Updated October 21, 2026
Where people usually start
Most Greeks begin by asking colleagues, friends or business contacts for referrals. Professional networks and LinkedIn are commonly used for initial searches. Industry associations and chambers of commerce are also typical starting points for candidates in regulated sectors.
Online search engines and specialised marketplaces are used when you need a broader set of options. Local online listings and social media pages give a quick sense of recent work and client comments, but personal references and documented examples remain important for final selection.
- Ask for referrals from people who had a similar need
- Search LinkedIn and industry groups for profiles and posts
- Use marketplaces to compare several providers at once
Verify identity and basic registration
Ask for the provider’s business name and tax number so you can verify them. In Greece the tax identification number is commonly used for businesses and freelancers - ask for this number and a copy of a recent invoice or receipt to confirm it.
For professions that are regulated - for example lawyers, certified accountants, auditors or engineers - check membership in the relevant professional body or bar association. If a regulation or licence is required for the type of consulting you need, ask for the registration details and how you can verify them.
- Request the provider’s tax number (AFM) or company registration details
- For regulated professions ask for professional body membership or licence number
- Compare the name on certificates with the business name and ID
What to ask before you agree
Clarify the scope of work and deliverables in plain terms - what will be done, what you will receive and in what form. Request a written quote or proposal that lists tasks, responsibilities, milestones and estimated timelines.
Agree on confidentiality and data handling up front if the work involves sensitive information. For longer engagements ask about staff who will work on the project, subcontracting and how changes to scope are handled. If you need guarantees, ask what is offered in writing rather than verbal assurances.
- Get a written proposal that describes scope, deliverables and timeline
- Ask who will perform the work and whether subcontractors are used
- Discuss confidentiality, data protection and change-management terms
Payment, invoices and quotes
Ask for a clear breakdown of the quote: what is included, what is extra and whether VAT applies. Invoices that show the supplier’s tax number are the normal evidence for payment and tax records.
Agree payment terms before you start. Common arrangements include an upfront deposit, staged payments linked to deliverables, or payment on completion. If online payments or card acceptance matter to you, check whether the provider accepts cards or bank transfers and how receipts or invoices will be issued.
On Websta a provider profile indicates whether the provider accepts online booking and card payments. Card payments taken through the platform are paid out to the provider’s own bank account through Stripe.
- Request an itemised quote and an invoice that includes the provider’s tax number
- Agree payment schedule and acceptable payment methods in writing
- Check if online payment or booking is available on the provider’s profile
Language, communication and response times
Greek is the main language used in most business dealings. Many consultants working with international clients can operate in English, and in tourism-linked or export-facing fields English is frequently offered. For technical or legal matters, check the language the final deliverables will be produced in.
Agree on channels and response expectations - email, phone, messaging apps or scheduled meetings - and set a preferred cadence for updates. Clear expectations about turnaround time reduce misunderstandings, especially across different time zones or busy seasons.
- Confirm the language for meetings and final documents
- Agree response windows and reporting frequency
- Ask for sample documents in the required language if necessary
Seasonality and timing for projects
Some types of consulting work in Greece are seasonal - for example projects that relate to tourism, hospitality or outdoor events tend to peak before and during the main visitor season. Public or EU-funded calls, grant timetables and tax deadlines can also create local peaks in demand for consultants.
Allow extra time when your project overlaps with high-demand periods, municipal or national holidays, and typical vacation months. Ask providers about their availability and whether they schedule work around busiest periods.
- Expect higher demand in tourism-linked fields during peak seasons
- Check availability around national holidays and common vacation months
- Plan timelines to avoid last-minute rushes during busy periods
How a Websta profile helps compare providers
A Websta profile brings together information that helps you compare providers in one place - services listed, photos of past work, contact details, and whether online booking is available. Marketplace listings let you post a task and receive offers from multiple providers, which can speed up the shortlisting process.
Use the profile to check practical details before contact - services offered, whether card payments are accepted, and posted photos or descriptions of previous jobs. Then use the verification steps in this guide to confirm registration, ask for references and agree written terms.
- Compare services, photos and contact options across profiles
- Post a task on the marketplace to invite multiple offers
- Use profile details to prepare verification questions before contacting providers
Frequently asked questions
- How do I check a consultant’s business identity in Greece?
- Ask for the provider’s business name and tax identification number and request a recent invoice or receipt. For regulated professions ask for the registration or membership details so you can verify them with the relevant body.
- Should I get a written contract for consulting work?
- Yes. Get a written proposal or contract that sets out scope, deliverables, timeline, fees, payment terms and confidentiality or data handling arrangements before work begins.
- Are invoices and VAT normal for consultants here?
- Yes. Request an itemised invoice that shows the provider’s tax number. Confirm whether VAT applies to the service and how it is shown on the invoice.
- Can I expect consultants in Greece to work in English?
- Many consultants working with international clients can communicate in English, especially in business or tourism-related fields, but you should confirm language capability for meetings and final documents before you agree.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.