How to Get a Greek Tax Number (AFM) as a Foreigner

The AFM (ฮ‘ฮฆฮœ) is your personal Greek Tax Identification Number. It is required for almost all legal and financial activities in Greece, from signing a lease to buying real estate, applying for a residence permit, or opening a bank account.

Whether youโ€™re moving to Greece or investing from abroad, getting an AFM is your first legal step.


๐Ÿ“Œ Who Needs an AFM?

Foreign individuals must get an AFM if they plan to:

๐Ÿ  Buy or rent real estate
๐Ÿ“„ Apply for a residence permit (Golden Visa, FIP, etc.)
๐Ÿฆ Open a Greek bank account
๐Ÿ’ฐ Register for social security (EFKA)
๐Ÿงพ File taxes or declare income in Greece
๐Ÿš— Register a vehicle or start a business


๐Ÿ—‚ Required Documents

To apply for an AFM, you’ll need:

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Valid passport or EU national ID

  • ๐Ÿง Tax representative (for non-residents)

  • ๐Ÿ“ฌ Proof of address (Greek or foreign)

  • ๐Ÿ“ Completed M1 tax form (provided by your lawyer)

๐Ÿ›ก Non-EU citizens must appoint a Greek tax representative for filings.


๐Ÿ› Where to Apply

You can apply:

  • In person at the local tax office (DOY)

  • Through a power of attorney to a Greek lawyer

  • Occasionally online, via authorized representatives

โฑ Processing time: same day (if in person), or 2โ€“5 days via representative.


โš ๏ธ Important Notes

โ— An AFM does not require Greek residency. You can obtain one before arriving.
โ— A different AFM is issued for each person โ€” spouses and children included.
โ— If you change your tax residency or begin earning income in Greece, your AFM status must be updated.


๐Ÿ”„ What Happens After You Get an AFM?

Once issued, your AFM becomes your official tax ID for:

๐Ÿ› Dealing with public services
๐Ÿ  Registering real estate with the Land Registry
๐Ÿ“‘ Submitting annual tax declarations
๐Ÿฆ Complying with local financial rules

It does not automatically make you a tax resident โ€” but itโ€™s required to initiate many legal processes in Greece.


โš–๏ธ Why Use a Lawyer?

Applying for an AFM may seem simple, but for foreign investors and residents, itโ€™s best done correctly the first time. At Borderless Lawyers, we:

๐Ÿ“ Act as your legal representative in Greece
๐Ÿ“‚ Prepare and file all paperwork
๐Ÿ› Liaise with Greek tax offices on your behalf
๐Ÿ“Œ Ensure compliance with local tax rules and status updates
๐Ÿ›ก Prevent mismatches that can delay property purchases or residency applications


๐Ÿ“ž Need a Greek AFM to Get Started?

Whether youโ€™re buying property, moving to Greece, or just opening a bank account โ€” we can help.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Book a consultation with Borderless Lawyers to apply for your Greek Tax Number (AFM) and avoid legal or bureaucratic delays.

โœ‰๏ธ Start your journey in Greece with legal clarity and peace of mind.

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