Greece AFM Tax Number: Complete Guide for Expats (2026)

A Greece AFM tax number is free, and since 1 December 2023 you apply for it online: you fill in AADE's electronic application, attach a scan of your passport or ID, and confirm your identity by a myAADElive video call or at a tax office, after which the 9-digit AFM and your access code arrive by email (AADE decision A.1185/2023, checked 18 October 2026). Non-residents can apply in their own name, and appointing a Greek tax representative is optional if you accept official notices at your own contact details (AADE decision A.1069/2024, checked 18 October 2026).

What Is a Greece AFM Tax Number?

A Greece AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is a 9-digit tax identification number issued by the Greek tax authorities to every individual and legal entity conducting financial activities in Greece. The AFM is your key to the Greek financial system—without it, you cannot open a bank account, purchase property, apply for the Golden Visa, or legally work in the country.

Think of the AFM as Greece's equivalent to a Social Security Number in the US or a National Insurance Number in the UK, but exclusively for tax purposes. Every financial transaction tied to your identity in Greece—from receiving salary payments to signing a lease—requires this number.

The Greek tax system is administered by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), which operates through local tax offices called DOY (Δημόσια Οικονομική Υπηρεσία). Your AFM links directly to your tax record in the TAXISnet system at myaade.gr, where you'll manage all future tax obligations.

Who Needs an AFM in Greece?

You need a Greek AFM if you plan to:

• Open a Greek bank account — All banks require an AFM before account opening
• Purchase property in Greece — Essential for signing notarial deeds and registering ownership
• Apply for the Greece Golden Visa — Your AFM is the first step in the application process
• Work legally in Greece — Employers must register your employment against your AFM
• Start a business or freelance — All commercial activity requires tax registration
• Rent property — Many landlords require tenants to have an AFM for lease agreements
• Buy a vehicle — Vehicle registration requires tax identification
• Receive inheritance or gifts — Tax obligations on transfers require an AFM
• Invest in Greek securities — Brokerage accounts require tax identification

The critical point: you need your AFM before you can do almost anything else. If you're planning to move to Greece, apply for the Golden Visa, or invest in Greek property, obtaining your AFM should be your first administrative step.

Non-Residents and Tax Representatives

A non-resident can apply for an AFM in their own name, regardless of tax residence, by submitting the request electronically and identifying themselves either by a myAADElive video call or at a tax office (AADE decision A.1185/2023, checked 18 October 2026). The competent tax office is assigned automatically.

Appointing a Greek tax representative (φορολογικός εκπρόσωπος) is not mandatory. Under AADE decision A.1069/2024 it is optional as long as you declare that you accept all official tax notices at the contact details you give the tax administration (A.1069/2024; Tax Procedure Code art. 8, checked 18 October 2026). Some non-residents appoint one anyway, usually a Greece-based lawyer or accountant. The representative receives correspondence from the tax administration on your behalf and is not liable for your taxes.

The representative is appointed by power of attorney or a solemn declaration, executed in Greece, at a Greek consulate or embassy, or through gov.gr. A power of attorney signed abroad must be apostilled or carry a consular visa. Your representative then submits the AFM application for you.

AFM vs AMKA: Understanding the Difference

Greece uses two main identification numbers that expats often confuse:

• AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) — 9 digits — Tax identification and financial transactions
• AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) — 11 digits — Social security and healthcare access

AFM is your tax ID. You need it for banks, property, business, and any financial activity. It's issued by tax offices (DOY) and managed through AADE.

AMKA is your social security number. You need it to access public healthcare, register for social insurance, and receive employment benefits. It's issued by KEP (Citizen Service Centers) or e-EFKA offices.

Key distinction: You can get an AFM without an AMKA, but many services eventually require both. For the Golden Visa and property purchase, you only need an AFM. For employment, you'll need both.

How to Get a Greece AFM: 4 Methods

There are four ways to obtain your Greek AFM, each with different timelines, costs, and convenience levels:

Method 1: Apply in Person at a Tax Office (DOY / ΥΦΕ)

Timeline: Usually quick once you are identified. Cost: Free. Best for: Those already in Greece or willing to travel

Since 1 December 2023 the paper application is no longer used. You submit the AFM request online, attach a scan of your passport or ID, then book an appointment at a tax office (ΔΟΥ) of your choice to confirm your identity. After processing, the AFM certificate and a one-off access code (κλειδάριθμος) are sent to the email you gave (A.1185/2023).

Non-residents follow the same online route. Under AADE decision A.1069/2024, a resident abroad who does not appoint a tax representative is assigned AADE's tax office for residents abroad; since AADE's reorganisation, AADE's guidance for residents abroad, as reported in Greek tax press, names KEFODE Attica for this role. The office is assigned automatically, and AADE's contact centre (+30 213 162 1000) can help with questions.

Language Warning: Many tax-office staff speak limited English. Consider bringing a Greek-speaking friend or an interpreter, and have your documents clearly organised.

Step-by-step process:

1. Gather required documents (see Documents section below)
2. Submit the online AFM application and attach a scan of your passport or ID
3. Book an appointment at a tax office (ΔΟΥ) of your choice
4. Attend with the original identity document so the officer can verify it
5. Receive your AFM certificate and access code by email

Pro tip: Book your appointment as soon as you submit the online application, and bring the original of the document you scanned.

August warning: Many Greek offices operate with skeleton staff during August. Avoid this month for bureaucratic tasks if possible—processing times increase significantly.

Method 2: Apply Through a Lawyer with Power of Attorney

Timeline: Depends on your representative. Cost: A professional fee, not set by law. Best for: Those who can't travel to Greece or want a hands-off process

If you're applying for the Greece Golden Visa or purchasing property, your lawyer can obtain your AFM on your behalf using a Power of Attorney (POA).

How it works:

1. Engage a Greek lawyer or accountant; many immigration and property lawyers offer this service
2. Sign a Power of Attorney or authorisation, at a Greek consulate or before a notary abroad with an apostille
3. Provide copies of required documents to your lawyer
4. Your representative submits the online AFM application for you
5. Receive your AFM certificate (your representative can receive it if you consent)

This is a common approach for Golden Visa applicants who need their AFM before their first trip to Greece. Your lawyer will use the same AFM to open your Greek bank account and initiate property purchases.

Method 3: Apply Online via myAADElive Video Call

Timeline: You can take an immediate video call or book one; the AFM follows once AADE processes the request. Cost: Free. Best for: Those who can't travel and want to avoid professional fees

AADE now offers myAADElive, a free video call service for AFM applications. You can apply remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.

How it works:

1. Submit the online AFM application on AADE's website
2. Choose an immediate myAADElive video call or book a slot
3. Have the original of the passport or ID you scanned ready for the call
4. Attend video call — a tax officer processes your application live
5. Receive your AFM certificate and access code by email after processing

This route suits non-residents who cannot travel to Greece and want to avoid professional fees.

Method 4: Apply Through a Greek Consulate Abroad

Timeline: Varies by consulate. Cost: Ask the consulate. Best for: Those who prefer in-person help abroad

Ask your nearest Greek consulate whether it helps with AFM applications; services and timelines vary by location.

Process:

1. Contact your nearest Greek consulate to confirm they offer AFM services
2. Schedule an appointment (required at most consulates)
3. Submit documents in person at the consulate
4. Consulate forwards application to Greece
5. Receive AFM by mail or email (2-6 weeks depending on location)

Important: Not all consulates offer this service, and some have suspended it in recent years. Call ahead to confirm availability and current processing times.

Required Documents for AFM Application

For EU/EEA Citizens

• Valid passport or national ID card
• The online AFM application (the paper form has not been used since 1 December 2023)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing your address—Greek or foreign)

For Non-EU Citizens

• Valid passport (a scan with the online application; show the original when you are identified)
• The online AFM application
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement)
• Residence permit or visa (if already residing in Greece)
• Note: If applying before entering Greece (e.g., for Golden Visa), a residence permit is not required—your passport and foreign address are sufficient

Additional Documents That May Help

• Birth certificate (sometimes requested)
• Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse)
• Power of Attorney (if applying through a lawyer)
• Proof of tax residence in your home country

What the Online AFM Application Asks For

The online AFM application, which replaced the paper form on 1 December 2023, asks for:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
• Foreign tax residence information
• Greek address (or foreign address for non-residents)
• Reason for application
• Declaration and signature

If you use a representative, they can complete the application for you.

AFM for Golden Visa Applicants

If you're pursuing the Greece Golden Visa, your AFM is literally step one. Here's the sequence:

1. Obtain AFM — Required before any other step
2. Open Greek bank account — Requires AFM (see our Greek banking guide)
3. Transfer funds: the price must be paid into the seller's account at a bank in Greece by bank transfer, crossed cheque or card terminal (Migration Code art. 100(5))
4. Sign purchase agreement — Your AFM appears on all property documents
5. Complete property purchase — AFM required for notarial deed and land registry
6. Submit Golden Visa application — AFM is a mandatory field

Why this order matters: Greek banks ask for your AFM when you open an account, the notary needs it for the deed, and the Golden Visa file needs proof of the purchase and payment.

Many Golden Visa applicants get their AFM through a representative several weeks before their planned property purchase. This allows time for bank account opening and fund transfers.

myAADE Registration: Activating Your Tax Account

Once you have your AFM, you can register for myAADE (formerly known as TAXISnet)—Greece's online tax portal. This is essential for:

• Filing annual tax returns
• Viewing your tax obligations
• Receiving official notifications
• Managing your tax status

How to register:

1. Visit myaade.gr (the official AADE portal)
2. Click "Εγγραφή Νέου Χρήστη" (New User Registration)
3. Enter your AFM number
4. Provide your email address and mobile phone
5. Create a password
6. Verify via SMS code
7. Complete registration

Important: Since December 2023 you receive a one-off access code (κλειδάριθμος) by email together with your AFM. You use it to create your myAADE (TAXISnet) username and password.

Note: You may still see references to "TAXISnet" in older documents—this has been rebranded to myAADE, but the functionality remains the same.

Cost of Getting a Greece AFM

• In person at DOY: Free (government fee) + travel costs
• Via a representative: Free (government fee) + the representative's professional fee
• myAADElive video call: Free
• Via a consulate: Ask the consulate

The Greek government charges nothing for AFM issuance: neither AADE decision A.1185/2023 nor A.1069/2024 sets a fee (checked 18 October 2026). The only costs are service fees if you use a lawyer, accountant or other representative.

Movingto's Greece AFM setup service organises the documents and the AADE process, with representation where needed, and hands over your issued AFM; it is priced per case, so ask for a quote.

Timeline Summary

Fastest option: Submit the online application and take an immediate myAADElive video call, or book an early tax-office appointment.

Most convenient for investors: Use a representative, who files the online application for you under a power of attorney.

Common AFM Issues and Solutions

Problem: DOY says I already have an AFM

This can happen if you previously visited Greece and had any tax interaction (even buying property years ago). The DOY can look up your existing AFM—you don't need a new one.

Problem: My passport name doesn't match Greek records

Greek systems sometimes transliterate names differently. If your AFM was issued under a different spelling, you'll need to request a correction at the DOY with your current passport.

Problem: Consulate says they don't process AFMs

Not all consulates offer this service. Your alternatives are visiting Greece in person or using a lawyer with Power of Attorney.

Problem: I need an AFM urgently for a property closing

Submit the online application and take an immediate myAADElive video call; it is usually the quickest route and needs no travel.

Problem: myAADE (TAXISnet) won't recognize my AFM

Check that you are using the access code (κλειδάριθμος) sent with your AFM. If registration still fails, contact AADE through myAADE support or the tax office that issued your AFM.

AFM and Greek Tax Obligations

Having an AFM doesn't automatically mean you owe Greek taxes. Your tax obligations depend on:

• Tax residency: A permanent home or centre of life in Greece, or more than 183 days in Greece in any 12-month period (Income Tax Code art. 4)
• Income source: Greek-source income is taxable regardless of residency
• Property ownership: Property owners have certain filing obligations

If you're a Golden Visa holder who remains tax resident in another country, you typically only have Greek tax obligations on:

• Rental income from Greek property
• Capital gains from selling Greek property
• Any other Greek-source income

Non-resident property owners may need to file a Greek tax return, for example if they earn Greek rental income. Your AFM gives you access to myAADE for this; our Greece tax-return filing service confirms whether you need to file.

Important: Greece has tax treaties with many countries to prevent double taxation. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation, especially if you're considering becoming a Greek tax resident.

Next Steps After Getting Your AFM

With your AFM in hand, you're ready to proceed with your Greece plans:

1. Open a Greek bank account— Now possible with your AFM
2. Apply for the Golden Visa— Your AFM is required for the application
3. Purchase property in Greece — Your AFM appears on all purchase documents
4. Register for myAADE — Manage your Greek tax obligations online
5. Consider your AMKA — If you'll work or need healthcare, apply at a KEP

Your AFM is the foundation of your financial identity in Greece. Once you have it, every subsequent step—from banking to property to residency—becomes possible.

Have questions about obtaining your Greece AFM or planning your move? Our Greece relocation guides cover everything from visas to cost of living to finding the best places to live.