Opening a bank account in Greece — the order that actually works

A Greek bank account is gated by your AFM (tax number). Online self-opening is mostly for people already resident with an AFM and a Greek mobile; a foreigner usually starts at a branch or via a representative. The realistic path: open a neobank (Wise/Revolut) on day one for cash-flow, get your AFM, then open a Greek bank for official life.

The one thing to understand first

you generally cannot open a Greek account without an AFM. The good news is the AFM is free and reachable even before you settle (see first IDs, in order) — so the account is just sequenced, not blocked.

The four systemic banks

Piraeus, Alpha, Eurobank and National Bank of Greece (NBG) dominate retail banking, all with English apps. Media consensus (not a bank promise): Eurobank and NBG are the most likely to allow remote/online opening; Piraeus and Eurobank are often cited as the most non-resident-friendly at the branch; Alpha is smoothest for residents who already have an AFM and a Greek SIM. Treat any specific policy as “verify at the branch” — they differ and change.

Resident vs foreigner — the split

A resident (citizen or settled foreigner with AFM) brings ID/passport, AFM, often AMKA, proof of a Greek address, a Greek mobile, and proof of income. Some banks let residents start online.
An EU/EEA citizen can open without a residence permit; lighter KYC.
A non-EU national can open too, but faces stronger due diligence: often a residence permit, possible apostille + certified Greek translation of documents, “source of funds” scrutiny, and sometimes a branch re-visit every year or two to keep a non-resident account live.

Can you open before you have an AFM? Generally no. A few banks may accept a foreign tax number or foreign address at the outset, but a Greek AFM is the reliable key. Plan to get the AFM first.

The bridge tactic (what most people actually do)

open Wise or Revolut in minutes on arrival for spending and transfers, then open a Greek systemic bank once your AFM lands — because Greek officialdom (tax refunds, utilities by direct debit, salary, residence-permit proof of funds) often expects a Greek IBAN. See neobanks in Greece.

How not to get cheated

the account itself is cheap. The cost trap is third-party “account-opening services” charging hundreds of euros for what a branch does for free once your AFM is in hand. Use a paid representative only if you genuinely can’t appear in person (e.g. opening remotely before you relocate).

AFM (tax number) · bank account fees · the basic payment account right · neobanks in Greece

This is general information, not financial or immigration advice. Bank policies vary and change — confirm with the bank. WTP Finance is informational only.

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