English Speaking Lawyer in Greece, Based in Kefalonia
Most legal work in Greece happens in Greek. The contract, the deed at the notary, the tax office, the residence permit and the court all work in the Greek language. Evangelos Moshopoulos is a lawyer in Argostoli, Kefalonia, who studied law in England as well as in Greece, and he works with clients from the UK and other countries in fluent English.
He explains each document before you sign it and keeps you updated by email and phone, wherever you live. Some of our clients from the UK have worked with him since 2007, and you can read their words in our client testimonials.
Legal work we handle in English
Every matter below is handled in English from the first call, with the Greek documents explained to you in plain words.
- Buying or selling propertyChecks on the title and the property, the contract explained clause by clause, and help through to completion. See how our property lawyer service works for buyers and sellers.
- Golden VisaWe help investors, and shareholders and employees of foreign companies, prepare and submit the paperwork for the Greece Golden Visas programme and the residence permit.
- Residency after BrexitAdvice and applications for British citizens who live in Greece or want to move here. Your lawyer can submit the application for you with a power of attorney. Read more on residency after Brexit.
- Swiss franc (CHF) mortgagesAdvice for borrowers with loans in Swiss francs from Greek banks, and the duty of care banks owe their customers. Our page on CHF mortgages explains the background.
- Wills and inheritanceWe help you draft your will and deal with inheritance matters related to property claims, including a property in Kefalonia that passes to you.
- Power of attorneyIf you cannot travel, we make the arrangements for you to give us a power of attorney, so we can act for you in Greece while you stay at home.
- Family law and car accidentsDivorce proceedings, by consent or in court, and claims against the insurance company or a negligent driver after a car accident in Kefalonia.
- Your adviser on the islandOnce the matter is closed, we can stay your adviser for tax and legal affairs in Kefalonia, so you have someone local to call.
Why fluent English and an English law degree matter
When the documents are in a language you do not read, you depend on the person who explains them. A lawyer who works in fluent English can tell you what a clause means, what a tax step involves and what an official is asking for, with no one in between.
Evangelos holds an English law degree (LLB) and a Greek law degree from the Law School of Komotini. He also holds two master's degrees (LLM), one in maritime law from the University of Southampton and one in banking and finance from Queen Mary University. He has been a member of the Kefalonian Bar Association since 2004 and teaches maritime law at the Merchant Marine Academy of Kefalonia.
His training in both systems helps when you compare what you know from home with how things work in Greece. You can read more in his lawyer profile, or visit our law firm in Argostoli at 27 Lithostroto.
Working with us from the UK or abroad
You do not need to live in Greece, or speak Greek, to work with us. Clients from abroad have bought homes and handled their affairs here this way.
- Get in touch in English. Call us or send a message and tell us what you need. We tell you which documents we need from you.
- We explain the process. We set out the steps, the documents and the timing in plain English, so you know where you stand before you commit.
- A power of attorney if you cannot travel. We make the arrangements for you to grant us a power of attorney, so we can sign and deal with the Greek authorities and banks for you.
- Updates by email and phone. You hear from us at each stage. As Wayne and Maryam Philp put it, he "was always at the end of emails and phone calls when we needed his help".
- Visit us when you are on the island. With a power of attorney, some clients came back to Kefalonia only to collect their house keys. Our office is in the centre of Argostoli.
What clients say about his English
These words come from clients who are not Greek speakers. Their full reviews are on our testimonials page.
"He speaks impeccable English and answered our many queries with patience and humour, both qualities that eased us through the many bureaucratic hurdles as painlessly as possible."Professor Patrick and Mrs Gillian West
"As non-Greek speakers Evangelos' excellent English combined with his knowledge and understanding of the island is a fantastic combination."Paul and Lynn Gadd
"His English is excellent which is what you would expect from someone who trained in the UK..."Paul and Judi Davies
"...he is an expert in both Greek and English property and financial law. The fact that he is fluent in English is also helpful."David and Lesley Barritt
Questions about English speaking lawyers in Greece
How much of Greece speaks English?
Many people in Greece speak English, especially in tourist areas like Kefalonia, so daily life is often easy. Legal matters are different. Contracts, notary deeds, tax forms, residence permit applications and court papers are in Greek. That is where a lawyer who works in English helps, by explaining each document before you sign it.
How long is law school in Greece?
A Greek law degree takes four years, or eight semesters. Graduates then complete an 18 month traineeship and pass the bar exams before they can practise as lawyers (Law 4194/2013). Evangelos studied at the Law School of Komotini and also holds an English law degree (LLB), so he has studied both Greek and English law.
Who is the best person to give power of attorney?
Someone you trust, who understands what they will sign for you. For a matter in Greece, clients from abroad often give it to their Greek lawyer, who can deal with the notary, the banks and the authorities in Greek. You decide what the power of attorney covers, so keep it to the tasks you need done.
Can I do power of attorney myself in the UK?
You can make a lasting power of attorney yourself online in England and Wales, but that is a UK document registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. For a matter in Greece, the usual route is a power of attorney in Greek, signed at the Greek Consulate General in London or Manchester. Your Greek lawyer or notary normally prepares the draft.
How do I translate a document from Greek to English?
Official translations in Greece are made by the Translation Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or by a lawyer under article 36 of the Lawyers' Code (Law 4194/2013), where the lawyer certifies that he knows both languages well. Which one you need depends on the authority that will receive it, so ask before you order one.
How much does a lawyer cost in Greece?
It depends on the work. A power of attorney, a property purchase, a residence permit and a court case take different time and skills, so lawyers price them differently. Tell us what you need and ask for our fee before you instruct us. Notaries, consulates and public authorities charge their own fees on top.
Should I use a Greek speaking solicitor in the UK?
A solicitor in the UK advises on UK law. A matter in Greece, such as buying a home, a residence permit or a claim before a Greek court, is handled under Greek law by a lawyer qualified in Greece. Clients from the UK can also deal directly with a Greek lawyer who works in English, as our testimonials show.
Speak to Evangelos in English
Tell us what you need help with in Greece. Call +30 2671027630 or send us a message, and we will reply in English.
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Our Services
Residency after BREXIT
Much controversy has been created lately with the legal regime of British expats who wish to reside in Greece after 1/1/2021. Get any info needed and feel secured!
CHF Mortgages
During 2005 and 2007 banks lured customers by offering loans at very low interest, without properly informing borrowers details of hidden dangers. We can help you...
Golden Visas Programme
Our firm would be more than happy to assist you to submit successfully all the relevant paperwork so as to acquire the GOLDEN VISAS as well as the residency.