New Law Ends Prosecutions for Bankrupt Business Owners in Greece

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New Law Ends Prosecutions for Bankrupt Business Owners in Greece

Business, Tech and Lifestyle

Published on: Dec 14, 2025

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End of Prosecutions for Bankrupt Business Owners A new provision from the Greek Ministry of Finance brings a decisive shift for business owners who have filed for bankruptcy, effectively ending criminal prosecutions related to their debts. This measure was incorporated into the bill on Foundations and Dormant Inheritances, passed by Parliament and becoming law on 15 12 25. It is added as article 198A to Law 4738 2020. The change introduces a new legal landscape for individuals who collapsed under the weight of tax and social security debts. Once the bankruptcy ruling is published or the debtor is registered in the Insolvency Registry, prosecutions for debts to the tax office and EFKA cease. This includes offenses concerning unpaid public debts and overdue social security contributions. Importantly, when the bankruptcy process is fully completed, typically within 1 to 3 years, the offenses are entirely extinguished and removed from the criminal record. During the parliamentary debate, Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis stated that the state “chooses not to criminalize financial hardship,” emphasizing that prosecution is suspended during bankruptcy and eliminated once debts are cleared.



Conceptual illustration of financial relief after bankruptcy in Greece.

Conceptual illustration of financial relief after bankruptcy in Greece.

A Preventive Voucher Program Before Financial Collapse

A separate measure introduced under article 177 focuses on preventing financial collapse before it becomes irreversible. Through funding from the Recovery Fund and the Information Society, the state will grant free vouchers to professionals facing or approaching insolvency. These vouchers will cover specialized consulting services including legal, financial, and psychological support.

The program functions through an Early Warning Mechanism that monitors economic indicators and identifies danger signs. When risk levels rise, professionals can apply via the General Secretariat for Financial Sector and Private Debt Management to access support. Certified advisors will help develop recovery strategies tailored to each case.

The measure acknowledges not only the financial but also the emotional burden associated with debt. For the first time, psychological support and mentoring services are included to help business owners regain confidence as they plan a sustainable recovery path.


Illustration of a professional receiving guidance through a government assistance program.

Illustration of a professional receiving guidance through a government assistance program.

A joint ministerial decision will determine the eligibility criteria and the program start date. Training for early warning advisors is already underway.

Provisions for Vulnerable Borrowers

Article 179 introduces technical rules concerning vulnerable borrowers receiving state housing support. If such a borrower enters the Out of Court Settlement Mechanism and signs a new agreement safeguarding their home, the existing subsidy is automatically terminated. This prevents double support from different programs and protects borrowers from having to return subsidies later if the initial purpose for the aid no longer applies.