How to get a Greek tax number (ΑΦΜ) and open a bank account: a guide for Israelis

What is an ΑΦΜ and why do you need it?

ΑΦΜ (pronounced "af-mi") is the Greek tax number. You need it for almost everything in Greece: buying or renting a flat, opening a bank account, connecting electricity and internet, and filing a tax return on rental income.

How to get a tax number from Israel

There are three ways:

1. Online, from home. On the Greek tax authority's site (myAADE) there is an application called "Issuance of TIN and authentication key". You are identified by video call with an agent (myAADElive), by appointment or with the first free agent.
2. Through a lawyer or accountant in Greece, with a power of attorney.
3. At a Greek tax office, by appointment.

What to prepare:

• A valid passport.
• Your home address in Israel, email and phone (a one-time code is sent by email).
• Your tax ID in your home country (for Israelis this is usually the ID number).
• For children: consent from both parents and a translated birth certificate.

How long does it take? Usually one to five working days. Through a lawyer, including the power of attorney, about one to two weeks.

Tax representative: Israelis used to be required to appoint a tax representative in Greece. Since 2024 this is no longer mandatory. Instead you sign a declaration that you receive notices from the tax authority by email and at the address you gave. In practice many Israelis still appoint a Greek accountant to handle their returns.

A Greek bank account

Why? Because in Greece you may not pay for property in cash. The whole payment goes through a bank, and the digital process at the notary needs a Greek account, tax number and Greek phone number.

What banks usually ask for:

• Passport and Greek tax number.
• Recent proof of address abroad, e.g. a utility bill or tax document.
• Proof of income or source of funds (payslips, bank statements, a property sale contract).
• A "know your customer" questionnaire and a Greek phone number.

What to know:

• You usually need to visit a branch. Some banks allow opening through a lawyer with a power of attorney, but this varies by bank.
• Without a Greek residence permit, banks check more carefully and sometimes refuse without explanation. Experience varies a lot by branch.
• In a branch it can be done the same day. Remotely it can take up to two months.

The right order

1. Tax number (ΑΦΜ).
2. Greek phone number (local SIM card).
3. Bank account.
4. Only then: preliminary contract and notary. The complete property-buying guide.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice.