Fire safety isn't optional — it's a legal obligation for the vast majority of commercial premises in Greece. Yet many businesses operate without a certified fire detection system, exposing themselves to serious legal and financial consequences. In this article we explain which categories of business are required to comply, what the law provides for, and what the compliance process looks like.

The fire safety legal framework in Greece

The core fire safety framework is set out in Presidential Decree 41/2018 ("Building Fire Protection Regulation"), combined with Law 3850/2010 on health and safety at work. The framework categorizes buildings by use and risk level, and sets minimum fire protection requirements for each category.

Which businesses are required to have a fire detection system?

In principle, every workplace is required to have appropriate fire safety measures. However, an automated fire detection system (detectors + control panel + alarm) is mandatory for:

  • Retail stores over 500 m² of total floor area
  • Warehouses over 1,000 m²
  • Offices over 1,000 m², or multi-story office buildings
  • Hotels regardless of size (high-risk category)
  • Restaurants / food-service venues above a certain capacity
  • Hospitals, clinics, care homes — stricter requirements
  • Educational institutions
  • Industrial facilities — depending on the type and risk level of production

Important: even smaller spaces may be required to have fire detection if the activity falls into a high-risk category (e.g. storage of flammable materials).

What does fire safety compliance include?

Legal compliance typically includes:

  • A fire protection study by a licensed engineer
  • Installation of detectors (smoke, heat and/or flame) per the study
  • A central fire detection panel with zone identification
  • Signaling and alarm (audible and visual)
  • Periodic maintenance and inspections (at least annually)
  • A fire safety certificate from the competent authority

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Operating without a certified fire safety system exposes a business to:

  • Fines from the Fire Service and labor inspectors
  • Suspension of operation until compliant
  • Denial of insurance compensation in the event of a fire
  • Criminal liability in the event of an accident with casualties

How to start the compliance process

The first step is an on-site assessment of your premises by a specialized technician, who will evaluate the current infrastructure, determine your legal obligations based on category, and draft a quote for the necessary system.

ATELECTRO GROUP handles the entire cycle: from the fire protection study and installation to certification and maintenance, ensuring your business is fully legally covered.