Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, as an EU citizen, you can easily purchase property in Greece. You generally have the same rights as Greek citizens.
Important to know:
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In a few areas with special security relevance (e.g., border areas or military zones), a property purchase may be restricted or subject to approval.
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You need a Greek tax number (AFM) to make the purchase.
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The purchase always takes place via a notarial deed and the subsequent registration in the land register.
Urgent recommendation:
Before you buy a property, you should have two professional checks carried out:
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A Greek lawyer
→ checks the title of ownership, encumbrances, mortgages, outstanding tax debts, legal risks and creates/checks the purchase agreements. -
A building engineer
→ checks the structural condition, approved building plans, any illegal additions, structural safety and whether all building documents match the actual condition.
Both checks are standard practice in Greece and reliably protect against subsequent legal or structural problems.
A rental agreement in Greece must contain certain minimum information in order to be legally valid and correctly registered with the tax office.
Mandatory information in the Greek rental agreement
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Details of the landlord and tenant
(Name, address, tax ID) -
Address and exact description of the property
including floor, area, storage room, parking space, etc. -
Rental period
Fixed-term or indefinite.
Important: Even with fixed-term contracts, a minimum rental period of 3 years applies as legal protection (mandatory law). -
Amount of rent
and information on annual adjustments (if agreed). -
Additional costs / κοινόχρηστα
Who pays what? (e.g. house fees, elevator, heating, maintenance) -
Deposit
Usually 1–2 months’ rent. -
Condition of the apartment & inventory list
If furnished: exact list. -
Payment method
Bank transfer is standard — a Greek bank account is often required. -
Pets (if regulated)
Special feature in Greece
The rental agreement must be electronically registered with the TaxisNet tax office.
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The landlord does this.
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The tenant must then digitally confirm the registration within 30 days.
Without confirmation, the contract is not considered active for tax purposes.
Recommendation
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Always demand that the contract be in writing (not just a verbal agreement).
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If you are unsure, it is advisable to involve a Greek lawyer.
Yes. We provide support with finding an apartment in Greece as well as with all steps related to the rental agreement.
Our support for finding an apartment includes:
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Information on safe and suitable residential areas
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Tips on common Greek real estate portals
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Explanation of local peculiarities of the rental market
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Contacting real estate agents or landlords (if desired)
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Preparation for viewings
Support with the rental agreement:
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Review of typical contract contents
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Explanation of all important clauses
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Help with understanding Greek formulations
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Support with the digital confirmation of the rental agreement (TaxisNet)
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Information on the rights and obligations of tenants in Greece
Important to know
We do not replace a lawyer. If a legal review is necessary, we recommend a Greek lawyer who formally assesses the contract.
There are several major providers for landline internet in Greece. Availability depends on the specific address. The main providers are:
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Cosmote (OTE)
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Vodafone GR
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Nova
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Inalan (particularly affordable internet-only connections in many cities, without telephone)
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Starlink (satellite-based internet, available everywhere – useful for remote regions)
Registering for electricity
There are various electricity providers in Greece. The following documents are generally required for registration:
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Rental agreement or proof of ownership
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AFM (Greek tax number)
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Identification
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Meter number
We can help you find the best provider and the right tariff for electricity or gas (heating) and, if desired, take over the complete organization.
Registering for water
Water supply is provided by different water companies depending on the region.
You usually need the following to register:
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Rental agreement or proof of ownership
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AFM
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Identification
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Meter reading
The re-registration is usually straightforward and quickly done.
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.
As an EU citizen, you do not have to pay customs when you bring your vehicle to Greece.
However, there are important differences depending on whether you want to permanently import the vehicle or use it in Greece only temporarily.
✅ 1. No Customs for EU Vehicles
Within the EU, there are no customs fees, as Greece is part of the EU internal market.
🚗 2. Temporary Use (No Permanent Residence in Greece)
If your main residence is still in Germany, the vehicle in Greece may:
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be used for up to 6 months per year without re-registration
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continue to use German license plates
Important:
The vehicle must not remain permanently in Greece if the owner does not have a Greek residence.
🏠 3. Permanent Use (Primary Residence in Greece)
If your primary residence is moved to Greece, the following applies:
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The vehicle must be registered in Greece.
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There will be no customs fee, but a registration tax (Τέλη Ταξινόμησης) will be due.
This tax depends on:-
Vehicle type
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CO₂ emissions
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Engine capacity
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Age
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🤝 Our Service
We provide support with:
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the classification of whether the vehicle is “removal goods”
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the calculation of the possible registration tax
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the registration in Greece
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the entire document processing
If an EU citizen relocates their primary residence to Greece and wants to use the vehicle there permanently, it must be registered in Greece.
Required documents
The following documents are usually required for registration:
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Primary residence in Greece
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AFM (Greek tax number)
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Rental agreement or proof of residence
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Vehicle registration certificate
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Vehicle title
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Sales contract
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EC Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer
The CoC document confirms that the vehicle complies with EU directives and is required for registration.
The AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is the Greek social security number.
It is roughly equivalent to the German social security number or the European health insurance number.
What do I need the AMKA for?
The AMKA is required for:
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Doctor’s visits and medical care
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Public or private health insurance
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Employment with a Greek employer
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Pension and social security contributions
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Registration in the Greek health system (EOPYY)
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Some administrative procedures relating to social benefits
For many everyday matters, the AFM is sufficient, but for anything to do with health, work or social insurance, the AMKA is necessary.
Who needs an AMKA?
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People with primary residence in Greece
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People who work in Greece
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People who are required to have statutory health insurance
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EU citizens who move to Greece permanently
Those who only use Greece as a second home and do not need any medical services/work in Greece usually do not need the AMKA.
Yes.
The AFM (ΑΦΜ) is a basic requirement in Greece for almost all official procedures.
What do I need the AFM for?
The Greek tax number is required for:
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Rental agreement
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Electricity and water registration
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Bank account
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Buying or selling a property
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Registering a vehicle
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Opening a business
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Taking out insurance
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General tax registration
Without an AFM, many services and administrative procedures cannot be carried out.
Do I also need the AFM as a second home?
Yes — even if Greece is only a second home, the AFM is required as soon as:
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a rental agreement is concluded
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a car is used/registered
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a bank account is required
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bills (electricity, water, internet) are to be in your own name
You usually need the following to register your residence:
- A valid passport or identity card
- Rental agreement or proof of ownership
- A Greek tax number