I’d like to buy a home in Greece, but I’m not sure what documents I need. Do I need a Greek bank account to buy a home in Greece? Do I need a Greek passport or ID card? Are there additional documents needed depending on the area of Greece where I want to buy a home? We share all the documents you will need when buying a home in Greece.
1. A Valid ID Card or Passport
The most common form of identification is a passport. This can be from your home country and does not need to be a Greek passport or Greek ID card.
Keep in mind that depending on your home country, the amount of time you can stay in Greece annually will change.
If you are an EU resident, you can stay in Greece for as long as you wish.
If you are a non-EU resident, you can stay in Greece for 90 days per six-month period.
2. A Greek Tax Number
A Greek Tax Number, also known as an “AFM,” is a nine-digit TIN number which is mandatory for all people who want to buy real estate in Greece, regardless of nationality.
Contrary to popular belief, a Greek bank account is not needed to buy a home in Greece. You can make all necessary payments from your home country.
What is a Greek Tax Number Useful For?
An AFM is necessary for purchasing a property in Greece. An AFM is also needed if you plan to get a Greek residency permit, to file taxes in Greece, to secure a rental contract, and to open a bank account.
How Do I Get a Greek Tax Number?
If you don’t have a Greek Tax Number, don’t panic. This is the case for most foreign buyers of a home in Greece. The process of applying for a Greek Tax Number can happen during your search for a home in Greece.
It is common in Greece to hire an accountant or lawyer when applying for an AFM. If you have given an Elxis lawyer power of attorney, we can apply for the tax number on your behalf through our network of verified accountants. In this case, you provide us the necessary documents, and we update you when the process is complete.
Optional: Power of Attorney
The Power of Attorney (POA) is not necessary for buying a home in Greece, but can be very helpful if you live outside of Greece or do not speak Greek.
With a POA, a Greek lawyer can represent you throughout the entire purchase process and take any necessary actions on your behalf, even when you’re not in Greece. For example, with a POA, a Greek lawyer can apply for a Greek Tax Number and sign the final purchase contract on your behalf.
Without a POA, you would need to fly to Greece yourself for many key steps of the home buying process.
FAQ
What if I’m Buying Together With Someone Else?
Jointly owned properties are held in the name of 2 or more parties, like husband and wife, business partners, friends, and family members. One reason to jointly own a property could be to share the purchase cost. One party may decide to sell their share of the property later on. The payment can be a 50-50 split, or one partner can have a larger share of the property. Each owner is able to transact, sell, or bequeath their part of the property without consulting the other owners.
In this case, you will both need to present the documents listed above.
What if I’m Buying a Home in a Border Area?
This section only applies If you are a NOT an EU resident. If you are buying a home in a border region and are not an EU resident, there are a few extra documents needed when compared to buying in the rest of Greece.
The exact documents required may vary based on the office where your permit request is submitted.
- A short CV in Greek, with certified translation
- A copy of your valid passport certified by a competent authority or a lawyer
- Your criminal record certificate, with certified translation
- A Residence Permit (if you declare as a resident of Greece or another EU country)
- Property details (description, purpose of purchase, and topographical map of the property)
- Birth certificate, with certified translation
- Signature from the seller
What if I’m Buying as a Business?
You may need additional documents if you are buying a home as a business in Greece. Find out more in our complete guide.
Are the Required Documents Different if I’m Selling a Home in Greece?
Yes.
Sellers have to provide many more documents when compared to a buyer. For example, in Greece the seller is required to provide:
- The deed of the property
- Topographical plan of the property
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Building Permit
- Proof of Registration
- Copies of your personal ID
- Front and back of electricity bill
- E-9 tax form
Find a complete list in our guide to selling a home in Greece.
Where Can I Find These Documents?
The “E-ID” or Electronic Building Identity (Ηλεκτρονική Ταυτότητα Κτιρίου) is an electronic file on each property in Greece that contains information on its current condition and changes made throughout its lifetime. Find out what it contains and how to access it in our complete guide to E-ID’s in Greece.
Gathering the correct paperwork in advance can save you both time and stress during the property purchase process in Greece. Being well-prepared also helps avoid unnecessary delays at notaries, banks, and public services. Being well-prepared also helps avoid unnecessary delays at notaries, banks, and public services.
