Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 7% flat-rate pension tax
- Administration
- AMKA
- Banking
- Real Estate
- Tax Number
- Utilities
- Vehicle processing & customs
No, you don’t need to be there in person constantly. We prepare everything together with you, explain the documents to you, and assist you with coordinating with the providers and scheduling appointments with the technicians – even remotely, by phone, email, and video call. So everything is already running smoothly by the time you move in.
The time required varies significantly depending on the provider and region. Electricity and water are often sorted within just a few business days. Phone and internet can take between one and three weeks depending on the local technical infrastructure. That’s why we discuss all steps with you right at the start, so nothing is left sitting unnecessarily.
Yes, selecting the right tariff is a core part of our service. Since the Greek market now features many different providers, we compare the best options for you and explain the differences. Together, we will find the tariff that fits your needs—whether it’s for electricity, gas, or the right package for phone and internet.
To set up utility contracts in Greece, you’ll usually need your Greek tax number, proof of identity, and your rental or purchase agreement. To make the process completely stress-free for you, we’ll send you a detailed checklist of all required documents from your home country right at the start. We’ll then go through the documents together with you, explain every step, and support you with the coordination with the providers.
Our consultation for your utility services is 100% free for you. We explain the providers and tariffs to you, go through the necessary documents with you, and support you in coordinating with the providers – without any service fees or hidden costs for you.
For the 7% rule, you need basic supporting documents, such as your foreign pension statement and proof of residence. To make it as easy as possible for you: As soon as we start working together, we will immediately send you an exact, easy-to-understand checklist of all required documents from your home country. We will then go through them together with you and check them for completeness, so nothing is missing.
No, you do not need to be in Greece constantly for this. We prepare everything together with you, explain every step, and guide you through the entire process—even remotely, via telephone, email, and video call. We will discuss what is required in person clearly and in good time beforehand, so there are no surprises.
Since September 2026 a new deadline applies: the application must be submitted by 31 October of the year for which the regime is to apply (AADE decision Α.1192/2026). If you move your tax residence to Greece by 2 July, you can apply for the year of your move. If you move after 2 July, the regime can apply from the following year at the earliest. Missing documents can be submitted until 30 November. Since gathering the documents (such as the certificate of residence and pension proofs) takes time, we recommend starting early.
Once the scheme has been confirmed by the competent Greek tax office for foreigners, the 7% tax rate is valid for a total of 15 consecutive years. This long-term planning security makes Greece one of the most attractive retirement destinations in Europe.
The 7% tax for retirees in Greece applies as a flat tax on your entire income earned abroad. This means that not only your state or private pension is taxed at this low rate, but usually also foreign dividends, interest income, or rental income. This offers huge savings compared to the progressive tax rates of many other EU countries
The regulation is aimed at individuals who receive a foreign pension and move their tax residence to Greece. A key condition is that you were not a tax resident in Greece for five of the last six years prior to that. Additionally, your country of origin must have a tax cooperation agreement with Greece, which applies to all EU member states.
In many cases, no. Some things can be prepared remotely; for other appointments, your presence is required.
What applies in your case depends on the vehicle and your situation. We will clarify this in an initial consultation before you take any action.
That depends heavily on your vehicle. With newer cars that have low CO2 emissions, as well as hybrid or electric vehicles, import fees are often moderate, so bringing it along can be worthwhile. With older vehicles (low Euro emissions standard), large engine displacement, or high pollutant emissions, however, the government taxes can be very high. That’s why we check your car’s details in advance, so you don’t get any nasty surprises.
As a tourist, you may drive your vehicle in Greece for up to 6 months (180 days) at a time. However, if you move your main residence to Greece or work here permanently, you must officially import and re-register the vehicle in good time. Warning: If you exceed these deadlines, customs will conduct strict checks, and you face very high fines or even confiscation of your car.
The total costs for vehicle import always consist of two parts:
1. Our service fee: For guiding you through the process, preparing your documents and coordinating the individual steps, we charge a service fee of €450 (incl. 24% VAT).
2. State duties & taxes: Additionally, state fees apply. These include customs duties (registration tax), the costs for the Greek MOT (KTEO), the Greek vehicle tax, and the fees for the new license plates.
Important: These state costs are calculated individually for each vehicle and depend significantly on factors such as make, model, year of manufacture, engine capacity, vehicle type (emission class), and purchase price of the vehicle.
For this reason, we cannot provide specific flat-rate costs for state duties in advance.
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 €125 (incl. 24% 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. Without a Greek tax number, it’s not legally possible to open a bank account in Greece. If you don’t have a tax number yet, we’ll sort that out as the first step before we schedule the appointment at the bank.
Yes. The banks require you to appear in person at the branch to open the account.
But you won’t be alone: I will accompany you to the appointment, translate on-site, and check beforehand that your documents are complete.
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, 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.
For preparing your documents and personally accompanying you to your appointment, we charge a one-time service fee of €125 (incl. 24% VAT). We work transparently: there are no hidden costs.
You’ll need your valid ID card or passport, proof of your Greek tax number, and proof of an address in Greece (e.g., a rental agreement or an official residence certificate).
Yes, your personal appearance is legally required.
But you won’t be alone: I’ll accompany you to your appointment, translate on-site and make sure your documents are complete.
Yes, in most cases. For expats and foreigners, the Greek tax number is the basic requirement for the AMKA. If you don’t have a tax number yet, we plan both steps together in the right order.
The AMKA (Arithmos Mitroou Koinonikis Asfalisis) is the official Greek social security number. It is mandatory to be treated within the public healthcare system, obtain prescription medication at the pharmacy, work legally in Greece, or receive state benefits (such as pensions).
The tax number (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou) is the most important key to your life or investments in Greece. Without this number, you cannot open a bank account, buy property, register a car, or sign contracts for electricity or internet. It is always the first, mandatory step.
Your effort is minimal. In most cases, we only need a legible copy of your ID card or passport, your current residential address, an email address, and a mobile number.
We’ll tell you in the initial consultation whether any additional documents are required in your case.
As a rule, it takes just a few business days for the tax number to be issued—provided all documents are complete.
That’s exactly why we review them together beforehand: if anything is missing, the appointment is delayed unnecessarily.
We’ll tell you how long it will take in your case during the initial consultation.
No, personal presence is not required in most cases.
There are several ways. Which one suits you depends on your situation—we will clarify this during the initial consultation.
1. Remote preparation
You do not need to travel to Greece for this. We will discuss in advance which documents are required and what the process looks like in detail.
2. Identification via video call
You will receive an appointment with the relevant tax office in Greece and identify yourself there via video call. We will prepare the documents together.
3. In person on-site
If you are in Greece anyway, I will accompany you to the appointment and translate for you.
For preparing your documents and personal assistance, we charge a one-time service fee of €150 (incl. 24% VAT). There are no hidden costs. You know from the start what to expect.
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 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.
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 procedures relating to social benefits
For many everyday matters, the tax number 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.
You receive the tax number from the competent Greek tax office (ΔΟΥ). There are three ways: you prepare everything from a distance without travelling to Greece, you identify yourself via video call with the tax office, or you appear in person – in which case I accompany you to the appointment and translate for you. Which way suits you best is something we clarify in the free initial consultation.
The Greek tax number is a basic requirement in Greece for almost all official procedures.
What do I need the tax number 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 a tax number, many services and administrative procedures cannot be carried out.
Do I also need the tax number for a second home?
Yes — even if Greece is only a second home, the tax number 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
