How can I arrange translations for a property transaction?

Establish the required form

Prepare a list of foreign documents being supplied and Greek documents you need to understand. Ask your lawyer and the receiving professional which require formal translation, which can use an explanatory translation and who is acceptable to translate for that purpose. Ask separately whether the source document needs authentication or an apostille, whether an exemption applies and in what order the work should be done. Do not order an apostille automatically for every foreign document.

Brief the translator

Supply the complete source, including reverse pages, seals and attachments. Flag names, dates and property references. Names may have legitimate Greek/Latin transliteration variants; preserve the original spellings and ask the lawyer how to establish that variants refer to the same person. Do not alter the source or demand a false match.

Get a written quote, turnaround time, delivery format and correction process. Keep the original and translation together with version references, and check that later source amendments are reflected in the translation.

Before signing

Read an explanation or translation of the proposed obligations in a language you understand and raise uncertainties with your independent lawyer. Ask the notary in advance about interpretation at signing; a courtesy translation, formal document translation and live interpretation serve different purposes. Do not sign while a consequential clause remains unclear.