Moving to Greece 2026: The Ultimate Expat Guide

✔️ Quick Expat Checklist for Moving to Greece 2026

• Legal residence: EU registration or residence permit (Digital Nomad, Golden Visa, FIP)
• AFM: Greek tax number — required for housing, banking, and payments
• AMKA: Social security number for healthcare and work
• Health insurance: Public or private, mandatory for residence permit
• Bank account: Needed to pay bills, rent, and show proof of income
• Tax residency: Clarify status early to avoid surprises and take advantage of Non-Dom tax incentives

Pro tip: Keep Greek and English copies of all documents — banks and authorities prefer this.

Table of Contents

• • 1. Legal Residency Options
  • 2. AFM & AMKA: Tax and Social Security Numbers
  • 3. Banking & Property Essentials
  • 4. Healthcare Coverage
  • 5. Tax Residency & Non-Dom Status
  • 6. FAQs for Expats
  • 7. Official Resources

📝 Step-by-Step: EU Citizen Registration

• Visit the local Tmima Allodapon within three months of arrival.
• Provide passport or EU ID and proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill).
• Receive Registration Certificate, which may be required for opening bank accounts or signing a rental contract.
• Keep a photocopy of the certificate and all submitted documents.
• Renew or update registration if moving to a different municipality.

🏛 Step-by-Step: Non-EU Visa & Residency

• Apply for a D-Visa at a Greek consulate abroad.
• Prepare supporting documents: passport, proof of income, health insurance, criminal record certificate.
• Arrive in Greece and schedule appointment with the local police for residence permit.
• Submit biometric data, passport, visa, and all supporting documents.
• Receive residence permit card and keep multiple copies for banking, leasing, and insurance purposes.
• Family members must apply concurrently if included.

💡 Insider Tips for Residency

• Book appointments months in advance during peak relocation periods.
• Bring Greek and English copies of all documents.
• Confirm opening hours online — many offices close midday.
• Check municipality-specific requirements — some cities have additional forms.
• Keep digital backups of visa and residence permit for online applications.

💳 AFM (Greek Tax Number) Step-by-Step

The AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is issued by the local tax office (DOY). It is required for:

• Opening a bank account
• Signing rental or purchase contracts
• Paying taxes and bills
• Employment and social security registration

Documents Required:

• Passport or EU national ID
• Proof of address in Greece (rental agreement, utility bill)
• Visa/residence permit (for non-EU citizens)
• Tax representative declaration if applying as a non-resident

Step-by-Step Procedure:

• Identify your local DOY (Tax Office) — if you are not yet a Greek tax resident, the Foreign Residents Office may handle your application.
• Submit all required documents in person or via an authorized representative.
• Receive your AFM certificate. Some banks and authorities prefer a stamped hard copy.
• Keep digital and physical copies; they will be required for banking, rental contracts, and government services.

🩺 AMKA (Social Security Number) Step-by-Step

The AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is required for healthcare access, employment, and social security contributions.

Documents Required:

• Passport or EU national ID
• Birth certificate (apostilled and translated for non-EU citizens)
• AFM number
• Proof of residence in Greece

Step-by-Step Procedure:

• Register at a KEP Citizen Service Centre or online at e-EFKA.
• Provide all documentation including AFM and proof of address.
• Receive your AMKA number — usually immediately if all documents are correct.
• Register with a local general practitioner (GP) to ensure access to healthcare services.
• Keep digital and physical copies of your AMKA card; hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies will require it.

🇪🇺 EU vs Non-EU Expats: Differences in AFM & AMKA

• EU Citizens: AFM and AMKA registration is simpler. Birth certificate may not need translation. Online appointments possible.
• Non-EU Citizens: Apostilled and translated documents are mandatory. Visa and residence permit required. Processing times may be longer.
• Non-EU citizens applying for the Digital Nomad or FIP permit must show income proof and bank statements when registering AFM and AMKA.
• EU citizens can use their social insurance card from their home country in some private healthcare cases.

💡 Insider Tips for AFM & AMKA

• Always keep extra copies of AFM and AMKA documents — multiple offices may request them.
• Scan and save documents digitally; e-EFKA and tax portals often require PDF uploads.
• Track deadlines carefully: some permits require AFM/AMKA for health insurance verification within a certain period after arrival.
• For families, apply for children’s AMKA as soon as possible — required for school enrollment and pediatric care.
• Use local accountants or relocation experts to avoid mistakes in complex applications.

🏦 Greek Bank Accounts Step-by-Step

A bank account is necessary for salary deposits, bill payments, and proof of income for residence permits. Here’s how to get started:

• Choose the right bank: National vs private banks; consider online banking, fees, and English language support.
• Required documents:
  • Passport or EU national ID
  • AFM (Tax Number)
  • Proof of residence in Greece (rental contract, utility bill)
  • Proof of income (employment contract or bank statements)
• Opening procedure: Some banks allow online pre-registration, but most require in-person verification.
• Debit and credit cards: Usually issued within a week; link to local mobile banking apps.
• Transfers: SEPA transfers within EU; international transfers may take 2–5 business days.

🏠 Renting Property in Greece

Renting in Greece requires understanding the legal, financial, and digital registration processes. All residential leases must be registered through AADE MyProperty.

• Lease contracts: Usually 12-month minimum, sometimes shorter. Standard includes 1–2 months deposit plus first month’s rent.
• Registration: Submit digitally via MyProperty to comply with Greek tax rules; landlords often handle this, but verify.
• Utilities: Electricity, water, and internet usually require AFM and proof of ID.
• Documentation: Passport, AFM, proof of address, employment/financial proof may be requested.
• Inspections: Check meters, property condition, and any included appliances before signing.

🏡 Buying Property in Greece

Purchasing property in Greece involves several steps and legal requirements:

• Choose property type: Apartment, villa, or commercial. Location impacts investment value.
• Hire a lawyer for contract verification and due diligence.
• Check the land registry and any existing liens or encumbrances.
• Sign preliminary contract and deposit (usually 10% of purchase price).
• Final contract signed at a notary; register at the land registry to complete transfer.
• Property tax obligations: Calculate ENFIA annual property tax, municipal fees, and utility connections.

🏥 Public Healthcare (EFKA)

Public healthcare in Greece is managed through EFKA (Ενιαίος Φορέας Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης). Registration is required for access to free or subsidized medical services, hospital care, and prescription drugs.

• Register at a local KEP Citizen Service Centre or online at e-EFKA.
• Documents required: Passport/ID, AFM, AMKA, proof of residence, and employment or income proof.
• Assign a local General Practitioner (GP) for routine care; this is mandatory for many services.
• Specialist visits may require GP referral or direct appointment depending on location and hospital policy.
• Emergency care is available at public hospitals; bring AMKA and passport for registration.

💼 Private Health Insurance

Private insurance is highly recommended for expats who want faster appointments, access to private hospitals, or English-speaking doctors. Non-EU citizens often need proof of private coverage to obtain residence permits.

• Compare policies: Coverage for hospitalization, outpatient visits, dental, and maternity services.
• Required documents: Passport, AFM, AMKA, residence permit.
• Some policies offer worldwide coverage — ideal for frequent travelers.
• Check network of hospitals and clinics included in the plan.
• Keep policy card or certificate at all times; hospitals require it for registration.

💡 Insider Tips for Expats on Healthcare

• Book GP appointments as soon as AMKA is issued to avoid delays in specialist referrals.
• Carry a translated summary of medical history; some hospitals request it for first visits.
• Understand the difference between public and private coverage for outpatient vs inpatient services.
• Consider supplemental insurance for dental, optical, and alternative therapies.
• Check if your private insurance covers family members or only the primary policyholder.

📌 Tax Residency in Greece

You are considered a Greek tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in a calendar year in Greece or maintain a permanent home here. Tax residents must declare worldwide income, including foreign investments, salaries, and pensions.

• Maintain records of days spent in Greece to verify residency status.
• Declare foreign income, bank accounts, and assets to the Greek tax authority (AADE).
• File annual tax returns using online AADE TAXISnet platform.
• Non-residents are taxed only on Greek-sourced income, such as employment in Greece or property rental.
• Keep documentation of foreign income and taxes paid abroad for deductions or treaty purposes.

💰 Non-Dom Tax Regime for Expats

Greece offers attractive tax incentives for eligible expats transferring their tax residence, commonly known as the Non-Dom regime. It allows a flat tax on foreign income and exemptions on certain assets.

• Eligibility: Newly arriving tax residents, not tax residents in Greece for at least 7 out of previous 10 years.
• Duration: Benefits available for up to 15 years.
• Flat tax rate: €100,000 annual flat tax on foreign income; additional family members can be included for a fee.
• Exemptions: Dividends, interest, rental income, and capital gains from foreign sources may be excluded from Greek taxation.
• Application: File with AADE before March 31 of the first year of residence; supporting documentation of foreign income required.

💡 Insider Tips for Tax Planning

• Verify all dates of arrival and departure to accurately calculate days in Greece.
• Non-Dom flat tax may be more advantageous than standard taxation if foreign income is significant.
• Include family members in Non-Dom application to simplify taxation for spouses and children.
• Keep digital and physical copies of tax registration, AFM, and income proofs.
• Monitor updates from AADE; rules can change annually, especially for Non-Dom incenti