A Short Guide On How To Become A Greek Tax Resident

The method and implications of becoming a tax resident of Greece is one of the first things you will need to understand if you are considering moving to Greece. It will have implications in your daily life, and before you know it, after living in Greece for a week or two, you will be asking yourself “how do I become a tax resident of Greece?” This short guide will take you through the steps of becoming a tax resident in Greece.


Why do I need to become a tax resident in Greece?
If you stay over 183 days in Greece you are considered a tax resident. It’s a good idea to register as a tax resident so you don’t have any issues with the Greek authorities down the line including potential penalties. In addition, if you are living in Greece, it’s a lot easier to have your tax residency completed for ever day tasks such as medical, buying and selling cars and accessing government services.

What does it mean to be a tax resident in Greece?
If you become a tax resident of Greece than you will be required to pay tax on your worldwide income. You need to plan accordingly for this, especially if you have properties or other income overseas as this will need to be taxed.

There are some tax regimes in Greece which are particularly attractive for foreign residents who move their tax incentives to Greece. These have been designed to make it attractive for foreigners to move their tax residency to Greece and to move to Greece.

These include the 50% tax discounts (Non-Dom Tax Regime) which entitles people to a 50% tax break if they move their business or employment to Greece, as well as the special tax regime for foreign pensioners which offers a flat tax rate of 7%. Our tax team can help you understand if you are eligible for either of these incentives and guide you through the process of making an application.

Should I use a tax representative to assist me in Greece?
If you stay in Greece over the 183 day period (there are a number of more specific requirements and definitions which our tax team can assist you with), you may prefer to appoint a tax representative. This is helpful if you don’t speak the language or if you don’t understand the tax system. Your tax representative can be an accountant, lawyer or financial advisor and you can use them to manage your communication, work through the process, submit paper work and generally authorize them to act on your behalf for your dealings with the tax office in Greece. They can update your residency status in Greece and also make the appropriate declarations to the Greek tax authorities and ensure that you comply with all the laws and regulations.

If you plan to stay in Greece for longer than 183 days, you should definitely consult a tax professional and declare your income as required. We're here to help - feel free to reach out to us with your questions.

This content has been created in collaboration with our trusted partner Tsaks Consulting.