Your Financial Foundation in Greece
Open a Greek Bank Account
Safe, stress-free, and without a language barrier
Open a Greek Bank Account | Without a local account, daily life in Greece quickly becomes complicated.
And that’s exactly where the stress starts for many. Because on paper it all sounds simple – in reality, it often looks very different.
Many think: “I’ll just go to the bank, show my ID, and get an IBAN.” However, for emigrants and investors in Greece, it rarely goes that smoothly.
Banks often demand complex proof of income, residence, and a mobile number – everything must be officially recognized. When strict Greek bureaucracy and the language barrier at the bank counter are added to the mix, it’s easy to lose your patience.
Why a Greek bank account is essential for you

For the preliminary review of your documents, scheduling the appointment, and my personal support as well as translation at the bank branch, we charge a one-time service fee of €69 (plus statutory VAT). We stand for full transparency: there are no hidden costs or nasty surprises.
If all documents are complete, the account is usually opened during our appointment or within a few business days. You’ll receive your IBAN immediately and online banking is activated directly on-site. The physical bank card is typically delivered by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Yes, absolutely. Without an AFM, it’s not legally possible to open a bank account in Greece. If you don’t have an AFM yet, we’ll be happy to apply for it for you as the first step before we schedule the appointment at the bank.
Yes, Greek banks almost always require you to appear in person at the branch for identification and to sign the opening documents. But don’t worry: I will accompany you personally to this appointment. I’ll handle the communication with the bank staff, check the documents on-site, and ensure that everything runs smoothly and without any language barriers.
The banks’ requirements are strict and vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Generally, you will always need your valid ID card or passport, proof of your Greek tax number (AFM), and official confirmation of your mobile phone number.
Which additional documents (such as proof of income or residence) are required depends on two crucial factors:
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Whether you are registering your primary residence (main residence) or only a secondary residence in Greece.
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Whether you will be liable for tax in Greece in the future or will continue to be taxed in your home country.
After we have discussed your exact situation, you will receive a precise checklist tailored to you, so we can go to our bank appointment perfectly prepared.
As an EU citizen, you can open a bank account in Greece.
However, the process and requirements differ depending on whether you have your primary residence in Greece or only use Greece as a secondary residence.
✅ Required documents for opening an account
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ID card or passport
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AFM (Greek tax number)
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Lease agreement or other proof of residence
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Tax ID from your home country
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Phone & email
🔵 If Greece is your primary residence
Opening an account is easier.
Greek banks accept:
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a Greek lease agreement
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an AFM
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a local phone number
As a rule, you will receive the account immediately or within a few days.
🟡 If Greece is your secondary residence (primary residence remains in Germany)
This is often more complicated, as banks require additional proof, for example:
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Confirmation of residence in your home country
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Proof of income
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Proof of why a Greek account is needed
(e.g. lease agreement, property purchase, electricity or water bill, employment contract)
Some banks only open accounts if there is a Greek residence.
Others accept EU citizens even without a permanent residence — it depends on the bank.
🧾 Process
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Appointment or visit to the branch (e.g. Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank, NBG).
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Submit documents.
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Account activation usually takes place quickly (often on the same day).
🤝 Our service
We help with:
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selecting the right bank (depending on primary or secondary residence),
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preparing all the necessary documents,
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creating the AFM,
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scheduling appointments,
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and assistance with opening the account.



