What are the main changes for private debt and servicers?
The proposed legislation introduces 16 distinct interventions specifically designed to address the complexities of private debt within the Greek economy. According to the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, the bill seeks to impose stricter obligations on both commercial banks and debt servicers to ensure a more balanced financial ecosystem.
One of the most significant measures is the introduction of a 15% cap on down payments for bilateral debt settlements. This move is intended to prevent predatory practices and provide more predictable pathways for debtors to resolve their obligations. Furthermore, the bill aims to strengthen protections for individuals who consistently service their debts according to agreed terms, rewarding financial reliability.
Stricter oversight for financial institutions
The bill does not only focus on the debtors but also shifts the responsibility toward the institutions managing the debt. By tightening the rules for servicers, the government intends to reduce the volatility in the credit market and ensure that debt collection processes are more transparent and regulated. This structural change is expected to impact how banks manage non-performing loans (NPLs) and how they interact with third-party collection agencies.
How will the new cryptocurrency tax framework work?
For the first time, Greece is establishing a formal tax framework for digital assets to close existing legislative gaps. Under the new rules, individuals will be subject to a 10% tax rate on capital gains realized from the sale of crypto-assets. However, the Ministry has included a threshold to protect small-scale users: gains of up to 500 euros per year will remain tax-exempt.
The legislation also clarifies several technical aspects of digital asset management to prevent double taxation and provide legal certainty. Notably, the exchange of one cryptocurrency for another will not be considered a taxable event, meaning no capital gains tax is triggered by simple swaps. Additionally, the bill creates a "window" for voluntary disclosure, allowing taxpayers to report previous earnings without facing penalties or interest.
Income from staking and liquidity provision
Beyond simple capital gains, the bill addresses the evolving nature of decentralized finance (DeFi). Returns generated through activities such as staking, lending, and providing liquidity will be classified as interest income and taxed at the same 10% rate. For inheritance and gift tax purposes, cryptocurrencies will be categorized as intangible movable property located abroad, with their value determined by the euro exchange rate on the day the tax liability arises.
Why are courier deliveries moving toward a cashless model?
The multi-law bill mandates a transition toward electronic payments for goods delivered via courier services, regardless of the transaction amount. While the traditional concept of "cash on delivery" (COD) will remain available to consumers, the method of payment is changing: instead of physical cash, the payment must be made via card or another electronic medium at the moment of delivery.
This regulation aims to modernize the logistics sector and increase financial transparency. Currently, transactions involving individuals that exceed 500 euros must be settled electronically. The new provision removes this minimum threshold for courier deliveries, meaning even small purchases of 20 or 30 euros must be settled through digital means during the delivery process.
Exemptions for essential services and specific groups
Recognizing the potential impact on certain demographics and sectors, the Ministry has outlined several critical exceptions to this cashless mandate. The following groups and services will still be permitted to use cash for deliveries:
- Food and Beverage: Deliveries of food, coffee, and refreshments (e.g., takeaway or home delivery) are exempt.
- Essential Goods: The delivery of medicines and other primary necessities will remain cash-compatible.
- Vulnerable Demographics: Individuals aged 70 and over, persons with disabilities, and residents of small villages (population under 500) or small islands (population under 3,100) are exempt from the mandatory electronic payment rule.
What changes are coming to real estate and asset management?
The bill introduces several measures to facilitate smoother real estate transfers and improve market monitoring. A key component is the creation of a "Real Estate Value Bank" (Τράπεζα Αξιών Ακινήτων), which will be tasked with the continuous monitoring and regulation of the property market to ensure data accuracy and transparency.
Additionally, the legislation provides relief for individuals who are jointly liable for the tax debts of companies. If the underlying corporate debts have been settled and the business remains compliant, these individuals will face fewer hurdles during property transfers. Specifically, the rules regarding the withholding of sale proceeds or the registration of encumbrances will be relaxed for those with a significant stake in a company (exceeding 5% ownership, or 0.5% for listed companies) provided certain conditions are met.
Conditions for streamlined property transfers
To benefit from these easier transfer protocols, several strict criteria must be satisfied by the associated company:
- The company must have been established for at least five years prior to the application.
- Any outstanding debts must not predate the application by more than three years.
- The company must have no history of late payments regarding settled debt installments within the last five years.
What other economic measures are included in the bill?
The multi-law bill is comprehensive, touching upon various aspects of the Greek fiscal landscape. One notable inclusion is the new regime regarding the return of the Social Security Fund (EFKA) to agricultural diesel, which aims to provide relief to the farming sector. Furthermore, the bill addresses the transparency of religious institutions by requiring the Church of Greece to submit E9 property declarations for the real estate held by Holy Monasteries.
In terms of wealth monitoring, the acquisition of cryptocurrency will now be officially recognized as an asset acquisition expense. This allows for better integration of digital assets into the "tekmeria" (wealth verification) system used by tax authorities to ensure that an individual's lifestyle and spending are consistent with their declared income.
Key takeaways
- A 10% tax rate will be applied to cryptocurrency capital gains exceeding 500 euros annually.
- Courier deliveries will require electronic payments at the door, with no minimum transaction threshold.
- The bill introduces 16 interventions to regulate private debt and protect reliable debtors.
- Food, medicine, and elderly citizens are exempt from the new cashless courier mandate.
- A new Real Estate Value Bank will be established to monitor property market trends.
FAQ: Greek multi-law bill 2026
Will I still be able to pay for my delivery at the door?
Yes, you can still choose the "cash on delivery" option at the time of ordering. However, the method of payment will shift from physical cash to electronic means, such as a debit or credit card, even for very small amounts.
How is the 10% crypto tax applied?
The 10% tax applies to the capital gains made from selling crypto-assets. You do not pay tax if your total annual gains are 500 euros or less. Additionally, swapping one cryptocurrency for another does not trigger this tax.
Who is exempt from the mandatory electronic payment for deliveries?
Exemptions apply to the food and beverage sector, essential goods like medicine, and specific groups including people over 70, individuals with disabilities, and residents of very small villages or islands.
Does the new law affect my existing crypto holdings?
The law includes a voluntary disclosure window that allows you to declare previous crypto gains without being subject to fines or interest, providing a way to regularize your tax status under the new framework.
What is the purpose of the new Real Estate Value Bank?
The bank is being created to monitor the real estate market more effectively. This will help ensure better oversight of property values and contribute to a more transparent and stable housing market in Greece.
Conclusion
The Greek multi-law bill 2026 represents a significant effort by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance to modernize the nation's regulatory framework. By addressing the digital economy through cryptocurrency taxation and transitioning the logistics sector toward cashless transactions, the government is attempting to increase fiscal transparency and efficiency. While the new rules for private debt and real estate transfers offer potential relief and clarity for many, the shift away from cash in courier deliveries marks a major change in consumer habits. The success of these reforms will depend on the implementation details following the public consultation period ending October 22, 2026.
