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 in Greece from Tax 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 your 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 consultation with one of our in-house accountants to arrange your AFM so you can operate in Greece.
Another option for our clients is to grant a Greek Lawyer Power of Attorney. This empowers us to represent you at the tax office on your behalf. This is generally a slightly more complicated process that we don’t recommend although are happy to do 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 will require a copy of your residence permit.
All of this information will 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 give 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 tax team can help you with this).
- Getting your tax certificate.
- Claiming benefits from the state
- Registering your Taftotia and drivers licence on your phone through the Greek online App
- A number of other uses and dealing with any tax issues and also any requests for allowances, vaccines etc.
When you receive the code, our team will then create a unique login and password for you. This is all part of our Greek AFM service (it’s all in Greek so you will need Greek language skills to complete this if you do it in your own).
Your TAXISnet credentials are confidential so our team will send you the username and password separately through different means. 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 to to rent a house, pay your taxes and exchange a foreign drivers license. You will also need 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 not a requirement.
How do I apply for an AFM if I haven’t leased a house yet (as 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 friends house when first moving here or even a family member.
Can arrange my AFM (TIN) if I’m abroad and haven’t moved to Greece yet?
Yes of course. In order to do this, you need to authorise a tax representative. Our team of tax accountants are able to assist with this and can help you through this process. You will need to arrange this form at your local Greek consulate. After that, it’s a matter of working through the relevant process and documentation – something our team will take care of 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 a tax representative, then we can create an AFM with a foreign address. Alternatively, if you are a non-resident or expat here in Greece, we can complete the process for you, usually in less than three days, Either way – you can certainly obtain an AFM.
Once I get my AFM, how to I log into TAXISnet?
You need an accountant or tax representative. We provide this service as part of your AFM set up process. You can then get your account credentials for TAXISnet and log in and take care of all your requirements.
Can you get my Greek AFM quickly?
Yes. Depending on if you have all your documentation in place, we can get it in less then two days on occasion. It depends whether or not you get it whilst you are abroad or if you are in Greece and a few other factors.
.