Extrajudicial demand for payment between businesses (Greece)

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The extrajudicial statement (exodiki dilosi) by which a business demands that another pay overdue invoices: the basis of the debt, the invoices, the principal, late-payment interest, the €40 for recovery costs, a deadline and the account to pay into. A court bailiff serves it, and the bailiff's report of service proves its content and date. Under Greek Law 4152/2013 the interest (reference rate plus 8 points) and €40 per invoice are due without any demand, even where no payment date was set; the notice sets a final deadline and proves the claim was made.

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Common questions

Why is a Greek payment demand served by a court bailiff?

Because the bailiff draws up a report of service, which proves beyond dispute what the statement says and when it reached the debtor. A plain e-mail is not service, and electronic service exists only through a bailiff. Give the bailiff the signed statement and the debtor's address, and keep the report of service with the invoices.

Does late-payment interest between Greek businesses run without a demand?

Yes. Under Greek Law 4152/2013, in a commercial transaction between businesses the debtor owes, without any demand, interest at the reference rate plus eight percentage points, and a flat €40 for recovery costs on top. Where no payment date was agreed, interest generally runs 30 days after the invoice was received, again without a demand. The extrajudicial notice gives the debtor a final deadline and proves that the claim was made.

Is a demand needed before applying for a Greek payment order?

The conditions of art. 623 of the Greek Code of Civil Procedure do not include a prior demand: a money claim proven by a public or private document is enough. Since Law 5221/2025 the payment order is issued by a lawyer of the local bar rather than a judge — in practice from 1 May 2026 (Ministerial Decision 17255/2026). A demand still gives the debtor a last chance and records the default, which is why it usually comes first.