Step‑by‑step Guide to the Small Claims & Simplified Ordinary Procedure in Greece (2026)

The small claims procedure in Greece does not operate through a separate court. Instead, Greek law channels low‑value monetary disputes, generally claims valued at up to €5,000, into a simplified track within the existing first‑instance court system, a framework reshaped by the civil‑procedure reforms introduced under Law 5221/2025. This guide walks individuals, SMEs and in‑house counsel through every stage of the process: eligibility checks, filing, service, evidence preparation, the hearing, and enforcement. It includes the document checklists, timeline tables and cost estimates that competing resources lack, giving anyone about to pursue, or defend, a small claim in Greece a single, actionable reference point.

Overview of the Small Claims Procedure in Greece and Who It Applies To

Greece does not maintain a dedicated “small claims court” in the way some common‑law jurisdictions do. Instead, claims below a defined monetary threshold are processed through a simplified ordinary procedure before the competent first‑instance court, either the Eirinodikeio (District Court / Justice of the Peace) or the Monomeles Protodikeio (Single‑Member Court of First Instance), depending on the value and subject matter of the dispute. The simplified procedure is designed to be faster, less formal and less expensive than the standard ordinary procedure.

Following the 2025–26 reforms, the simplified ordinary procedure in Greece now sits alongside the new “innovative ordinary procedure” introduced by Law 5221/2025 for higher‑value cases. The practical effect for small‑claims litigants is a streamlined evidentiary framework, with a stronger emphasis on written evidence, and tighter registry‑handling timelines. For cross‑border disputes within the EU, a separate mechanism exists: the European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP), governed by EU Regulation 861/2007 (as amended). This guide focuses exclusively on the domestic Greek procedure; cross‑border ESCP filings follow a distinct set of standard EU forms and rules.

The simplified procedure is used for straightforward monetary claims, unpaid invoices, consumer refund disputes, lease‑deposit recovery, loan repayments and similar matters, where the value falls within the threshold. It is not available for family‑law matters, employment disputes governed by specialised labour courts, or in‑rem property disputes.

Small Claims Greece Requirements: Eligibility and Prerequisites

Before filing, confirm that the dispute meets every eligibility criterion. The core requirements for the small claims procedure in Greece are set out below.

Monetary threshold, the small claims limit Greece 2026

Under the current framework, the simplified procedure applies to claims with a value of up to €5,000. This threshold was confirmed in practitioner guidance following the enactment of Law 5221/2025, and it aligns with the jurisdictional ceiling for simplified proceedings before the Eirinodikeio. Claims exceeding this ceiling must follow the standard or innovative ordinary procedure before the competent single‑member or multi‑member first‑instance court.

Who may file

• Natural persons. Any individual with legal capacity, Greek nationals, EU citizens and third‑country nationals alike.
• Legal entities. Companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships and associations registered in Greece or abroad, provided they can demonstrate standing.
• Foreign parties. Non‑residents may file, subject to service and translation rules (see the documents and timeline sections below). No reciprocity requirement applies for EU nationals; non‑EU parties should verify any applicable bilateral treaty provisions.

Competent court and jurisdiction

Jurisdiction ordinarily lies with the court in the district where the defendant is domiciled. For contractual claims, the court at the place of performance may also be competent. Identify the correct Eirinodikeio before drafting the writ, filing with the wrong court is a common and costly mistake.

When NOT to use the simplified procedure

• Family‑law disputes (divorce, custody, maintenance), handled by family courts.
• Employment claims governed by specialised labour‑dispute rules.
• In‑rem property disputes or claims relating to title, possession or tenancy that exceed the simplified threshold.
• Claims above €5,000, these must follow the ordinary or innovative ordinary procedure.

How to File a Small Claim in Greece: Step‑by‑Step Procedure

The following numbered steps set out the complete filing sequence. Each step identifies the responsible actor and a typical time estimate.

Step 1, Conduct pre‑filing checks and collect evidence

The plaintiff (or in‑house counsel) assembles the factual basis for the claim: contracts, invoices, bank statements, correspondence and any other supporting material. A formal demand letter should be sent to the defendant before filing; this is not always a statutory prerequisite, but it strengthens the claim’s credibility and may be considered by the court when awarding costs. Prepare an indexed evidence bundle, with each document numbered and paginated. Typical duration: 1–7 days.

Step 2, Draft and file the writ at the court registry

The claim is commenced by filing a written writ (agogi) at the registry of the competent Eirinodikeio. The writ must clearly state the claim amount, the legal basis (e.g., contractual breach, unjust enrichment), the relief sought, and the parties’ identifying details. A lawyer is not strictly required for small claims at the Eirinodikeio level, but legal representation is strongly advisable. Pay the court filing fee at the registry and retain the receipt. The Greek Ministry of Justice’s e‑Justice portal may support electronic filing in certain courts; confirm availability with the specific registry. Typical duration: same day to 1 day.

Step 3, Court registry processing and service via bailiff

Once filed, the registry assigns a case number and schedules a hearing date. The plaintiff must then arrange service of the writ on the defendant through a court bailiff (dikastikos epimelistis). For domestic defendants, service should be completed within 30 days of filing. Where the defendant’s address is unknown or the defendant is domiciled abroad, the service period extends to 60 days, and additional procedural steps, such as publication or service through diplomatic channels, may apply. Typical duration for domestic service: 1–30 days.

Step 4, Defendant response or default judgment

After service, the defendant has 30 days to file a defence with the same court registry. If the defendant fails to respond within this period, the plaintiff may apply for a default judgment (erimi dikis). A default judgment is enforceable, but the defendant retains the right to apply to set it aside within strict time limits, typically by filing an objection (anakopi) within 15 days of service of the default judgment (or a longer period if served abroad). If the defendant does file a defence, the case proceeds to a hearing.

Step 5, Hearing, judgment and enforcement

Hearings under the simplified procedure are shorter and less formal than in the standard ordinary procedure. Since the 2025–26 reforms, courts place greater weight on written evidence, witness statements should be submitted as signed, dated affidavits rather than reserved for oral testimony. The judge may dispose of the case on the papers alone in straightforward matters. Judgment is typically issued within days to several weeks after the hearing. Once a final judgment is obtained, the plaintiff may proceed to enforcement through an execution officer: attachment of bank accounts, seizure of movable assets, or garnishment of receivables. Enforcement timelines vary depending on the method chosen and the debtor’s assets. Typical duration from hearing to judgment: 1–3 months (varies by court).

Summary timeline table

Documents Needed for a Small Claim in Greece

An incomplete filing is the single most common reason for delays. Use the checklist table below to verify that every required document is prepared and correctly formatted before attending the court registry.

A practical tip on evidence bundling: under the reforms introduced by Law 5221/2025, courts in simplified proceedings give considerable weight to the written record. Oral witness examination at the hearing is increasingly the exception, not the rule. Invest time in preparing clear, comprehensive affidavits and a well‑organised evidence index, this often proves decisive.

Small Claims Timeline in Greece: Key Deadlines

The table below consolidates every critical deadline in the simplified procedure. All timelines shown are typical; actual durations depend on the specific court and judicial district. Verify deadlines with the local registry before filing.

Industry observers expect that, as courts continue to absorb the Law 5221/2025 reforms, the small claims timeline in Greece will shorten further, particularly in courts that adopt e‑filing and digital case management. For now, litigants should budget approximately 3–6 months from filing to an enforceable first‑instance judgment in a contested simplified matter.

Small Claims Cost in Greece: Fees, Taxes and a Worked Example

Below is an indicative breakdown of the costs associated with filing and pursuing a small claim. All figures are estimates; exact amounts depend on the court, the claim value and the complexity of the case. Verify current fee schedules with the court registry before filing.

Worked example, €3,000 unpaid‑invoice claim

A sole trader in Athens files a simplified claim for an unpaid invoice of €3,000. Indicative costs might break down as follows: court filing fee approximately €40; lawyer fixed fee of €400 (plus €96 VAT); bailiff service fee of €80; total pre‑hearing outlay of roughly €616. If the claim succeeds, the court may order the defendant to reimburse a portion of the plaintiff’s costs, though full recovery is not guaranteed. If enforcement is needed, additional costs of €200–€500 are typical for a bank‑account attachment order.

What Changed in 2026: Summary of the Small Claims Procedure Reforms

Law 5221/2025 overhauled Greece’s Civil Procedure Code and introduced several changes with direct implications for the simplified ordinary procedure in Greece.

• Innovative ordinary procedure. A new procedural track for higher‑value first‑instance cases, running in parallel with the existing simplified procedure. The innovative ordinary procedure emphasises front‑loaded written submissions and strict case‑management timetables.
• Written‑evidence emphasis. Both the innovative ordinary and simplified procedures now place greater reliance on written witness statements and documentary evidence, reducing the need for oral testimony at hearings.
• Registry handling and e‑filing. The reforms expanded the Greek Ministry of Justice’s e‑Justice platform, with certain courts now accepting electronic filing of writs and supporting documents. Availability varies by district, confirm with the specific court registry.
• Threshold confirmation. The €5,000 small claims limit for simplified proceedings was maintained under the reforms, consistent with the jurisdictional ceilings applied by the Eirinodikeio.
• Mediation encouragement. Early indications suggest that courts are more actively directing parties toward mediation before proceeding to a hearing, particularly in straightforward monetary claims.

The likely practical effect of these reforms is a faster, more document‑driven process for small‑claims litigants, provided the evidence bundle is prepared to the standard the court now expects.

Common Pitfalls in the Small Claims Procedure in Greece

• Filing with the wrong court. Jurisdictional errors require refiling and fresh service, adding weeks or months. Always verify the defendant’s domicile and the place of contract performance before selecting the Eirinodikeio.
• Incomplete evidence bundles. Missing invoices, unsigned affidavits or an un‑indexed bundle can lead to adjournments. Use the checklist table above and prepare well ahead of filing.
• Missed service deadlines. Failure to serve within 30 days (domestic) or 60 days (abroad/unknown) may require the writ to be reissued. Instruct the bailiff immediately after filing.
• Relying on oral testimony instead of written statements. Post‑reform, courts expect affidavit evidence. A party who arrives at the hearing planning only to call live witnesses may find the court unwilling to accommodate extended oral examination.
• Incorrect or insufficient fee payment. The registry will not process a filing without the correct fee receipt. Confirm the applicable fee scale before attending.
• Uncertified translations. Foreign‑language documents submitted without certified Greek translations will be disregarded. Apostille or consular legalisation may also be required for documents originating outside the Hague Convention framework.
• Missing Power of Attorney. If a lawyer files on behalf of a party without a properly executed POA, the filing may be declared invalid. For corporate plaintiffs, ensure a board resolution or corporate POA is in place.
• Failing to pursue enforcement. Obtaining a judgment is only half the process. If the defendant does not voluntarily comply, the plaintiff must promptly engage an enforcement officer to attach assets, delays can allow the debtor to dissipate funds.

Sources

1. Greek Ministry of Justice, e‑Justice Portal
2. European Commission, Your Europe / European Small Claims Procedure
3. ICLG, Litigation & Dispute Resolution 2026 (Greece)
4. KGLawFirm, Civil Procedure Reforms (Law 5221/2025)
5. Pilios & Partners, Civil Procedure Law I
6. Drakopoulos, Insight on the Innovative Ordinary Procedure
7. Kelemenis, Litigation Costs Guide
8. European e‑Justice Portal, Small Claims (Greece)