New Framework for the Issuance of Payment Orders and Orders for Repossession of Leased Premises by Lawyers
As of 1 May 2026, the new framework for the issuance of payment orders and orders for repossession of leased premises will enter into force, as part of the amendments to the Greek Code of Civil Procedure introduced by Law 5221/2025. In particular, the new framework was further specified by Ministerial Decision 17255/2026, published in Government Gazette B’ 1359/12.03.2026, which sets out the conditions for lawyers’ inclusion in special registries, the assignment procedure, their obligations, and their remuneration.
Specifically, with the entry into force of the new framework, the procedure for issuing payment orders and orders for repossession of leased premises changes substantially. New applications will no longer be processed by a judge, but by certified lawyers enrolled in a special assignment system, with the aim of expediting the procedure and relieving the courts of “formal review” cases.
New Regulations
- The issuance of the above orders is now assigned to certified lawyers.
- Each First Instance Court maintains two separate lists of lawyers: one for the issuance of payment orders and one for the issuance of orders for repossession of leased premises.
- The procedure continues to be conducted without a hearing and is based on the principle of documentary evidence.
- The appointed lawyer must complete the issuance of the relevant order within the prescribed deadline of 20 days from the notice of the assignment.
- Lawyers who maintain a stable professional relationship with credit institutions or claims management companies are required to declare this to the competent Bar Association, in order to enhance transparency.
Special Provisions for Orders for Repossession of Leased Premises
With regard specifically to orders for repossession of leased premises, it should be emphasised that, following the implementation of Law 5221/2025, a new condition for their issuance has been introduced. In addition to the existing case of issuing an order for repossession of leased premises due to the tenant’s default in the payment of rent under Article 637 of the Code of Civil Procedure, a further ground has been added:
- the expiry of the fixed term of the lease.
In such cases, the landlord must prove in writing that the lease has expired, provided that an extrajudicial notice has been served at least three months prior to the termination date. Similarly, in the case of indefinite-term leases, the landlord may obtain an order for repossession of leased premises even where no rent is outstanding, provided that an extrajudicial three month notice has been served.
It should be noted that, where an order for repossession of leased premises is issued due to the expiry of the lease term, or in the case of an indefinite-term lease following service of an extrajudicial notice by the landlord, compulsory enforcement proceedings may commence after the lapse of two months from the service of the repossession order upon the tenant.
Disclaimer
This flash information update is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to constitute, a comprehensive analysis of the matters set out herein. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. Legal or other professional advice should be sought before taking, or refraining from taking, any action based on the information contained in this briefing to a specific situation.
