Can a foreigner open a bank account in Greece?

Generally yes. Greek banks routinely open accounts for foreigners, including EU and non-EU nationals. The practical requirements — and how easy the process is — depend on whether you are a resident or a non-resident, and on the individual bank's policies. Residents usually have the smoothest path, while non-residents may face extra checks and a shorter list of banks willing to help.

Do I need an AFM to open a Greek bank account?

In most cases, yes. The AFM (Arithmós Forologikoú Mētrṓou) is your Greek tax number, and banks typically ask for it to open an account. Because so many steps in Greece — renting, buying property, paying utilities, banking — depend on the AFM, most people arrange it early. Requirements can vary by bank, so confirm before you apply.

Can I open an account before I move or as a non-resident?

Sometimes. Some banks offer non-resident accounts, and a few facilitate opening before arrival, but this is not guaranteed and often involves additional documentation and in-person steps. Availability changes and differs by bank and nationality, so treat pre-arrival or fully remote opening as something to verify directly with the bank rather than assume.

What documents do Greek banks require?

As a rule you should expect to provide a valid passport or ID, your AFM (Greek tax number), proof of address, and evidence of income or employment. Banks may also ask about your tax residency. The precise list varies by bank and by whether you are a resident or non-resident, so check the specific bank's current requirements before you go in.

Are there fees on Greek bank accounts?

Typically yes. Many Greek accounts carry maintenance, card, and transaction fees, and international transfers can add currency-conversion costs. Fees vary widely between banks and account types and change over time, so compare the current fee schedule and ask specifically about charges that apply to your situation, such as incoming foreign transfers.

Banking in Greece as a Foreigner: Accounts, AFM and Fees

Why you'll need a Greek account

For most people relocating to Greece, a local bank account quickly becomes essential. Landlords often expect rent by transfer, utility providers set up direct debits, employers pay salaries into Greek accounts, and property transactions run more smoothly with a domestic account. If you are moving to Greece for more than a short stay, opening an account is usually one of the first practical tasks after sorting your tax number.

A Greek account also makes everyday life cheaper and simpler: paying in euros locally avoids repeated currency conversion, and having Greek card details on file smooths recurring payments that foreign cards sometimes struggle with.

Can foreigners open an account

As a general rule, yes — foreigners can open bank accounts in Greece, including both EU and non-EU nationals. The key distinction is between residents and non-residents. Residents, who have an address and often a residence permit or registration in Greece, typically find the process straightforward. Non-residents can usually open accounts too, but may face additional checks, more limited product options, and fewer banks willing to onboard them remotely.

Your residency status here is a banking and administrative matter, and it is separate from — though related to — Greek tax residency. Banks may ask about your tax residency for reporting purposes, so it helps to understand your position before you apply.

Documents you'll typically need

Requirements vary by bank, but as a rule you should be prepared to provide a core set of documents. Expect a bank to ask for some combination of the following, and to request originals or certified copies:

Valid passport or national ID to prove your identity.
Your AFM — the Greek tax number banks generally require.
Proof of address, in Greece and sometimes also in your home country.
Proof of income or employment, such as a contract, payslips, or pension evidence.
Tax residency information, so the bank can meet its reporting obligations.

Treat this as an indicative list rather than a definitive one. Banks set their own documentation policies and update them, so confirm the exact requirements with your chosen bank before you visit.

The main banks and account types

Greece's retail banking sector is served by several large systemic banks alongside smaller institutions, all operating within a system supervised by the Bank of Greece. Most offer the familiar range of products: everyday current accounts, savings accounts, debit and credit cards, and online banking. For newcomers, a standard current account with a debit card and mobile access usually covers the essentials.

Account features, minimum balances, and fee structures differ between banks and between account tiers, so it is worth comparing a couple of options rather than defaulting to the first branch you pass. Some banks are more experienced with international customers than others, which can make the onboarding experience noticeably smoother.

Non-resident accounts

If you have not yet moved — or you want an account while keeping your primary residence abroad — a non-resident account may be the route. These accounts exist, but the practical hurdles are usually higher: not every bank offers them to every nationality, the paperwork can be heavier, and in-person steps are common. Anti-money-laundering rules mean banks scrutinise the source of funds and the purpose of the account more closely for non-residents.

Residents vs non-residents: what tends to differ
Aspect	Resident	Non-resident
Ease of opening	Generally straightforward	More checks, fewer banks
Remote / pre-arrival opening	Often not needed	Sometimes offered, varies by bank
Documentation	Standard set	Often heavier, source-of-funds focus
Product range	Full range typically available	May be more limited

Fees and what to watch

Greek accounts commonly carry fees, and they are easy to underestimate. Watch for monthly or quarterly maintenance charges, card issuance and annual card fees, ATM withdrawal costs outside your bank's network, and charges on incoming and outgoing transfers — particularly international ones. Fee schedules vary widely and are revised periodically, so ask for the current tariff and read it before committing.

Digital and mobile banking

Greek banks have invested heavily in digital and mobile banking, and most offer apps for everyday payments, transfers, and card management. Once your account is open, day-to-day banking is usually handled online. Note, however, that opening the account itself frequently still involves an in-person step, and that app interfaces and support may be primarily in Greek, though major banks increasingly offer English.

Moving money internationally

Moving money into Greece — whether topping up your account, receiving a pension, or funding a property purchase — deserves attention because currency conversion and transfer fees can quietly erode large sums. Compare your bank's exchange rate and charges against specialist transfer services, and keep clear records of where funds come from. For a property purchase in particular, expect the bank to ask for documentation on the source of funds under anti-money-laundering rules, so plan the paper trail in advance. Understanding these costs also feeds into your wider cost of living in Greece.

Banking in Greece as a Foreigner