Greece to Scrap Special Accommodation Sticker

The Economy and Development Ministry has tabled a draft law in parliament that abolishes a special operational sticker needed by tourist accommodation units (rooms and apartments) to operate legally in Greece. The bill in its whole sees to facilitate licensing procedures of various businesses in the country.

According to the new bill, as of October 1, 2017, stakeholders that are to run tourist accommodation units will simply have to notify the competent authority. Notifying the authority will be a necessary precondition for a tourist accommodation unit to operate legally. Moreover, until abolished, the special sticker will be granted to interested parties in 28 days instead of 50 as it is today.

Also, a separate operational license will no longer be mandatory for swimming pools located within tourist accommodation units. Again, professionals will simply have to notify the competent authority of the pool’s existence.

According to the bill, which aims to cut red tape for businesses, professionals will no longer be required to submit the architectural plans of tourist accommodation units or have to submit the decision (issued by the Environment Minister) that approves a tourist accommodation’s environmental conditions.

In addition, only tourist accommodation units with a capacity of 51 beds or more will be obliged to have a fire safety certificate issued.

The bill also foresees the optional classification of furnished rooms or apartments for rent.