When you move to Greece from any country or purchase property as a non-resident in Greece, you will need a Greek Tax Number – this is also known as an AFM. It is pronounced Afimi and is a nine-digit Greek tax identification number. In Greece, this number is used for many different purposes, from tax matters to registering with health and other authorities.
If you want to work in Greece, open a bank account, purchase property, sign a lease for a house or even purchase a car, you will need to have an AFM. It’s a number that comes up often, and most people either end up memorising it or storing it in their phones.
Since COVID, the Greek system has mostly gone digital. The system in Greece is called TAXISnet, and it is an online government portal where you can do a lot of tasks such as accept a rental agreement, register any assets and file your tax return. Your AFM enables you to get a job, open a company and generally live your life in Greece in compliance with all the relevant regulations.
How we can help you apply for your AFM from overseas (or locally)
We have created an online platform to help our clients obtain a Greek tax file number (AFM) whilst overseas and before moving here. This is particularly helpful for people who are based overseas and will need to hit the ground running in terms of signing a lease and arranging a bank account. In addition, if you are overseas and purchasing a property, you will need an AFM.
Our charge: €240 euro.
We can manage the whole application on your behalf remotely, and it usually takes between 2 and 3 days to arrange. Enquire now and book a paid consultation with our team, who coordinate with independent accounting partners to arrange your AFM so you can operate in Greece.
Another option for our clients is to grant an independent Greek lawyer Power of Attorney. This empowers the authorised representative to act on your behalf at the tax office. This is generally a slightly more complicated process that we don’t recommend, although we are happy to coordinate this for some clients, particularly if we require the Power of Attorney to carry out other tasks for you.
Another option for all people, particularly those in Greece, is to simply attend your local tax department and register for your AFM.
Documentation and information required to get your AFM include:
- Current and valid passport
- Proof of address (such as an electricity bill, registered lease, or water bill that is in your name)
- Completion of a declaration form if you do not have an active residence and another person is hosting you. Talk to our team, and we will send you a copy of this form to complete.
- If you are a non-EU citizen, you may require a copy of your residence permit, depending on your circumstances.
This information may be required in order to obtain your AFM if you are inside Greece. Our team will help you communicate with the tax department as required in order to obtain your AFM.
Once you have your AFM you can log into TAXISnet
The next step after obtaining your Greek AFM tax number is to obtain your ‘kleidarithmos’. This is a special number that gives you access to the TAXISnet online platform. As mentioned previously, the TAXISnet online platform provides you with access to a broad range of Greek Government Services, including:
- Completing your tax return (our independent accounting partners can help you with this).
- Getting your tax certificate.
- Claiming benefits from the state.
- Registering your Taftotia and driver’s licence on your phone through the Greek online app.
- A number of other uses, including dealing with tax issues and requests for allowances, vaccines, etc.
When you receive the code, our team will then help you create a unique login and password. This is all part of our Greek AFM service (it’s all in Greek, so you will need Greek language skills to complete this on your own).
Your TAXISnet credentials are confidential, so our team will guide you on how to securely establish and retain your username and password. These should always be kept confidential.
Some common questions about an AFM (TIN) also called Greek Tax Number
Why do I need an AFM if I’m an expat and/or from overseas?
You will need an AFM to navigate the Greek Government system. You will need it to rent a house, pay your taxes and exchange a foreign driver’s licence. You will also need it to register for bills and become an employee. Generally speaking, if you are living in Greece, you will almost definitely need an AFM for some reason or another. It is often also requested when applying for health insurance, although it is not always a requirement.
How do I apply for an AFM if I haven’t leased a house yet (as I can’t take out a lease without an AFM)?
Don’t worry. Our team comes across this problem often when helping expats and non-residents from overseas register their AFM before or just after they move to Greece. Our team will send you a form you will need to complete to say that someone else is hosting you (for example, you may stay at an Airbnb or your friend’s house when first moving here, or even with a family member).
Can you arrange my AFM (TIN) if I’m abroad and haven’t moved to Greece yet?
Yes, of course. In order to do this, you may need to authorise a tax representative. Our team and independent accounting partners are able to assist with this and can help you through the process. You may need to arrange an authorisation through your local Greek consulate or another accepted procedure. After that, it’s a matter of working through the relevant process and documentation – something our team will coordinate for you.
I’m a non-Greek resident and need an AFM. Is this possible and can you help me obtain this?
Yes, of course. Our team can assist. If you appoint an independent tax representative, then an AFM can be arranged with a foreign address. Alternatively, if you are a non-resident or expat here in Greece, we can coordinate the process for you, usually in less than three days. Either way, you can certainly obtain an AFM.
Once I get my AFM, how do I log into TAXISnet?
You can complete this yourself or appoint an authorised representative to assist you. We provide coordination and administrative assistance as part of your AFM setup process. You can then obtain your account credentials for TAXISnet and log in to take care of all your requirements.
Can you get my Greek AFM quickly?
Yes. Depending on whether you have all your documentation in place, we can arrange it in less than two days on occasion. It depends on whether you obtain it whilst you are abroad or if you are in Greece, as well as a few other factors.
Client testimonials
I needed my AFM urgently in order to sign a lease. Tsaks Consulting and their partner accountants made it a quick and easy process. It all got done in time, and they guided me every step of the way. If you are looking for great, reliable guidance and help to get your AFM, just call or email Tsaks Consulting – they are very helpful.
David D | Expat | Athens
Thank you, team. I needed to get my AFM from overseas, and your partner accountants were very helpful. They arranged everything for me and guided me through the process, including ensuring I had all the correct documentation. I was confident throughout the process, and you all speak better English than me, so it was easy. Thank you so much for all your professional help.
Mary K | Expat | Denmark
Important Clarification
Tsaks Consulting Greece is a business consultancy, not a law firm or accounting practice. We provide consultancy, administrative assistance and coordination services, including assistance with AFM applications. Where required, specialist tax, accounting and legal services are provided by independent qualified accountants, lawyers and other professionals with whom we collaborate.