The AFM (ΑΦΜ) — Greece’s tax number, and how a foreigner gets one
What it is
AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου, “a-fee-mee”) is your tax identification number, assigned by AADE (the Independent Authority for Public Revenue). It is issued once and stays with you for life. Think of it as the master key to the Greek tax-and-financial system.
Why it gates everything
You need an AFM to open a bank account, rent or buy property, sign an employment contract, start a business, pay tax, set up utilities and a mobile contract, and use most online government services. Without it, money cannot move. This is why it is the very first financial step for a newcomer.
How a foreigner gets one
- Online application via the “AFM & Κλειδάριθμος” service on the myAADE portal, then identity verification either by video call (myAADElive) or in person at a tax office (ΔΟΥ / DOY).
- If you have no Greek address yet (e.g. you live abroad and are buying property), you are handled by the dedicated Tax Office for Foreign Residents (ΔΟΥ Κατοίκων Εξωτερικού) in Athens; in person the AFM is often issued the same day.
- Documents: a valid passport or EU ID; for people settling in Greece, proof of legal stay (visa or residence permit); foreign documents may need an Apostille and a certified Greek translation.
- From abroad you can appoint a tax representative (a lawyer or accountant, via an apostilled power of attorney) who applies on your behalf.
The video-call rule worth knowing
during myAADElive verification the call is conducted in Greek or English only, and you must communicate independently — no interpreter or intermediary is allowed. For many newcomers this is the single hardest part of the whole process, and exactly the friction that “fixer” agencies exploit.
Cost and timing
Free of charge. Same day in person; usually the same day (sometimes a few days) by video call; the representative route is typically a couple of business days.
Non-resident? You can still get one. Greek law lets any natural person obtain an AFM regardless of tax residence, and holding an AFM does not by itself make you a Greek tax resident (that is decided by physical presence over 183 days and your centre of vital interests). A non-resident buying property can get an AFM on a passport alone — no residence permit, no AMKA needed.
How not to get cheated
the AFM is free and the application is online. You may legitimately pay a representative for their time if you cannot appear yourself, but you are never paying a fee for the number. Be wary of anyone quoting a flat price “for the AFM” — and remember the verification is EL/EN only by design.
Related
TaxisNet and the κλειδάριθμος · AMKA · first IDs, in order · residence permit as ID
This is general information, not immigration, legal or tax advice. Procedures and office practice can change — confirm your own case with AADE (aade.gr) or gov.gr. WTP Finance is informational only.