Fire Safety Compliance in Greece: Essential Guide for Property Owners
Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of building design, construction, and operation. In Greece—where the combination of dense urban environments, touristic activity, and Mediterranean climate heightens fire risk—compliance with fire protection regulations is not just a legal formality, but a necessity for safety, continuity, and reputation.
At MK Engineers Mykonos, we undertake the complete process of fire safety studies, system design, and certification for buildings and businesses, ensuring that every property meets national and European standards.
Understanding Fire Safety Compliance in Greece
Fire protection in Greece is governed by strict legal frameworks such as P.D. 41/2018, Ministerial Decision 17230/671/2021, and related Fire Department directives. These establish the technical and administrative requirements for both active and passive fire protection systems across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Fire safety is mandatory for:
Tourist accommodations (hotels, villas, Airbnb)
Restaurants and entertainment venues
Industrial and storage facilities
Offices, retail stores, and public buildings
The certification process is managed by the local Fire Department, which issues the official Fire Protection Certificate after inspection and approval of the study and installed systems.
Active vs Passive Fire Protection
To understand how compliance is achieved, it’s important to distinguish between two main components of fire safety:
Passive Fire Protection refers to structural measures that prevent or slow the spread of fire, such as:
Fire-resistant walls, doors, and ceilings
Fire compartmentalization
Emergency escape routes and signage
Active Fire Protection involves systems that detect, alert, and suppress fires:
Fire detection and alarm systems
Sprinklers, extinguishers, and hose reels
Smoke extraction and ventilation systems
A complete fire safety study covers both areas, ensuring that the building’s design and operation comply with all requirements.
Key Benefits of Professional Fire Safety Compliance
Partnering with experts like MK Engineers Mykonos ensures more than just legal compliance. It offers tangible safety, operational, and financial benefits:
1. Legal Security
You fully comply with the Greek Fire Safety Regulation, avoiding fines, legal liabilities, or business closures.
2. Safety Assurance
Certified fire systems protect lives, assets, and building structures — ensuring a safe environment for residents, guests, and employees.
3. Operational Continuity
A certified fire protection plan minimizes disruption risks and guarantees uninterrupted operation, especially important for hotels and commercial spaces.
4. Property Value & Trust
Fire safety certification enhances property value, improves insurance coverage, and strengthens investor and client confidence.
Common Compliance Challenges
Many property owners face challenges during the certification process, including missing permits, old infrastructure, or unclear legal requirements.
MK Engineers Mykonos provides tailored solutions for each case:
Older Buildings: Retrofitting passive systems in heritage or traditional constructions.
Tourist Accommodations: Meeting the latest standards required for GNTO licensing.
Mixed-Use Buildings: Coordinating fire safety between residential and commercial areas.
Legalization Cases: Updating fire studies after property regularization or renovation.
Our expertise ensures a smooth path to approval — no delays, no uncertainty.