Greece AFM Tax Number: Complete Guide for Expats (2025)

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.

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 DOY Tax Office

Timeline: Same day to 1 week
Cost: Free
Best for: Those already in Greece or willing to travel

This is the most direct method. You visit a DOY tax office, submit your documents, and typically receive your AFM number the same day.

For Athens non-residents: If you don't have a Greek address, you'll need to visit the special tax office for foreign residents:

DOY Katoikon Exoterikou (Tax Office for Foreign Residents)
Address: Mesogeion 207, 115 25 Athens
Metro: Panormou Station (Line 3, Blue Line)
This office specifically handles AFM applications from non-residents and those without Greek addresses.

⚠️ Language Warning: Most DOY staff speak limited or no English. Consider bringing a Greek-speaking friend or hiring an interpreter (€50-100). Have all documents clearly organized to minimize verbal communication.

Step-by-step process:

1. Gather required documents (see Documents section below)
2. Visit the appropriate DOY during opening hours (typically 8:00-14:00, Monday-Friday)
3. Take a queue number and wait to be called
4. Submit your M1 form and documents to the tax officer
5. Receive your AFM — usually printed on the spot

Pro tip: Arrive early. DOY offices can be crowded, and processing slows significantly after 11:00. The actual application review takes 15-30 minutes once you're called.

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: 1-2 weeks
Cost: €100-500 (lawyer fees)
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 — most immigration and property lawyers offer this service
2. Sign a Power of Attorney — can be done at a Greek consulate abroad or notarized internationally with apostille
3. Provide copies of required documents to your lawyer
4. Lawyer submits application at the DOY
5. Receive your AFM via email or document courier

This is the standard approach for Golden Visa applicants who need to obtain 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: 1-2 weeks
Cost: Free
Best for: Those who can't travel and want to avoid lawyer 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. Visit myaade.gr and navigate to the myAADElive service
2. Book a video appointment — available time slots shown online
3. Prepare documents — same as in-person (passport, proof of address, M1 form)
4. Attend video call — a tax officer processes your application live
5. Receive your AFM — issued during or shortly after the call

This is the newest option and particularly useful for non-residents who want to avoid lawyer fees but can't travel to Greece. The service may have better English support than local DOY offices.

Method 4: Apply Through a Greek Consulate Abroad

Timeline: 2-6 weeks
Cost: Free (consulate) or small administrative fee
Best for: Those without a lawyer and unable to travel

Greek consulates in many countries can process AFM applications, though timelines vary significantly 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
• Completed M1 application form (available at DOY or downloadable from AADE website)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing your address—Greek or foreign)

For Non-EU Citizens

• Valid passport (original required, not copies)
• Completed M1 application form
• 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

The M1 Form

The M1 form (Δήλωση Απόδοσης Α.Φ.Μ.) is the official AFM application. Key sections include:

• 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

The form is in Greek, but tax office staff can assist, or your lawyer will complete it on your behalf.

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 — Investment money must come from your Greek account
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 won't open accounts without an AFM. Property purchases require both an AFM and a bank account. And the Golden Visa application requires proof of all the above.

Most Golden Visa applicants obtain their AFM through their lawyer 4-8 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: myAADE registration requires your AFM to be already active in the system. There's typically a 24-48 hour delay after AFM issuance before the system recognizes your number.

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 lawyer: Free (government fee) + €100-500 lawyer fees
• myAADElive video call: Free
• Via consulate: Free or small admin fee (€0-50)

The Greek government charges nothing for AFM issuance. The only costs are service fees if you use a lawyer or professional. For Golden Visa applicants, the lawyer fee for AFM is typically bundled into the overall legal service package.

Timeline Summary

• DOY in person: Same day (often within hours) — Best for those in Greece
• Lawyer with POA: 1-2 weeks — Best for Golden Visa applicants, property buyers
• myAADElive video call: 1-2 weeks — Best for remote, free, no lawyer needed
• Greek consulate: 2-6 weeks — Best for those unable to travel, no lawyer

Fastest option: Visit a DOY in person. You'll likely walk out with your AFM the same day.

Most convenient for investors: Use a lawyer. They handle everything remotely and coordinate with your bank account opening.

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

Visit the DOY in person if possible—it's the fastest option. If you can't travel, some lawyers can expedite processing to 3-5 business days with urgency fees.

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

Wait 24-48 hours after AFM issuance. If the problem persists, contact the DOY that issued your AFM to confirm it's properly registered in the system.

AFM and Greek Tax Obligations

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

• Tax residency: Where you spend 183+ days per year
• 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 must file an annual tax return in Greece, even if they owe zero tax. Your AFM enables this filing through TAXISnet.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Greek AFM?

If you apply in person at a DOY tax office, you can receive your AFM the same day—often within a few hours. Through a lawyer with Power of Attorney, expect 1-2 weeks. Via a Greek consulate abroad, processing takes 2-6 weeks depending on location.

Is there a fee to get a Greece AFM?

No, the Greek government issues AFM numbers for free. The only costs are professional fees if you use a lawyer (typically €100-500) or potential administrative fees at some consulates (usually under €50).

Can I get a Greek AFM without being in Greece?

Yes, through three methods: (1) Have a Greek lawyer apply on your behalf using a Power of Attorney, (2) Use the free myAADElive video call service, or (3) Apply through a Greek consulate in your country (where available). Most Golden Visa applicants obtain their AFM remotely through lawyers.

What documents do I need for a Greece AFM?

EU/EEA citizens need a valid passport or ID card, completed M1 form, and proof of address. Non-EU citizens also need their passport and may need to show a residence permit if already living in Greece. For remote applications, a Power of Attorney is required.

What's the difference between AFM and AMKA in Greece?

AFM (9 digits) is your tax identification number for financial transactions—banks, property, business. AMKA (11 digits) is your social security number for healthcare and employment benefits. You can get an AFM without an AMKA, but eventually may need both.

Do I need an AFM to open a Greek bank account?

Yes, all Greek banks require an AFM to open any type of account. This is why obtaining your AFM should be your first step before banking, property purchase, or Golden Visa application.

Can I buy property in Greece without an AFM?

No. Your AFM number appears on the notarial deed and is required for land registry registration. You cannot complete a property purchase without an AFM.

Where do non-residents apply for a Greek AFM in Athens?

Non-residents should visit the DOY Katoikon Exoterikou (Tax Office for Foreign Residents) at Mesogeion 207, 115 25 Athens (Metro: Panormou Station). This office specifically handles AFM applications for those without Greek addresses.

How do I register for myAADE (TAXISnet) after getting my AFM?

Visit myaade.gr, click "New User Registration," enter your AFM, provide your email and mobile number, create a password, and verify via SMS. Allow 24-48 hours after AFM issuance before the system recognizes your number. Note: TAXISnet has been rebranded to myAADE.

Is my Greek AFM valid forever?

Yes, your AFM is permanent and never expires. Once issued, it remains your tax identification number for life, regardless of residency status or citizenship changes.

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.