Key takeaways
- An AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is your unique Greek tax identification number, issued by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
- You need an AFM before you can buy property or get a Greek home loan — it's one of the very first requirements.
- Greek banks require an AFM before they can formally process a mortgage application.
- In many cases overseas buyers can obtain an AFM remotely, without travelling to Greece.
- Greeks living abroad may have an inactive or outdated AFM that needs updating before buying or financing.
- GreekHomeLoans coordinates the whole process for you and lodges the application with AADE.
What is a Greek Tax Number (AFM)?
A Greek Tax Number (AFM) (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is your unique tax identification number in Greece. Think of it as similar to:
- Tax File Number (TFN) in Australia
- National Insurance Number in the UK
- Social Security Number in the USA (although an AFM is specifically for taxation rather than broader identification)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) used throughout Europe
Every individual or company with tax obligations or financial dealings in Greece requires an AFM. It is issued by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). Throughout this guide, the terms Greek Tax Number and AFM are used interchangeably — they refer to the same thing.
Why do you need a Greek Tax Number (AFM)?
An AFM is required for almost every significant financial transaction in Greece. If you're purchasing property, it's one of the very first requirements you'll encounter. You'll typically need an AFM to:
- Apply for a Greek home loan
- Open a Greek bank account
- Sign contracts before a Greek notary
- Pay property transfer taxes
- Register ownership of your property
- Pay ENFIA (Greek property tax)
- Connect utilities such as electricity and water
- Register rental income (if applicable)
- Start a business in Greece
Why do Greek banks require an AFM?
Every Greek bank requires an AFM before they can formally process a mortgage application. Your AFM enables the bank to:
- Verify your identity within the Greek tax system
- Complete regulatory and compliance checks
- Prepare your loan documentation
- Register the mortgage correctly with the relevant authorities
Without an AFM, your mortgage application generally cannot progress beyond the initial discussion stage. If you're planning to finance your purchase, obtaining your AFM early can help avoid unnecessary delays later.
Can I get a Greek Tax Number (AFM) remotely?
Yes. In many cases, overseas buyers can obtain an AFM without travelling to Greece. By arranging it before you arrive, you can begin preparing for your purchase sooner and avoid delays once you've found the right property.
At GreekHomeLoans, we coordinate the entire process on your behalf. We work with trusted professionals in Greece to prepare your documentation, guide you through any certification requirements, and arrange for your application to be lodged with the Greek Tax Authority (AADE). This allows many of our clients to obtain their AFM before they even step foot in Greece — giving them a head start on opening a bank account, applying for a home loan, and progressing their purchase.
Do Greek citizens living overseas still need an AFM?
Yes. Many Greeks living abroad previously had an AFM that is now inactive or linked to outdated information. Others have never been issued one at all.
Before purchasing property or applying for finance, it's important to ensure your AFM is active and your details are up to date. We can check this and update it as part of the process.
How long does it take?
Timeframes vary depending on:
- Your country of residence
- Whether documents require certification
- The Greek tax office processing the application
- Whether additional information is requested
Planning ahead is always recommended, particularly if you're hoping to purchase within the coming months. Once the application is submitted to AADE, you will usually have your AFM and taxisnet login credentials within about a week.
What documents are usually required?
Requirements vary depending on your circumstances, but commonly include:
- Valid passport
- Completed authorisation forms
- Certified identification documents
- Supporting documentation (where required)
If you're appointing someone to act on your behalf, additional authorisation documents may also be needed. We'll tell you exactly what's needed for your situation once you enquire.
How GreekHomeLoans can help
Obtaining an AFM can be confusing for overseas buyers. Requirements vary depending on your country of residence, how your documents need to be certified, and the specific Greek tax office handling your application. Rather than trying to navigate the process yourself, we coordinate everything on your behalf. Our AFM Registration Service includes:
- Assessment of your circumstances and documentation
- Preparation of all required application forms
- Guidance on certification requirements
- Coordination with our trusted Greek accountant
- Lodgement of your AFM application with the Greek Tax Authority (AADE)
- Ongoing communication and progress updates throughout the process
- Support from an English-speaking team experienced in assisting overseas buyers
Everything is coordinated remotely, allowing many of our clients to obtain their AFM before travelling to Greece.
AFM registration fees
Our fees for the AFM Registration Service are:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| GreekHomeLoans professional service fee (covers up to two applicants) | €250 + VAT |
| Accountant's lodgement fee (per applicant) | €70 + VAT |
The accountant's fee covers the preparation and lodgement of your application with the Greek Tax Authority. If you upgrade to our International Buyer Service within 30 days, we'll credit the €250 professional service fee towards that package.
Why arrange your AFM early?
One of the most common reasons overseas property purchases are delayed is that buyers wait until they've found a property before organising their AFM. By obtaining it early, you'll be ready to:
- Apply for finance
- Open your Greek bank account
- Instruct your lawyer
- Pay purchase-related taxes
- Move quickly when you find the right property
Being prepared can make the purchasing process significantly smoother.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AFM the same as a Tax File Number?
Not exactly, but it serves a similar purpose. A Greek Tax Number (AFM) is your unique tax identification number within Greece and is used for tax, banking and property transactions.
Can I buy property without an AFM?
No. An AFM is required before a property purchase can be completed.
Can I apply for a Greek home loan without an AFM?
No. Greek banks require an AFM before they can formally process a mortgage application.
Can I obtain an AFM while living overseas?
Yes. Many overseas buyers obtain their AFM remotely before travelling to Greece.
Does GreekHomeLoans provide this service?
Yes. We coordinate the entire AFM registration process on your behalf, working with trusted professionals in Greece to make it as straightforward as possible.
Get started
Whether you're buying your first property in Greece, investing from overseas, or applying for a Greek home loan, obtaining your AFM is one of the first and most important steps. We make it simple by coordinating everything remotely, so you can focus on finding the right property — not navigating paperwork.
Ready to get your Greek Tax Number (AFM)? Send us your details and let us help you become purchase-ready.