How to open a bank account in Greece: A complete guide

How to Open a Bank Account in Greece: Complete Guide

Greece remains an attractive destination for investment, relocation, and obtaining residency ("Golden Visa"). However, the country's banking system is known for its bureaucracy and strict KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. In 2026, the process became even more digitized, but it retained the requirement for personal presence for most non-residents.

Main Requirements and Conditions

Both residents and non-residents (individuals and legal entities) can open an account in a Greek bank.

Key Conditions:

• Age: strictly from 18 years old.
• Tax Number (AFM): without it, account opening is impossible.
• Personal Visit: most banks require an in-person meeting for identification and document signing.

Step-by-Step Account Opening Algorithm

1. Obtaining the Tax Number (AFM)

This is your identifier with the tax office in Greece. It can be obtained at the local tax office (DOY) or through an authorized representative. For investors, a lawyer often handles the AFM registration.

1. Choosing a Bank

The "Big Four" banks dominate in Greece, accounting for 85% of the market:

• Piraeus Bank: The widest network of branches.
• Alpha Bank: A popular choice for investors and businesses.
• National Bank of Greece (NBG): The oldest and one of the most conservative.
• Eurobank: A leader in digital services and expat services.

1. Gathering and Transferring Documents

All documents in a foreign language (including Russian) must be apostilled and translated into Greek or English by a certified translator.

1. Visit to the Bank and Interview

You will be scheduled for a meeting with a manager. Be ready to answer questions about the purpose of opening the account (buying property, paying utilities, receiving salary) and your sources of income.

List of Required Documents

To successfully open an account, prepare an extensive package:

Important: Banks have become more likely to request a "Certificate of Tax Residence" from your country of permanent residence.

Features for Russian Citizens in 2026

Under the current EU restrictions, opening accounts for Russian citizens is accompanied by enhanced compliance:

• Deposit Limit: For individuals without residency in the European Union, there is a limit on the total deposit amount — no more than €100,000 per bank.
• Presence of Residency: Having a Greek residency permit (Digital Nomad, Golden Visa) significantly simplifies the process and removes most limits.

Fees and Commissions

• Minimum Deposit: Usually from €100 to €250 to activate the account.
• Maintenance: From €2 to €5 per month for a standard package.
• Card Issuance: A debit card is typically issued within 5–7 business days, and the issuance cost is about €5–10.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I open an account online?

For citizens of non-EU countries, remote account opening is virtually impossible. Identification must be physical.

Is a Greek SIM card necessary?

Highly desirable. For access to online banking and transaction confirmations, Greek banks prefer local numbers or numbers from EU countries.

How long does the procedure take?

If all documents are in order, the actual processing in the office takes 1–2 hours. However, compliance checks (Approval) can take from 3 days to 2 weeks.

Do you need help preparing documents or obtaining a Greek Tax Number (AFM)? I can advise you on which agencies in Athens or Thessaloniki handle these matters.