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

Yes

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

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.

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.

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.