How to Open a Greek Bank Account as a Non-Resident

Opening a Greek bank account as a non-resident used to be synonymous with endless paperwork, long lines at municipal offices and the dreaded phrase “come back tomorrow.” Whether you are an expat moving to the Aegean, a digital nomad securing a remote workflow or a non-EU investor applying for Greece’s Golden Visa, having a local IBAN is essential for paying utility bills, managing rental income or completing property purchases. Fortunately, Greece’s rapid digital transformation in recent years, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Governance and the expansion of the eGov-KYC (Know Your Customer) system, has modernized the banking landscape. While bureaucracy has not disappeared entirely (and you really have to be ready for it), navigating it is now remarkably straightforward if you know the right path. Here is your comprehensive guide to opening a Greek bank account as a non-resident, covering the important basics from digital onboarding to essential tax steps and in-person branch hacks.

Stacks of euro banknotes being counted at a bank counter

Step 1: Secure Your AFM (Greek Tax Number)

Before any Greek financial institution will evaluate your application, you must obtain an AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou). This nine-digit tax identification number is the master key to doing business, renting long-term property or opening a bank account in Greece.

How to Get an AFM as a Non-Resident

In-Person via Tax Office: You can visit a local tax office in Greece, often accompanied by a local tax representative (Antiklitos) if you reside permanently outside the EU.
Via Power of Attorney (PoA): If you are working with a Greek lawyer or accountant, they can obtain an AFM on your behalf using a notarized power of attorney.
Digital Submission (myAADE): The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) offers digital services where tax representatives can file applications online.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documentation

Greek banking regulations adhere strictly to European Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards. Whether applying online or at a branch, prepare clear, recent copies (translated into Greek or English if applicable) of the following core documents below. Keep in mind that every bank has different requirements, so it is a good idea to check in advance what would they expect you to provide.

Valid Passport or EU National ID: Must be valid for at least six months.
Proof of AFM: The official certificate of tax registration (Vevaiosi Apodosis AFM) issued by AADE.
Proof of Income / Tax Return: Your most recent tax assessment or declaration from your home country showing your annual income and occupation.
Proof of Employment: A signed employment contract, a letter from your employer or official business registration documents if self-employed/freelance.
Proof of Residential Address: A recent utility bill (electricity, water, gas or landline) issued within the last 3 to 6 months clearly showing your home address.
Proof of Mobile Phone Number: A certificate or official bill from your mobile network operator confirming that your mobile number is registered in your name.

Step 3: Choose Your Onboarding Path

Greek banks now provide two main avenues for opening accounts: Digital Onboarding via Mobile App and Traditional In-Person Branch Appointments.

Option A: Digital Onboarding (eGov-KYC & Mobile Apps)

The four major systemic banks in Greece, including Eurobank (my personal favourite), Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece (NBG) and Piraeus Bank, offer remote customer onboarding through their respective mobile applications.

How Digital Onboarding Works

Download the App: Install the official mobile banking app (e.g., Eurobank Mobile App or Alpha Mobile Banking).
Passport/ID Scan: The app will prompt you to scan your biometric passport or EU ID card using your phone’s camera and NFC reader.
Biometric Liveness Check: Take a real-time selfie or video verification to match your face with your ID photo.
Data Verification via eGov-KYC:
- For Greek Tax Residents / Taxisnet Holders: The app integrates directly with the eGov-KYC platform. By consenting and logging in with your Taxisnet credentials, your address, income and phone registration are fetched automatically without uploading manual PDFs.
- For International Non-Residents: If you do not have Taxisnet access, the app allows manual uploads of translated proof of address, income, and mobile number certificates.
Video Call Verification: A brief video verification call with a banking agent will confirm your identity and intent.

Pro-Tip for Digital Nomad / Remote Workers: Make sure your mobile phone number is registered directly under your legal name with your telecommunications provider. Greek bank digital systems verify phone ownership strictly; prepaid SIM cards without name registration will cause remote applications to fail. In general, keep in mind that you will need a phone number registered on your name for everything related to institutions, tax authorities, digital authorisations etc. It is a good idea to have one.

Option B: The Branch Route & Practical Hacks

If you are a non-EU citizen without a local Taxisnet profile, or if your digital onboarding gets stuck in verification loops, visiting a branch is the foolproof fallback. However, Greek bank branches operate on strict schedules, usually closing to the public by 2:00 PM. I would also advice you to book an appointment with a bank representative in advance, as this process may take a while and you risk waiting some hours for nothing and having to go back the next day again.

Branch Hacks for a Smooth Experience

Book an Appointment in Advance: Do not walk in unannounced. Use the bank’s website to book an appointment (Rantevou) online. Alpha Bank and Eurobank both feature online appointment booking tools specifically designated for new account openings.
Bring Hard Copies and Digital Files: Bring printed copies of every document alongside digital PDF copies saved on your phone or tablet.
Target Expat-Friendly Branches: Choose branch locations in central metropolitan areas (e.g., Syntagma or Kolonaki in Athens or central Thessaloniki) where staff handle international clients daily and speak fluent English.
Request E-Banking Activation Immediately: Ensure the branch representative issues your debit card and activates your online e-banking credentials before you step out of the office (this part is crucial!).

Family at a bank desk opening an account with an adviser

Comparing the Onboarding Routes

Feature	Digital App Onboarding	In-Person Branch Visit
Best For	EU Citizens, Taxisnet users, remote workers	Non-EU citizens, complex income sources
Speed	15–30 minutes	1–2 hours (plus travel/wait time)
Document Input	Auto-sync via eGov-KYC or PDF upload	Physical paper copies
Verification	Biometric selfie / Video call	In-person ID check by teller

Navigating Common Pitfalls

Non-English/Non-Greek Documents: Documents issued in foreign languages other than English or Greek must typically be officially translated by a certified translator or apostilled depending on the bank’s internal policy.
Minimum Initial Deposit: While Greek law does not strictly mandate a minimum opening balance for basic accounts, some banks request an initial deposit (often €10 to €50) to activate the account.
Annual KYC Updates: Under Greek law, bank accounts require periodic data updates. Keep your home address, employment status and phone number updated through the bank app annually to prevent temporary account freezes.

Opening a bank account in Greece as a non-resident is no longer the bureaucratic nightmare it once was. By securing your AFM first and leveraging digital eGov-KYC routes or targeted branch appointments, you can set up your Greek IBAN efficiently and get back to enjoying everything the country has to offer. If you need assistance with opening a bank account as an individual or entity, you can contact Atlas Consulting, our trusted partner in accounting and legal matters. https://atlasconsulting.gr/en/

Frequently asked questions

What do I need before I can open a bank account in Greece?

You need an AFM, the nine-digit Greek tax number, before any bank will evaluate your application. Non-residents can get one in person at a tax office, through a Greek lawyer or accountant with a notarised power of attorney, or via a tax representative using the myAADE digital services.

Which documents do Greek banks ask for from non-residents?

A passport or EU ID valid for at least six months, your AFM certificate, a recent tax return or proof of income, proof of employment or business registration, a utility bill from the last three to six months as proof of address, and a certificate showing your mobile number is registered in your name. Requirements vary by bank, so check in advance.

Can I open a Greek bank account online as a foreigner?

Yes. Eurobank, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank all offer remote onboarding through their mobile apps, with a passport scan, a biometric selfie, document upload or eGov-KYC sync for Taxisnet holders, and a short video call. Non-EU citizens without Taxisnet, or anyone stuck in verification loops, should book a branch appointment instead.

Why do remote bank applications fail for digital nomads?

Most often because the mobile number is not registered in the applicant’s legal name. Greek banks verify phone ownership strictly, so a prepaid SIM without name registration will cause a digital application to fail. Get a number registered in your own name first.

Is there a minimum deposit to open a Greek bank account?

Greek law does not mandate a minimum opening balance for basic accounts, but some banks ask for an initial deposit of around 10 to 50 euros to activate the account. Accounts also require periodic KYC updates, so keep your address, employment status and phone number current to avoid a temporary freeze.

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How to Open a Greek Bank Account as a Non-Resident (Without the Bureaucratic Headache)