How to open a bank account in Greece
Greece is, despite its struggling economy, a magnet for foreigners. Those who seek a place to retire in a warm climate, close to the water and with plenty of wonderful food, local wine and music to entertain themselves with, settle on the country’s islands and coasts.
If you’re looking for a land blessed by the gods, rumor has it Greece is the place. With an incredible Mediterranean landscape in conjunction with rich historic and cultural significance, Greece is a destination for many tourists, travelers and expats.
Whether you’re moving to Greece to enjoy life in Athens, you’ve probably considered buying property on the island nation. Property ownership in Greece is incredibly common– some 80% of residents own their homes thanks to a strong culture of family and inherited property. Despite the large number of “taken” homes, however, there’s still plenty of opportunity to snap up a little piece of paradise as your own.
If you’re ready to take the plunge on Hellenic property, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a home or land in Greece.
If you need help with opening a bank account in Greece, here is our guide on how to do it.
Documents required to open a bank account in Greece
The minimum requirement to open a bank account in Greece is to bring two documents:
- Passport
- AFM or Arithmo Forologiko Mitro – a tax number, which you can get by visiting the Tax Office closest to your address in Greece. To get AFM, you need your full registration card or residence permit and a proof of address
Some banks may have additional requirements, and these depend on the types of operations you plan to use your account for. These documents can be:
Name and surname, father’s name, date and place of birth
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- Copy of Identity Card / Passport (or any other document including any information which is not included in an Identity Card or a Passport)
- Current home and work address
- Recent mobile phone bill
- Recent utility bills
- Occupation
- Bank statement
- Copy of birth certificate
- Tax registration number in the country of origin, Greek tax registration number, where applicable
- Last tax return
- Last year Tax payment certificate (some banks branches ask for this letter)
- Latest monthly salary slip
- Signature sample (which means that the person concerned needs to appear at the bank in person at least once)
Prepare yourself for paperwork, a visit in person in the branch office, (although you can ask your lawyer or legal representative to do the bureaucracy for you), and ideally prepare a translator who’d come with you and help. Remember, Greeks do banking in person quite often, so reserve time for queues. The good news is that the banking – online and ATM especially – is widely available also in the English language.
Can I open a bank account in Greece as a non-resident?
Yes, it is possible to open a bank account in Greece as a non-resident. The banks would require from you the AFM, Arithmo Forologiko Mitro, a 9 digit tax number, which you can easily obtain at your tax office in your Greek neighborhood.
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Article: How to open a bank account in Greece
