Published in the Government Gazette (FEK 6/A/20-1-2025)
Law 5170/2025 introduces new rules for short-term rental properties (Airbnb-style), environmental classification of accommodations, the simplification of procedures for establishing tourism enterprises, and specific provisions for strengthening tourism infrastructure. It also includes urgent measures related to health-insurance premiums and other areas.
Key Provisions
- Short-term rental properties must meet specific safety, legal, and operational requirements.
- Environmental classification system is established for accommodations.
- Simplification of licensing procedures for car rental offices, motorcycle/quad rental businesses, and shipbroking agencies.
- New framework for tourism infrastructure projects, including marinas and revitalization centers.
- Health-insurance premium adjustments will apply starting January 1, 2026.
Short-Term Rental Property Specifications
According to Article 111 of Law 4446/2016, short-term rental properties must comply with the following:
- Primary-use spaces (as defined in Law 4067/2012) with natural lighting, ventilation, and air-conditioning. Minimum ceiling height: 2.50 m for new buildings.
- Liability insurance covering damages and accidents.
- Safety requirements: certified electrical installation (electrician’s declaration), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, RCD/anti-shock devices, and emergency exit signage.
- Health & safety: pest-control and disinfestation certificates, first-aid kit, and an emergency contact guide.
Non-compliance will result in a €5,000 administrative fine imposed by inspectors from the Ministry of Tourism.
Effective date: October 1, 2025.
Other Notable Provisions
- Establishment of environmental classification system for tourism accommodations.
- Simplification of licensing for car rental and motorbike/quad rental offices and shipbroking agencies (supplementing Law 4442/2016).
- Amendments to Law 2160/1993 regarding marina creation.
- Health-insurance premium increases will be indexed starting January 1, 2026.
Table of Contents (Official)
Part A – Short-Term Rental Specifications & Accommodation Classification
- Articles 1–5: Specifications, environmental classification, and enabling provisions
Part B – Simplification of Framework for Car/Motorbike Rental & Shipbroking Offices
- Articles 6–19: Establishment, notification, inspections, sanctions, transitional provisions
Part C – Provisions for Tourism Infrastructure
- Articles 20–28: Ports, marinas, revitalization centers, inspection framework
Part D – Other Urgent Provisions
- Articles 29–33: Health-insurance premiums, public works registers, military ranks, Social Workers’ Association
Part E – Entry into Force
- Article 34
Full text: Government Gazette FEK 6/A/20-1-2025 – Law 5170/2025: Establishment of specifications for short-term rental properties, environmental classification of accommodations, simplification of procedures for establishing tourism enterprises, inspection provisions, strengthening of tourism infrastructure, and other urgent measures.
