Foreign Residents Obtaining a Tax Number in Greece

Foreign Residents Obtaining a Tax Number in Greece

Our Greek tax professionals are qualified and registered tax experts with over 25 years’ experience advising and assisting non-Greek residents looking to become Greek-residents with their transition and the tax implications and obligations that follow.

American citizens, and citizens from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom looking to relocate to Greece, or that have been living in Greece and are reaching the 183 non-tax resident deadline are encouraged to speak to a Greek tax professional for non-Greek residents.

Becoming a foreign resident in Greece

Our Greek accounting professionals are experienced at assisting non-Greeks living internationally or in Greece, looking to become residents, or are getting closer to the 183 tax resident deadline.

According to Greek legislation, there are several factors involved to be considered a tax resident of Greece, including:

• Your permanent home is inside Greece
• If you have lived in Greece for a period longer than 183 days within a twelve-month period (the fiscal year). The 183-day period is tallied in total days residing in Greece during the fiscal year, and not consecutively

For cases where a client is also considered a tax resident of Greece as well as another country, such instances become highly complex and must be dealt with by an experienced international tax professional to determine the differing double tax treaties Greece has with 56 other countries.

Applying for Greek tax number (AFM or TIN)

Getting a tax number in Greece is necessary for any individual residing in Greece, or persons owning property in Greece. The Greek tax number, or AFN (sometimes called TIN) is obtained through the Greek tax office or Internal Revenue Services in the jurisdiction they live or are purchasing property. The application must be made by an authorised person, including an accountant or lawyer.

Our Greek tax accountants have offices in Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete and every major city, including every local jurisdiction in Greece. Considering the AFN application must be obtained in the local jurisdiction where you will reside or are purchasing property, our expertise and reach across Greece will benefit you wherever you may be situated.

Instances that will require a Greek tax number

The nine-digit AFN will be required to deal with Greek authorities and completing paperwork, such as:

• Opening a new bank account in Greece
• Starting employment in Greece
• Obtaining a Greek driver’s license
• Paying tax
• Utilities for your home
• Purchasing a property or car
• Obtaining a fishing license

Required documentation for a Greek AFN

Our expert international tax accountants can assist you to gather the documents needed to apply for a Greek tax number.

Along with the required application form (M1), the following documents will be required:

• A valid passport and photocopy
• If your passport is unavailable, you must provide a birth certificate

Depending on your circumstances, alongside your passport, the following documents may be required:

• A valid marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• A visa, for applicants from non-EU countries

Once the appropriate documentation and completed application have been registered, the AFM number will be given immediately.
Registering for your AMKA number

In addition to your tax number, it is also often a requirement to register for your AMKA number. Your AMKA is  your Greek Social Security Registration Number – and it is for those who work or are insured in Greece. It is issued by KEP (Citizens Service Centres) or through e-EFKA.

Our team can guide you on the requirements and documentation required to get your AMKA number and it’s generally the next item on the list after attaining your AFM. It is also important to note, if you are a Foreign Director of a Greek company you need an AMKA even if you are living overseas. 

Being aware of your residence status in Greece

For non-Greek citizens living inside Greece or abroad that are planning on relocating to Greece, it is important that you understand the scenarios which determine you a Greek resident or non-Greek resident. Our professional tax accountants can advise you in any major city in Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete. Also, throughout Greece in regional jurisdictions. If you are currently abroad, we can assist you from any country worldwide and have assisting Americans, Britons, Australians, and Canadians with their Greek residence status.

Client testimonials

Tsaks Consulting and their partner accountants helped me get my AFM from overseas. It was critical that I went through the process from over here in Boston as opposed to being in Greece. They guided me on how to navigate the process and get everything organised. They are an efficient, professional team who respond quickly and are very transparent in their approach. I highly recommend them for anybody that needs remote help. 

Joanna V | Private Individual | Boston – USA