There is no single protected amount for every bank account seizure in Greece. Different rules apply to enforcement by private creditors and to recovery of public revenue by the State. The distinction determines both the applicable threshold and the declaration required for protection.

What Is a Protected Bank Account?

Not every account—and not its entire balance—is automatically exempt from attachment. Protection applies to a specific account designated in the prescribed manner and only up to the statutory threshold. The bank acts as a third party: it applies the attachment order and the statutory exemptions but does not determine the merits of the creditor’s claim.

Protection depends primarily on whether enforcement is pursued by a private creditor or for public revenue. Separate rules also protect salary, pension and insurance-benefit claims.

The New 2026 Threshold

For private enforcement, Article 20 of Law 4161/2013, as amended by Law 5313/2026, protects up to EUR 1,600 in an individual account and EUR 2,200 in a joint account at one credit institution. The account must be designated to that institution. This rule does not govern State attachments.

For State-revenue enforcement against a credit institution, Article 33(2) of the Public Revenue Collection Code, as amended by Law 5313/2026, protects up to EUR 1,600 per month in one individual or joint account at a single institution. The account must be designated electronically to the Tax Administration.

How to Designate the Protected Account

• First identify the attaching creditor, because designation to the bank does not replace designation to the Tax Administration, and vice versa.
• For debts owed to the State, one individual or joint account at one institution is designated electronically to the Tax Administration.
• If an account is used for periodic salary, pension or insurance-benefit payments, that account must be designated for protection against the State.
• For protection against private creditors, the particular account is designated to one credit institution under Article 20 of Law 4161/2013.
• Designation operates prospectively and does not retroactively release amounts already attached.

Joint Accounts

Joint accounts are also governed by the rules regulating the relationship between account holders and the statutory presumptions concerning deposits. Multiple holders do not prevent attachment for one holder’s debt, but neither do they necessarily make the entire balance the debtor’s property.

For State attachment, each joint holder must complete their own designation if they seek protection in their own name. The protected amount should not be calculated mechanically as a simple multiple without reviewing the declarations, the holders and the particular attachment.

Protected Salary and Pension: Different Rules

Against private creditors, Article 982 of the Code of Civil Procedure protects salary, pension and insurance-benefit claims. Protection continues after credit to a bank account only to the extent that the balance, from attachment until the day after payment, does not exceed the protected claim. It is not unlimited protection for accumulated funds. Up to one half may be attached for maintenance or contributions to family needs, subject to the statutory assessment.

Where the State attaches periodic salary, pension or insurance payments directly at the paying entity, a separate scale applies. It must not be confused with the threshold for a designated bank account:

Release of Attachment Following a 25% Payment

Article 18 of Law 5313/2026 establishes a special, non-automatic procedure for release of an account attachment imposed by the Tax Administration on a credit institution or another qualifying third party under Article 62 of Law 4170/2013. The procedure requires an application by the debtor and is further regulated by AADE Decision A.1145/2026.

Among other conditions, the debtor must pay 25% of the total debt covered by the attachment, including surcharges and late-payment interest. The balance must be lawfully suspended or arranged, and the other overdue debts specified by the provision must have been paid or lawfully regularised. The procedure is available once per debtor and does not apply in the excluded insolvency cases. The application is filed through AADE’s “My Requests” service, and release follows only after all statutory conditions have been verified.

Common Errors That Leave an Account Unprotected

• A different account is designated from the one receiving salary or pension payments.
• Only the bank or only the Tax Administration is notified without first identifying the attaching creditor.
• All accounts and every accumulated balance are incorrectly assumed to be protected.
• Retroactive release or automatic unfreezing is expected merely because an application or challenge has been filed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the protected amount in 2026?

Against private creditors, subject to statutory requirements, it is EUR 1,600 for an individual account and EUR 2,200 for a joint account at one institution. Against the State, up to EUR 1,600 per month is protected in one declared account.

Is protection automatic?

No. The prescribed declaration to the bank and/or Tax Administration is required, depending on the creditor.

Is salary or pension always protected after being credited?

Not without limit. Its source attracts special protection, but time and amount restrictions apply once it reaches an account.

May a joint account be attached for one holder’s debt?

Yes. Its extent and the rights of other holders depend on the applicable regime and the evidence.

Does payment of 25% automatically release a Tax Administration attachment?

No. This is a special one-time release procedure requiring an application and compliance with all statutory conditions.

Does a challenge immediately unfreeze the account?

No. Suspension or limitation requires a separate legal basis and, where applicable, a distinct decision.

Conclusion

Effective protection from bank account attachment in Greece requires a correct distinction between private and State enforcement, timely designation of the appropriate account and immediate review of the source of credits and applicable challenge deadlines.