Client won't pay — Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος · Greece

Direct answer

Freelancers are not protected like employees, but they have fast tools: statutory late-payment interest and a fixed recovery fee from the day after the due date (EU late-payment rules), and a court payment order that in most countries takes weeks and needs no lawyer. Send one formal reminder with a 7-day deadline and the interest, then file the payment order at Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος — νομική βοήθεια (dsa.gr). Διαμεσολάβηση (ΟΠΕΜΕΔ) / Ειρηνοδικείο (diamesolavisi.gov.gr) is a cheaper route if the client disputes the work; Νομική Βοήθεια (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος) (dsa.gr) advises on contracts and cross-border claims.

Call firstΔικηγορικός Σύλλογος — νομική βοήθεια

Report toΔιαμεσολάβηση (ΟΠΕΜΕΔ) / Ειρηνοδικείο

If that failsΝομική Βοήθεια (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος)

🗣️ What to say

"Invoice [number] of [date] for [service], [amount], was due on [date] and remains unpaid. I ask for payment within 7 days to [account]. From [due date] statutory late-payment interest and the €40 recovery fee apply. If unpaid, I will file a court payment order without further notice."

🪜 Step by step

One formal reminderDated, amount, due date, 7 days, the interest and fee. Registered mail or email with read receipt.
Check the paperworkQuote, order, delivery confirmation, invoice. A disputed job needs proof of delivery; an undisputed one just needs the invoice.
Payment order at Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος — νομική βοήθειαOnline in most countries, small fee, no lawyer. If the client does not object within the period, it becomes enforceable.
Client disputes the work? Διαμεσολάβηση (ΟΠΕΜΕΔ) / ΕιρηνοδικείοMediation or the small-claims track. The threshold is what matters, not the merits.
Cross-border clientThe European Payment Order and the European Small Claims Procedure work across the EU with standard forms; Νομική Βοήθεια (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος) explains which.

📇 All contacts

Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος — νομική βοήθειαFree legal aid for low incomesIf a lawyer is needed for a larger amount🔗 www.dsa.gr

Διαμεσολάβηση (ΟΠΕΜΕΔ) / ΕιρηνοδικείοMandatory initial mediation session in many disputesNeighbour, tenancy and consumer disputes🔗 www.diamesolavisi.gov.gr

Νομική Βοήθεια (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος)Free lawyer for low incomesWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.dsa.gr

Ευρωπαϊκό Κέντρο Καταναλωτή ΕλλάδαςFree help with sellers in other EU countriesSeller in another EU country, Norway or Iceland📞 210 6460284 🔗 www.eccgreece.gr

❓ Frequently asked

What interest can I charge?

The statutory commercial rate (the ECB rate plus 8 points, roughly) plus a €40 minimum recovery fee per invoice, without agreement, from the day after the due date.

The client is a consumer, not a business

Then the commercial rules do not apply; the consumer rate is lower and the recovery fee needs a contract clause. The payment order still works.

The client is going bankrupt

File your claim with the administrator immediately and stop working for them. Unsecured creditors get little; speed gets more.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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“freelancer client not paying Greece”
“court payment order unpaid invoice”
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“small claims unpaid invoice Greece”

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🧾 My client will not pay my invoice — what can I do as a freelancer?