Almost every official step in Greece starts with a tax identification number (AFM / ΑΦΜ). Whether you are from the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK or elsewhere, you will need one to buy or rent property, open a bank account, sign utility contracts, inherit, work or start a business in Greece.
Who needs an AFM?
- buyers and owners of property in Greece,
- heirs of Greek property or bank accounts,
- anyone opening a Greek bank account or signing a lease,
- employees, freelancers and company founders,
- people moving to Greece, including retirees and digital nomads.
How can a foreigner apply?
There are three main routes. Which one is available to you depends on your situation and on the current practice of the Greek tax authority (AADE):
- In person at a Greek tax office (DOY), with your passport and supporting documents.
- Online through the AADE platform, followed by an identity check (in person or by video call).
- Through a representative in Greece – usually a lawyer or accountant – acting under a power of attorney.
Documents usually requested
- a valid passport (or national ID card for EU citizens),
- proof of your address abroad (for example a recent utility bill, bank statement or official certificate),
- the AADE registration form,
- a correspondence address in Greece, if you have one.
A passport normally does not need to be translated. Supporting documents in another language, however, may have to be submitted with a certified Greek translation.
Applying through a power of attorney
If you cannot travel to Greece, a lawyer or accountant can apply for you. In that case the power of attorney you sign abroad usually has to be:
- signed before a notary in your country,
- certified with a Hague Apostille (or legalised by a Greek consulate if your country is not part of the Hague Convention),
- translated into Greek by an accepted translator.
Always translate the final, apostilled document, so that the Apostille is translated too.
Tips to avoid delays
- Use the same spelling of your name on every document, exactly as in your passport.
- Check that addresses and dates match across all documents.
- Ask the tax office or your Greek lawyer in advance which translation format they accept.
- Keep digital copies of everything – you will need your AFM again and again.
How Translatable can help
Translatable translates powers of attorney, proof-of-address documents, bank statements, certificates and other documents from English and German into Greek, including certified translations with lawyer certification. We check names and dates for consistency and can work entirely online, so you can prepare everything before you travel.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Requirements can change and may vary between tax offices – always confirm the current requirements with the AADE, your tax office or your Greek lawyer.
