How to open a bank account in Greece | CityValue Real Estate (2024)

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.

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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

    1. Copy of Identity Card / Passport (or any other document including any information which is not included in an Identity Card or a Passport)
    2. Current home and work address
    3. Recent mobile phone bill
    4. Recent utility bills
    5. Occupation
    6. Bank statement
    7. Copy of birth certificate
    8. Tax registration number in the country of origin, Greek tax registration number, where applicable
    9. Last tax return
    10. Last year Tax payment certificate (some banks branches ask for this letter)
    11. Latest monthly salary slip
    12. 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.

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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

How to open a bank account in Greece | CityValue Real Estate (2024)

FAQs

How to open a bank account in Greece | CityValue Real Estate? ›

Most of the Greek banks will require the same documents, which refer to the following: the applicant's passport or other identity documents, a proof of address in Greece (various documents can be used in this sense, including the utility bills), as well as the proof on having sufficient funds to set up the account.

What is required to open a bank account in Greece? ›

Most of the Greek banks will require the same documents, which refer to the following: the applicant's passport or other identity documents, a proof of address in Greece (various documents can be used in this sense, including the utility bills), as well as the proof on having sufficient funds to set up the account.

Can I open a bank account in Greece without residency? ›

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.

Do I need a Greek bank account to buy property in Greece? ›

No. You do not need a Greek bank account to buy a home in Greece. You can make all necessary payments relevant to the purchase or sale of a home from a bank account in your home country.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? ›

When opening a savings account, customers are required to submit their KYC documents - address and identity proof - for verification.

Which bank is best for non residents in Greece? ›

Major Greek banks like Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece, Eurobank Ergasias, and Attica Bank are all trustworthy options that offer a wide range of services to foreigners and expats.

What is the format of a bank account in Greece? ›

The Greek BBAN contains: the bank code number (3 digits) the bank's branch code number (4 digits) the customer's account number (16 digits)

Is there a Bank of America in Greece? ›

Includes a list of U.S. banks operating in the market; indicates whether Ex-Im Bank offers any country-specific programs. Bank of America operates in Greece, providing services only to companies.

Can non-residents get a mortgage in Greece? ›

Yes, but the fixed interest rate period must precede the floating rate period of your loan: If you are a Greek or Cypriot citizen, the fixed interest rate may apply for 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years. If you are not a Greek or Cypriot citizen, the fixed interest rate may apply for 3, 5, 7, 10 or 15 years.

What country can I open a bank account without residency? ›

Which Countries Are Ideal for Setting Up an Offshore Bank Account?
  • Switzerland. Switzerland is a popular choice for opening offshore accounts for several reasons. ...
  • Hong Kong. ...
  • Cayman Islands. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Belize. ...
  • Singapore.
Feb 15, 2024

How much is a downpayment on a house in Greece? ›

Make a 10% down payment, sign a preliminary purchase contract and have it certified by a notary, who will charge a fee of 1.2% of the transaction value. You will also have to pay a registration fee of approximately 0.5–0.75% of the transaction value.

Can you transfer money to a Greek bank account? ›

You've got a few key options if you need to send money to Greece: Bank transfer to Greece - most banks will let you send money internationally online, by visiting a branch or by phone.

Is real estate in Greece a good investment? ›

Low Prices and High Returns

One of the main advantages of buying property in Greece is that the prices are still very low compared to other European countries, especially in the coastal areas and the islands. According to the Bank of Greece, the average price per sq. m. in Athens was €2,876 per sq.

What are 3 requirements for opening a bank account? ›

What do I need to open a bank account? Here's what you'll need to open a bank account online or in person: a government-issued ID, personal details such as your Social Security number, and a way to fund your new account with an initial deposit.

Can I open a bank account without SSN? ›

Can I open a bank account without a SSN? Yes, it's possible to open a bank account as an undocumented immigrant or without having a Social Security number. You'll need to provide other forms of proof of ID, such as a passport, driver's license, consular ID or birth certificate.

What proof do you need to open a bank account? ›

  1. ID and verification. ...
  2. Personal Details. ...
  3. Address Details. ...
  4. Contact Details. ...
  5. Income & Expenditure Details. ...
  6. Overdraft requests (optional) ...
  7. Packaged Accounts (accounts where you pay a monthly fee and receive insurance benefits) ...
  8. Switching.

What is required for international bank account? ›

Things to know
  • your employment, income and tax details.
  • proof of ID, like your passport, driving license or national ID.
  • proof of address, like a bank statement or utility bill.
  • additional documents, subject to qualification status, local laws and regulations.

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