How do I get a TIN AFM (Greek Tax ID Number) in Greece if I’m an expat or non-resident living in Greece

If you are living in Greece and are a non-Greek resident, or Greek resident living on a digital nomad, FIP or other visa, you will inevitably need to get an AFM. An AFM is something you will use on an almost weekly basis for tasks like:

Getting a Greek Phone Number (registered under your name).
Leasing a home or property.
Logging into TAXISnet and liaising with the government online system.
Filing your tax and generating tax certificates.
Purchase property or a car.
Many other daily tasks.

In Greece it is pronounced ‘AFIMI’ and it is a nine-digit tax number.

Our team can help you arrange your AFM and coordinate assistance from independent partner accountants who can act as your registered tax representative where required. The charge is €240 and we can usually arrange your AFM in 2 or 3 days.

We’re always available to discuss our paid consultation services, so call our team to talk about your needs.

What documents do I need to get my Greek Tax ID Number (AFM)?

The tax office (or Greek Consulate) will ask you for the following information:

A copy of your passport
The first name and surname of your father
The first name and surname of your mother
Your home address (outside Greece)
Your temporary address in Greece if you have one
Your foreign tax number
Your mobile phone number
An authorisation form enabling us (or an independent tax representative) to make an application on your behalf if applicable

Making an appointment to get your AFM

You can make your application for an AFM by attending your local tax office. This is known in Greece as the ‘Eforia’. They are normally open in the mornings, and you can walk in and speak with someone. Generally speaking, they will know what an AFM is and be able to assist although many of them speak Greek only.

If you would like to be certain, you can call ahead and arrange an appointment. Alternatively, as long as you are at your local Eforia, drop in, make an appointment for the next day and then attend. When you are going to a Greek Consulate you definitely need to make an appointment and call ahead.

Although you can do it yourself, they often make it difficult particularly with respect to what documents are required. For this reason, people generally appoint an independent tax representative (such as one of our partner accountants) to assist.

How do I appoint a tax representative to get my AFM?

If you can’t book an appointment, you can authorise our consultancy team to coordinate your AFM application, with an independent tax representative appointed where required. Our independent tax representatives can assist with the relevant tax office procedures. We will coordinate assistance to:

Correspond with the tax office and other Government Departments. This is something people on Spouse Visas, Digital Nomad Visas and Golden Visas often require.
Receive notifications from the tax office. This is generally through email. When we arrange your AFM registration, an appointed independent tax representative can receive relevant notifications and keep you updated.
Open an account with TaxisNet for you.
Sort out any issues that arise or random tasks that you may need to do (these often come up if you are purchasing or leasing property or even buying a car).

How long will it take to get an AFM number in Greece for a Non-Greek?

Generally speaking, it takes two or three days for us to coordinate your AFM application (this is assuming you have all the correct paperwork). However, by the time you go through the whole process, arrange a meeting or provide us with a Power of Attorney, it usually takes a week to complete everything.

The most important thing in our experience is to make sure you have all your documents in order, and that you keep all your documentation organised as you will generally need them in the future.

I need an AFM and I’m here on a spouse visa

If you are married and you need to get your Greek TIN or AFM, you need to register / show your wedding certificate. Normally you have to get it apostilled, and then translated. This allows you to get your AFM. If you are here on a spouse visa, the registration process will often have already occurred and you will not have an issue – you will just need to provide a copy of your Greek Visa card.

The Tsaks tax representation service – helping you get your AFM quickly

Our AFM coordination service is fast and responsive. Simply make an enquiry and we will call you back within the day with a checklist for what documents you need. We’ll work with you to gather all the documents and coordinate the submission of your request for your AFM, working with an independent tax representative where required.

Important Clarification: Tsaks Consulting Greece is a business consultancy, not a law firm or accounting practice. We provide consultancy, administrative assistance and coordination services. Regulated legal, tax and accounting services are provided by independent qualified lawyers, accountants and other professionals with whom we collaborate.