Private investigator licensing in Greece
Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Greece.
Private Investigation Offices in Greece need a five-year operating licence from the Hellenic Police, and every staff member needs a special work permit. Offices may operate only as sole traders or partnerships, and only for four purposes: tracing missing persons, recovering lost or stolen property, protecting civil or commercial interests, and helping to uncover crimes until the authorities take over. Applicants must be Greek or EU citizens aged 18 or over with a clean record and psychiatric clearance; former police, intelligence, tax, bank and telecoms staff are barred for five years after leaving.
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How to get licensed
- 1
Register the business with the tax office and the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) under a name that includes 'Γραφείο Ιδιωτικών Ερευνών'
- 2
Gather the documents: proof of premises, ID, sworn statements, a psychiatrist's certificate under 3 months old and a criminal record certificate
- 3
Pay the e-paravolo fee online
- 4
Submit the application in person or by post at the local police security department or at a KEP citizen service centre (no online submission)
- 5
The Public Security Directorate reviews the file and a three-member committee gives an opinion before the Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Police decides
- 6
Pay the EUR 2.04 issue fee to collect the licence, and get a separate work permit for each staff member
Licensed somewhere else?
See whether you can take a case in Greece.
How to qualify
- Who holds the licence
- Individuals and agencies
- Citizenship
- Greek citizen, person of Greek origin, or EU citizen
- Fees
- Office licence EUR 302.04 for a sole trader or EUR 602.04 for a partnership (EUR 300 or 600 e-paravolo plus EUR 2.04 issue fee); staff work permit EUR 152.04Fees change often: check the regulator's current schedule before you pay.
- Processing time
- Estimated 50 days (Greek National Register of Administrative Procedures)
- Renewal
- Office licence and staff work permit both valid 5 years; apply to renew at least one month before expiry
Rules in the field
Recording conversations
All-party consent
Everyone in the conversation must agree before you record it.
Sources
- 1 mitos.gov.gr
- 2 dsanet.gr
- 3 taxheaven.gr
- 4 mitos.gov.gr
- 5 mitos.gov.gr
- 6 taxheaven.gr
- 7 astynomia.gr
Reference information, not legal advice. Confirm with the regulator before taking on work. Out of date? Tell us.
Questions about PI licensing in Greece
Do you need a licence to be a private investigator in Greece?+
Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Greece. Private Investigation Offices in Greece need a five-year operating licence from the Hellenic Police, and every staff member needs a special work permit. Offices may operate only as sole traders or partnerships, and only for four purposes: tracing missing persons, recovering lost or stolen property, protecting civil or commercial interests, and helping to uncover crimes until the authorities take over. Applicants must be Greek or EU citizens aged 18 or over with a clean record and psychiatric clearance; former police, intelligence, tax, bank and telecoms staff are barred for five years after leaving.
Who licenses private investigators in Greece?+
Ελληνική Αστυνομία (Hellenic Police), Public Security Directorate, under Law 2518/1997 Art. 11 (inserted by Law 3206/2003), as amended by Laws 3707/2008 and 5187/2025; Ministerial Decision 1016/109/121-ι΄/2009.
How old do you have to be to become a private investigator in Greece?+
At least 18.
Is there an exam for a private investigator licence in Greece?+
No state exam is required.
How often does a Greece PI licence need renewing?+
Office licence and staff work permit both valid 5 years; apply to renew at least one month before expiry
How much does a private investigator licence cost in Greece?+
Office licence EUR 302.04 for a sole trader or EUR 602.04 for a partnership (EUR 300 or 600 e-paravolo plus EUR 2.04 issue fee); staff work permit EUR 152.04
How long does it take to get a PI licence in Greece?+
Estimated 50 days (Greek National Register of Administrative Procedures)
How do you get a private investigator licence in Greece?+
1. Register the business with the tax office and the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) under a name that includes 'Γραφείο Ιδιωτικών Ερευνών' 2. Gather the documents: proof of premises, ID, sworn statements, a psychiatrist's certificate under 3 months old and a criminal record certificate 3. Pay the e-paravolo fee online 4. Submit the application in person or by post at the local police security department or at a KEP citizen service centre (no online submission) 5. The Public Security Directorate reviews the file and a three-member committee gives an opinion before the Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Police decides 6. Pay the EUR 2.04 issue fee to collect the licence, and get a separate work permit for each staff member
Can a private investigator record phone calls in Greece?+
Greece requires everyone's consent: all parties must agree before a conversation is recorded.
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