Best Retirement Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Retirement Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Retirement in Vouliagmeni follows the national Greek social security framework. The Hellenic Single Social Security Entity known as e-EFKA administers pensions for employees, self-employed, and special categories. The system provides a main pension that includes a national component and an earnings-related component, a supplementary pension for insured persons who paid auxiliary contributions, and in many cases a lump-sum benefit for specific sectors. Vouliagmeni is part of the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni in the Attica Region, so applications and services are handled through Attica-based e-EFKA branches and digital portals, with local assistance available through Citizen Service Centers known as KEP.

Greek retirement rules are shaped by national legislation and EU social security coordination rules. People who have worked in more than one country may have their insurance periods combined. Pension amounts and eligibility depend on age, years of insured work, category of work, and special statuses such as disability or survivors rights.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many retirees handle straightforward applications themselves, but legal help can be valuable when your situation is complex or when a decision needs to be challenged. You may benefit from a lawyer if you have fragmented insurance histories across multiple former funds or countries, need to prove periods of uninsured employment or buy back years such as military service or university studies, are seeking early retirement due to heavy-and-unhealthy occupations or other special categories, are applying for disability pensions and need to navigate KEPA medical assessments or appeals, face delays, underpayments, or rejections and want to file objections or pursue administrative court remedies, plan to relocate to Greece with a foreign pension and want advice about residence, tax, and double tax treaties, intend to work while retired and need to manage reporting and pension reductions, or want estate and family planning that coordinates survivor pensions, inheritance rules, and property in Greece.

Lawyers in the Attica area can also represent you at e-EFKA, prepare sworn translations, draft powers of attorney for in-person filings, and coordinate with accountants on pension taxation and the special regime for foreign pensioners.

Local Laws Overview

Key national rules that apply in Vouliagmeni include the unified pension framework introduced by Law 4387-2016 and amended by Law 4670-2020. In general, the standard full retirement age is 67 with at least 15 years of insurance, which is 4,500 insurance days. Another common route is retirement at 62 with 40 years of insurance. There are transitional and special provisions for people insured before 1993, for heavy-and-unhealthy occupations, for parents of minors under older rules, and for specific professional categories. Reduced pensions may be available earlier than the full retirement age in limited cases, with actuarial reductions applied until the full age is reached.

The main pension has two parts. The national pension is a flat component that requires residence and contribution conditions. The contributory component is based on your lifetime insurable earnings and years of insurance, applying accrual rates that increase with longer contribution histories. Supplementary pensions are paid for periods where auxiliary insurance contributions were made, and the auxiliary branch is administered within e-EFKA. People first insured from 2022 may be covered for supplementary insurance by the newer capitalization scheme under TEKA according to law, which operates alongside e-EFKA.

Disability pensions are available when certified by the Disability Certification Centers known as KEPA that your disability level meets legal thresholds. Survivor pensions are generally a percentage of the deceased insured person's pension and are shared among eligible family members under conditions set by law. Pensioners are entitled to public healthcare coverage through EOPYY based on their status.

Working while receiving a pension is allowed but may reduce the pension amount if not exempt. Since 2020 the general rule is a reduction applied to the pension if the retiree undertakes insurable work, subject to declarations to e-EFKA and certain exceptions. Pensions are taxable income in Greece, with progressive rates and tax credits. Greece has double taxation treaties and a special regime that allows eligible foreign pensioners who transfer tax residence to Greece to be taxed at a flat rate on foreign pension income, subject to conditions and application deadlines.

Applications are filed digitally through the e-EFKA portal or in person by appointment at competent Attica branches. Local KEP offices in the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni can help with AMKA numbers, document submissions, and appointments. Official documents in foreign languages must be submitted with appropriate legalization and sworn translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can I retire and how many years do I need?

Most people can claim a full pension at 67 with at least 15 years of insurance. A common alternative is retirement at 62 with 40 years of insurance. Earlier or reduced retirement may be possible for certain categories such as heavy-and-unhealthy work, but conditions are strict and depend on your insurance start date and detailed contribution record.

How do I apply for a pension if I live in Vouliagmeni?

You can file online through the e-EFKA digital services using your Greek tax credentials and AMKA, or submit an application via an e-EFKA office serving the South Sector of Athens by appointment. KEP offices in the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni can assist with submitting applications and booking appointments.

Which documents should I prepare for my application?

You typically need identification and AFM tax number, AMKA social security number, detailed insurance records including previous funds, proof of contributions and employment, any military service or study certificates if you will buy back time, marital and family status certificates if seeking survivors rights, bank account details for payments, and legalized translations of foreign documents when applicable.

I worked in other EU countries. Can I combine my insurance periods?

Yes. Under EU Regulations on social security coordination, your insurance periods in other member states are aggregated to determine eligibility. Each country pays the part of the pension corresponding to the periods completed there. You usually file a single application in your country of residence or last insurance, and the institutions communicate to process your claim.

Can I purchase missing years such as military service or university studies?

Greek law allows certain buybacks that increase your credited years for calculation and in some cases for eligibility. Common buybacks include military service and recognized higher education. There is a cost based on your contributions. A lawyer or accountant can help you assess whether a buyback is financially advantageous for your case.

How is my pension amount calculated?

The main pension includes a national pension amount plus a contributory pension based on your average insurable earnings and total credited years, using legally set accrual rates that favor longer careers. Auxiliary pensions are calculated separately based on contributions to the supplementary branch. Amounts are adjusted according to periodic legal updates.

Can I work after I retire?

Yes, but you must declare your employment to e-EFKA, and a reduction generally applies to your pension while you work, unless an exemption applies. You will also resume paying social security contributions on your post-retirement work. Failing to declare work can lead to penalties and back assessments.

What healthcare coverage do pensioners receive?

Pensioners are covered by the national health organization EOPYY, which provides access to contracted doctors, hospitals, and prescription coverage. Eligible family members may be co-insured. You will use your AMKA number for healthcare services.

How are pensions taxed, and is there a special regime for foreign pensioners who move to Greece?

Pensions are subject to Greek income tax with progressive rates and standard deductions. Greece has double taxation treaties that can prevent double tax on foreign pensions. There is also a special flat-rate regime for foreign pensioners who transfer their tax residence to Greece and meet conditions. Timely application to the tax authority is required, and professional advice is recommended.

What can I do if my pension application is delayed or rejected?

You can submit a formal objection within the administrative process deadlines, supply additional evidence, and escalate to the administrative courts if needed. A lawyer can review the decision, verify contribution records, obtain expert opinions, and represent you through objections and appeals.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA - Hellenic Single Social Security Entity for main, auxiliary, and lump-sum pensions.

KEP - Citizen Service Centers in the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni for assistance with applications, AMKA, and appointments.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs - Policies and circulars on pensions and social insurance.

KEPA - Disability Certification Centers for disability pension assessments.

EOPYY - National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision for pensioner healthcare coverage.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue known as AADE - Tax residency, pension taxation, and special regimes.

Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni - Social services and local support for seniors and residents.

Greek Ombudsman - Assistance with public administration issues, including social insurance disputes.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. Decide whether you are applying for old-age, disability, or survivor pension, and whether you will seek early or reduced retirement.

Collect your records. Obtain your AMKA, AFM, employment contracts, contribution statements, prior fund certificates, and certificates for any periods you plan to buy back such as military service or studies.

Check international coordination. If you worked abroad, gather foreign insurance records. Note the countries, periods, and any reference numbers to help e-EFKA request information.

Estimate eligibility and timing. Use official calculators or request a pre-assessment. Consider whether a buyback is needed to reach a threshold such as 40 years at age 62.

Prepare translations and legalization. Arrange for sworn translations and apostilles where required so foreign documents are acceptable to Greek authorities.

Decide on representation. If you want help, engage a lawyer experienced in pensions and an accountant for tax planning. Execute a power of attorney if you need someone to file documents on your behalf.

File the application. Submit online via e-EFKA or book an appointment at the competent Attica branch. Keep stamped copies or electronic receipts for everything you file.

Monitor and respond. Track your case, respond promptly to requests for additional information, and correct any discrepancies in your insurance record.

Plan for taxation and healthcare. Register for EOPYY coverage and arrange your tax filings with AADE, including any applications for special tax regimes for foreign pensioners.

Escalate if needed. If you face denial or undue delay, consult your lawyer about filing an objection and pursuing administrative remedies within the prescribed deadlines.

This guide provides general information only. For advice tailored to your circumstances in Vouliagmeni, consult a qualified lawyer and accountant in Greece.