international funeral director with the necessary experience to handle all relevant paperwork and official formalities.
3. Obtain clearance from the Examining Magistrate to release the body, confirming that there are no outstanding legal inquiries.
4. Embalm the remains and place them in a zinc-lined coffin. These steps are mandatory before repatriation can proceed; local funeral companies in Greece are able to carry out this service.
5. Obtain a Greek exit permit for the remains (a laissez-passer or equivalent document from the relevant Greek authority), arranged by the funeral director.
6. Contact the home country’s embassy or consulate to receive a Consular Report of Death and any documents required by the destination country for the import of human remains. The Greek funeral home takes on much of the work involved in exporting the remains and will seek written authorisation from the family before commencing.
7. Arrange transport via a licensed airline or cargo carrier. International funeral companies can manage this logistical step, including compliance with aviation and customs regulations.
8. Notify destination-country authorities including any relevant port or health authority, as required under the laws of the receiving country.

Foreign nationals should contact their embassy in Greece promptly, as it will normally assist with repatriation arrangements and advise on the formalities to be completed. There are occasionally circumstances in which repatriation is not possible, and embassies can advise if this appears likely. Travel insurance with a repatriation benefit is strongly recommended for all expats and visitors to Greece.

What happens to the estate of someone who dies in Greece — how does probate or estate administration work, and are there inheritance taxes?

Estate administration in Greece involves accepting or renouncing the inheritance, registering the estate with the tax authorities, and — where real property is concerned — transferring title through the land registry. The process is conducted through the notarial and court system and generally requires the appointment of a Greek lawyer.

Heirs have four months in which to accept or formally renounce an inheritance in Greece (this period may be extended if the heir is outside Greece). Acceptance may be unconditional or “with benefit of inventory,” which limits the heir’s liability for estate debts to the value of the inherited assets. Heirs who accept without the benefit of inventory procedure become personally liable for the deceased’s debts.

Greece applies inheritance tax (foros klironomias). The applicable rate and tax-free threshold are determined by the relationship between the deceased and the heir. As of 2024, direct descendants and spouses benefit from a more generous tax-free threshold, while more distant relatives and unrelated heirs are subject to higher rates. Assets potentially subject to Greek inheritance tax include property situated in Greece, bank accounts held in Greece, and any other Greek-sited assets, regardless of the deceased’s nationality or domicile. Expats holding assets in Greece should consult a Greek tax lawyer or accountant to understand their current exposure and ensure their estate planning is properly structured. Current thresholds and rates should be verified with a qualified Greek tax professional, as they are subject to legislative amendment.

The EU Succession Regulation (EU No. 650/2012) applies to EU member states, including Greece. Under this regulation, the law of the country where the deceased was habitually resident at the time of death generally governs the succession in its entirety. The deceased may, however, elect for the law of their nationality to apply instead, by means of a valid written declaration — for example, in their will. Expats with cross-border estates should seek professional legal advice to ensure efficient planning across all relevant jurisdictions.

If an expat dies without a will in Greece, what happens to their assets under local intestacy laws?

Where a person dies intestate (without a valid will) in Greece, Greek intestacy law — as established by the Greek Civil Code — governs the distribution of their Greek-sited assets, unless the EU Succession Regulation directs that the law of habitual residence applies (which, for those living in Greece, would be Greek law). Greek intestacy law sets out a ranked hierarchy of heirs based on proximity of family relationship.

Under Greek intestacy rules, the estate is distributed in the following order of priority:

• First order: Descendants (children, grandchildren) and the surviving spouse. Children divide the estate equally, with the surviving spouse also receiving a share — typically one-quarter to one-third depending on the circumstances.
• Second order: In the absence of descendants, the parents and siblings of the deceased, together with the surviving spouse, inherit.
• Third and fourth orders: More distant relatives — such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles — inherit where no closer heirs exist.
• Greek state: Where no eligible heirs can be identified, the estate passes to the Greek state.

Unmarried partners — including those in long-term cohabiting relationships — do not automatically inherit under Greek intestacy law, regardless of the length or nature of the relationship. This is a significant consideration for expats in non-formalised partnerships. Having a valid will drawn up in Greece is strongly recommended to ensure that personal wishes are respected and to avoid unintended outcomes under the default intestacy provisions.

Frequently asked questions

Will my foreign health insurance be accepted for end-of-life care in Greece?

The answer depends on your specific policy and your insurer’s agreements with Greek healthcare providers. EU citizens holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its equivalent can access the public health system (ESY) on the same terms as Greek nationals. Private international health insurance policies may be accepted directly by private hospitals; you should verify with your insurer whether direct billing arrangements are in place with Greek facilities, or whether you will need to pay upfront and subsequently reclaim costs. For specialist palliative care provided by NGOs, direct billing from foreign insurers is unlikely, as most such organisations operate on a charitable basis.

Are documents written in English (or another language) valid for use in Greece?

Legal documents in foreign languages — including wills, Powers of Attorney, and advance directives — are not automatically accepted in Greek administrative and legal proceedings. Greek authorities require an official Greek translation of any Power of Attorney not drafted in Greek. Documents also need to be authenticated either through an Apostille (for countries party to the Hague Convention) or by consular legalisation. It is important to have key documents translated by a certified legal translator and properly authenticated well before they may be needed.

How long does repatriation of remains from Greece typically take?

Under straightforward circumstances, it generally takes 7–10 days to arrange the shipment of remains out of Greece. If complications arise — such as a magistrate’s investigation, a required autopsy, or missing documentation — the process may extend to several weeks. Engaging an experienced international funeral director and your home country’s embassy at the earliest opportunity is the most effective way to keep delays to a minimum.

Does Greece have a formal advance directive or living will system?

Greece does not currently have comprehensive legislation establishing a formal advance directive system comparable to those in certain other jurisdictions. Patients retain rights under Greek medical ethics to refuse treatment, but the legal framework underpinning binding advance healthcare directives is not well developed. It is advisable to record your healthcare preferences in writing, discuss them with your treating physician, and ensure that a trusted individual holds a valid Power of Attorney covering healthcare decisions. Consult a Greek lawyer for the most current legal position on this matter.

What support is available to bereaved family members in Greece?

Merimna, founded in 1995 originally to provide bereavement counselling to children who had lost a parent, continues to offer bereavement support services. For adults, bereavement counselling may be accessible through private psychologists or through social work departments within some hospitals. The Greek Orthodox Church provides pastoral care to bereaved families within its parish communities. Expat groups and international religious congregations in Athens and other cities can also be a valuable source of informal support and practical guidance during a difficult time.

Can a foreign national be buried in Greece?

Yes. Foreign nationals may be interred in municipal cemeteries throughout Greece. In larger cities, dedicated sections exist for non-Orthodox faiths, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim areas. Most municipal burial plots in Greece are leased rather than permanently owned, typically for a term of three to five years, after which exhumation is the standard practice. Permanent arrangements may sometimes be possible; a local funeral director can advise on the specific options available at cemeteries in your area.

What happens to a Greek bank account or property when a foreign expat dies?

Greek bank accounts and property owned by a foreign national in Greece form part of their Greek estate. Heirs must navigate the Greek inheritance process, which involves formally accepting or renouncing the inheritance through a notary, settling any applicable inheritance tax, and — for property — registering the change of ownership with the Greek Land Registry. This process requires both a Greek lawyer and a notary, and typically takes several months to complete. Heirs who do not already hold a Greek tax identification number (AFM) will need to obtain one.

Is travel or expatriate insurance sufficient to cover funeral and repatriation costs in Greece?

Many travel insurance policies include a benefit for repatriation of mortal remains, but the extent of coverage, applicable limits, and conditions vary considerably between policies. Some policies cover the full costs of repatriation and a local funeral; others impose caps that may fall short of the actual costs, particularly in complex cases. Where the deceased held insurance coverage, the insurer should be contacted without delay. In the absence of insurance, the full costs of repatriation or burial fall to the family. Long-term expats should hold a comprehensive international health or life insurance policy rather than depending solely on short-term travel insurance.