Moving to Greece: Getting Your Tax Number or AFM

An AFM (pronounced afimi), is a nine-digit Greek tax identification number that you will need when you settle in Greece. It is used to work legally, to open a bank account or to buy property in Greece.

Additionally, this number gives you access to the online services of the Greek tax authorities called Taxisnet. This is where you will upload and accept your landlord’s rental contracts, and also where your tax returns will be filed.

Please also note that if you are moving because of employment, your employer will most likely process an AFM number for you and help you open an account an TAXISnet, which is an online platform needed to declare your taxes.

Applying for an AFM from abroad

We have made it possible on our platform to obtain a Greek tax number while you're abroad. For €250, you will receive an AFM number within 2-3 days from your current place of residence. You won't even have to visit Greece for this procedure. To get it processed with our in-house lawyers and accountants, book a consultation call here.

Alternatively, you can also grant a Greek Lawyer Power of Attorney to represent you at the tax office and complete the procedure on your behalf. However, this will cost around €500 as a ballpark figure.

If you prefer to do it in person which is free of charge, you must go to the nearest tax center in your neighborhood called Eforia. As a general rule, tax centers are open between 7:30am-2:30pm.

You must show these following documents:

• Valid passport
• Proof of address (water or electricity bill in your name)
• You can also fill out a declaration form to declare that another person is hosting you available here in Greek or here in English.  
• Residence permit if non-EU citizen

After you've submitted your documents, you may have to wait more than a month to obtain your tax number so that the authorities can check that your documents are valid.

Logging on TAXISnet

When you have obtained your Greek AFM tax number, you must obtain a key number or 'kleidarithmos' in Greek, which gives you access to the TAXISnet online platform.

This is the official government website where you will:

• File your annual tax return
• Print an AFM Tax Number Certificate
• Print a tax certificate
• Claim social benefits

Once you have obtained this key number, you will then be able to create a unique login and password. The biggest drawback of this platform is that it is all in Greek and therefore quite difficult to use. You can always ask a Greek coworker or copy and paste the text to Google Translate. If not, we have experts here where you can ask for help.

General questions

Why do I need an AFM?

AFM is needed for administrative processes as an expat in Greece, which includes paying your taxes, exchanging a foreign driver's license and becoming registered as an employee.

What if I don't have a proof of address?

You can use this form to say that another person is hosting you i.e. an Airbnb host or a staying at a friend by having the host fill out this form.