Greek Taxation Services for Expats and Foreign Residents

Tsaks Consulting Greece is a business consultancy. We work with a network of independent accountants, lawyers and other qualified professionals to help our clients establish themselves and manage their affairs in Greece. Where specialist accounting, legal or tax services are required, we connect clients with suitable professionals and coordinate the process to ensure they receive the support they need.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, accounting, financial or taxation advice. Greek laws, regulations, tax rates, filing deadlines and administrative requirements may change at any time. While we aim to provide accurate and useful information, we cannot guarantee that all information remains current or applicable to your individual circumstances. We recommend obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified and licensed professional before making any legal, financial or taxation decisions.

Our network of Greek tax accounting professionals includes experts in local Greek tax laws, assisting you to determine whether you are a Greek resident for tax purposes or a foreign tax resident. The Greek international community is substantial, with Greek social clubs and Hellenic societies throughout Australia, America and the United Kingdom.

Considering the international Greek population, our network of Greek taxation professionals has assisted expats from Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific looking to understand their Greek taxation requirements. Our team members coordinate with independent expert accountants who provide taxation advice to expats, foreign businesses and local corporations across all aspects of tax, including:

Income Tax
Capital Gains Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Social Security Tax
Wealth Tax
Inheritance Tax
General tax advice and structure
Double Tax and Double Taxation Agreements with the US, UK, Australia, Canada and other countries such as Israel
Establishing tax residency
Tax compliance (for companies and individuals)
Shipping and other vessels (including sailing boat) tax
Greek tax incentives for foreigners

How to determine if you are a resident of Greece

According to Greek tax legislation, numerous factors are considered in determining whether you are a Greek resident for tax purposes or not. Our network of independent Greek tax and legal professionals includes experts who can determine which rules apply to your situation.

You may generally be considered a tax resident of Greece if:

Your permanent home or centre of vital interests is in Greece.
You have lived in Greece for more than 183 days during an applicable twelve-month period. The 183-day period is generally calculated based on total days present in Greece rather than consecutive days.

For cases where a client is also considered a tax resident of Greece as well as another country, such instances can become highly complex and should be dealt with by an experienced international tax professional to determine the application of relevant double taxation treaties.

When is the Greek tax year

Similar to other European countries, the Greek tax year runs simultaneously with the Gregorian calendar year, from January 1st to December 31st. For Greek expats born or living in countries where the tax year differs, it is important to be organised when dealing with different tax years and lodgement deadlines.

Filing deadlines for Greek tax returns are determined by the Greek tax authorities and may vary depending on the tax year, taxpayer category and applicable legislation. Individuals and businesses should confirm the relevant filing deadlines and payment obligations with a qualified Greek tax professional.

If you are declaring business income as part of your tax return and are considered an individual taxpayer, income tax obligations will depend on the income earned, applicable deductions and relevant tax legislation.

Tax authorities calculate the amount of tax payable based on the relevant assessment, taking into account applicable deductions, credits and advance payments. Income tax payment schedules and instalment arrangements are determined by the applicable rules for the relevant tax year.

Differing tax types in Greece

For Greek expats and Greek residents living abroad looking for information on different tax types in Greece, our network of professional Greek tax accountants can provide you with the information you need to understand your Greek tax obligations — or your future tax obligations in Greece if you are a non-Greek resident looking to become a Greek resident.

Different tax types in Greece include:

Income tax

For Greek resident employees or businesses, employers in Greece are generally required to calculate and deduct the applicable income tax from employee salaries in accordance with Greek taxation legislation.
Capital Tax

Income and gains from sources such as interest, royalties, investments, inheritance and immovable property transfers may be subject to different taxes depending on the nature of the transaction and applicable legislation.
Value added tax (VAT)

VAT is generally payable on taxable products and services in Greece. Different VAT rates and exemptions may apply depending on the goods or services provided and the applicable legislation.
Social security tax

Employers and employees in Greece are generally required to make social security contributions. The applicable contribution rates depend on the employment arrangement, insurance category and current Greek social security legislation.

Tax planning for Greek Expats and Greek residents overseas

Our network of independent business and income tax professionals in Greece includes experts in tax planning for Greek expats and Greek residents living overseas or returning to Greece.

We can coordinate assistance for you from any country in the world through our network of independent professionals in Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete and other local and regional jurisdictions throughout Greece.

Tsaks Consulting team members act as a point of contact, helping clients communicate with the appropriate accounting and legal professionals and coordinating the services required.

Client testimonial

Hi everyone at Tsaks Consulting. It’s amazing what you have done for us. Thank you for all your assistance with our Greek taxation issues. You and your team have been excellent in your communication regarding all of our matters, and the specialist experience of your partner accountants has been fantastic. All of the small interactions we have had with you have been great.

Your team members are great and resolve many of our queries for us immediately and without issue. In terms of the tax advice provided by your partner accountants, it is simple, compliant and effective. Overall, we are very happy with the service so far. Keep up the good work!

Tracy C | Expat Client

Thank you Tsaks Consulting for helping me navigate my Greek taxation matters. You have excellent knowledge of the Greek taxation system, and your partner accountants are absolutely fantastic. It’s also very helpful and handy that we are able to communicate with you in English, and there are no communication issues at all. Your written communication is great, and your network of translators and other service providers has proven very reliable. Thanks for all your help so far with our ENFIA, tax returns and compliance documentation.