Greece's 7% Tax for Foreign Pensioners: Article 5B Explained

Greece taxes qualifying foreign income of a foreign pensioner who moves their tax residence to Greece at a flat 7% for up to 15 years; in 2026 the application deadline was moved from 31 March to 31 October (To Vima, 28 September 2026). More than 1,700 applications had been filed and about 1,000 approved, mostly from Northern and Western Europe, with growing interest from the United States. The rules below come from that report and law-firm summaries; confirm the current AADE text before you apply.

Who qualifies, per the report

• You receive a pension from abroad and can show your entitlement to it.
• You were not a Greek tax resident in at least five of the previous six years.
• You move from a country that has a tax cooperation agreement with Greece.
• You move your tax residence to Greece.

Timing

• Move before 2 July: you can apply for the 7% rate for that tax year or the next.
• Move after 2 July: the rate applies from the following tax year.
• Applications are reviewed within 60 days, with decisions due by the last working day of December.
• The 2026 change lets you file without every document: missing papers can follow by 30 November.

How it works

• The 7% applies to qualifying foreign income; Greek-source income is taxed separately at ordinary rates. Some sources say it covers all foreign-source income, not only the pension; the report does not define "qualifying income", so ask.
• Tax is paid once a year by the last working day of December; missing the date loses the 7% rate. It cannot be paid in instalments or offset against other debts.
• Foreign tax paid may be credited under certain conditions, up to the Greek tax due on that income, and a tax treaty may change the result.
• Apply through myAADE ("My Requests", Article 5B), by registered mail or courier, or in person by appointment; the Attica office handles Attica and some islands, Thessaloniki the rest.

Where sources differ

Point	What we found
Duration	Most sources say up to 15 years; one regional guide says ten.
Look-back	The report says five of the previous six years; a few sources attach other periods to other articles (5A uses seven of eight).
Combining with 5A	One source says a person cannot be under 5B and 5A (the non-dom regime) at the same time.
Which pension counts	One source says a purchased annuity alone probably does not qualify.

Is it relevant for a Golden Visa holder?

It is a separate tax regime. A permit gives residence; the 7% rate needs a real move of tax residence and a foreign pension. For other routes compare the non-dom regime, the permit for financially independent persons and cost of living in Greece.

Sources: To Vima, "Greece Extends Deadline for Foreign Pensioner Tax Regime" (28 September 2026); law-firm and tax-adviser summaries as described. Informational, not tax advice.