One of the most common questions before any renovation in Attica is: do I need a permit? The answer depends on the type and scope of work. This guide explains which works require a permit, which need simple notification and which need nothing.
Three categories of renovation in Greece
Under Law 4495/2017 and the New Building Regulation (ΝΟΚ), renovation works divide into: a) Works requiring no permit, b) Works requiring Notification, c) Works requiring a Building Permit. Property title and intended use also affect which route you take.
Works that require no permit
The following works require no permit at all: interior and exterior painting (if not changing facade colour on a listed building), tile replacement, flooring, sanitary fixture replacement, kitchen renovation without plumbing relocation, electrical rewiring without structural changes, plasterboard installation without dimensional changes.
Notification instead of permit: when does it apply?
Notification (Small-Scale Construction Work Approval — ΕΕΔΜΚ) is required for: replacing windows/doors that change external appearance, demolishing/erecting non-load-bearing walls, rearranging spaces (without change of use), connecting to utility networks. Submitted electronically via e-ADEIA.
When is a full Building Permit required?
A full Building Permit is required for: structural changes to load-bearing elements, change of building use, any extension of the built area, works on protected or listed buildings. The permit is issued by the competent Urban Planning Service (ΥΔΟΜ) of the municipality.
Cost and timeline for a renovation permit in Attica
Notification costs typically €200–€600 in engineer fees and €50–€200 in electronic fees. Timeline: 2–4 weeks. A full Building Permit costs €1,000–€5,000+ in fees (depending on size) and can take 2–6 months for approval in Attica.
Unauthorised works: what applies?
Works performed without authorisation may lead to fines, use suspension and mandatory demolition. Legalisation of unauthorised works is done via Law 4495/2017, but does not cover all cases. Always obtain the required permit before starting.
Frequently asked questions
What is e-ADEIA and how does it work?
e-ADEIA is the Greek government's electronic platform for submitting building notifications and permit applications. A licensed engineer submits the required documentation on your behalf. Most small-scale renovation notifications are processed through this system.
Do I need a permit to replace windows in my Athens apartment?
If the replacement changes the external appearance of the building (different frame colour, size or material), you need a Small-Scale Work Notification (ΕΕΔΜΚ). If you are replacing like-for-like with no change to external appearance, no notification is needed.
Can my contractor apply for the permit on my behalf?
A contractor cannot submit permit applications — only a licensed engineer (civil, architectural or mechanical, depending on the work type) can submit through e-ADEIA on your behalf. Your contractor can recommend an engineer if you do not already have one.
What happens if I renovate without a permit in Athens?
If discovered during inspection, unauthorised works can result in substantial fines (calculated on construction value), mandatory suspension of works and in serious cases mandatory demolition at the owner's expense. Legalisation under Law 4495/2017 is possible for some cases but comes with penalties.
Does a listed (protected) building need special permits?
Yes. Works on listed or protected buildings in Attica require approval from the Central Council for New Monuments (ΚΕΣΑ) or the relevant archaeological authority in addition to standard permits. This significantly extends the timeline and may restrict what changes are permitted.
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