What is the Greek tax number (AFM)?

The AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου, pronounced “Arithmós Forologikoú Mitróou”) is your personal tax number in Greece. It has nine digits, is issued once and stays with you for life – even if you move house or leave Greece again later.

• The Greek tax number is not the same as your German tax ID (Steuer-ID). Both numbers exist side by side.
• It is not your social security number – in Greece, that is the AMKA.
• The tax number itself is issued free of charge by the Greek tax authority.

What you need the tax number for in Greece

• Buying or renting property – for the purchase contract at the notary as well as for a rental agreement. You can find suitable properties under Properties.
• Opening a bank account – no tax number, no bank account. More on this: Bank Account in Greece.
• Electricity, water, internet, mobile phone – every contract is linked to your tax number. See Electricity, Gas & Internet.
• Buying or bringing a car – for registration and taxes. See Bringing Your Car.
• Pension and taxes – for example if, as a retiree, you want to use the 7% flat tax.

Do I need the tax number while I still live in Germany?

Yes. The Greek tax number is not tied to a residence in Greece. If, for example, you buy a property but continue to live in Germany for the time being, you receive it as a non-resident. Your address in Germany and your German tax identification number are recorded.

If you move to Greece later, you keep the same number. Your address and tax residence then have to be updated with the tax office.

Do I need a tax representative in Greece?

Since 2024, a tax representative is optional for people living abroad (Law 5104/2024). The representative only receives mail from the tax office on your behalf – they are not liable for your tax obligations. If you do not appoint a representative, the tax office for non-resident taxpayers in Attica (KEFODE Attikis) is automatically responsible. Whether a representative makes sense in your case is something we discuss in the initial consultation.

How it works – step by step

The Greek tax authority (AADE) has digitalised the process considerably in recent years:

1. Online registration – your details are entered via the AADE platform. You receive a reference number.
2. Booking the video call – with this number, an appointment is booked in the myAADElive service. New slots are released every morning after 10:00 (Greek time).
3. Identification by video call – a tax office employee checks your ID and documents by video.
4. Tax number and Kleidarithmos by email – after a successful check, you receive the certificate of your tax number and a personal key (Kleidarithmos) by email.
5. Access to Taxisnet – with the Kleidarithmos you activate your login for Taxisnet, the online portal of the Greek tax authority. You will need these credentials later for many further steps.

Alternatively, identification is also possible in person at a Greek tax office. Our role: we explain every step, prepare the documents together with you, check them for completeness and accompany you to the appointment – with translation if required.

What to look out for with your documents

• A valid ID document – an expired ID is not accepted.
• German tax identification number, if you live in Germany.
• Married or in a registered partnership? Then the marriage or partnership certificate is usually required – for German certificates with an apostille and an official translation into Greek.

Common pitfalls – and how to avoid them

• Expired ID: check the expiry date before an appointment is booked.
• Missing marriage certificate or translation: the apostille and translation take time – best to request them early.
• Different spellings of your name: your name should be written everywhere exactly as in your ID – this saves problems later with the bank and the notary.
• No access to your email address: the tax number and Kleidarithmos arrive by email. Use an address you check regularly.
• Missed appointment: free video call slots are scarce. If you miss your appointment, you have to book a new one.

After the tax number – the next steps

With the tax number, the foundation is laid. It is usually followed by the social security number AMKA, the Greek bank account, the electricity, water and internet contracts and, for retirees, checking the 7% flat tax. You can find an overview of all services under Services.

For an overview of all steps – from planning to everyday life in Greece – read the guide Moving to Greece.

Frequently asked questions about the Greek tax number (AFM)

Note: We are a private advisory service and not a government authority. The AFM itself is free of charge at the Greek tax office. Our fee covers the consultation, the preparation of all documents and – if needed – personal assistance.