Yes, you can open a bank account in Greece, but the process and your options depend on whether you live there, work there, or are just visiting
Non-residents can open bank accounts in Greece, but you will face more restrictions and paperwork than a Greek citizen or resident would. Most major Greek banks—including Alpha Bank, Eurobank, and National Bank of Greece—accept non-resident customers, though some require you to have a Greek address, a Greek tax number, or proof of income in Greece. A few banks offer accounts to non-residents without these requirements, but they typically charge higher fees and limit what you can do with the account.
The easiest path depends on your situation. If you work in Greece or plan to stay longer than a few months, getting a tax number and opening an account at a bank branch in person is straightforward. If you are visiting or own property there but do not live full-time in Greece, you have fewer options and may need to use an online bank or a bank that specializes in non-resident accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Non-residents can open accounts at most Greek banks, but you will need a valid passport, proof of address (usually outside Greece), and often a Greek tax number or proof of Greek income.
- Opening an account in person at a bank branch is faster and more reliable than trying to open one online, and many banks will not complete the process remotely for non-residents.
- You will need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) to receive payments in Greece, and most Greek banks issue one automatically when you open an account.
- Non-resident accounts often come with higher fees, lower transaction limits, and restrictions on overdrafts or credit products compared to resident accounts.
- If you own property in Greece or work there, obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM) before opening an account will make the process faster and unlock more account options.
What documents you need to bring to a Greek bank
You will need a valid passport or national ID card. Some banks also accept a driver's license if it has been issued within the last ten years, but a passport is the safest choice. Bring the original document, not a photocopy—banks will want to verify it in person.
You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement from your home country, dated within the last three months. If you own property in Greece, bring the property deed or a recent tax bill for that address; some banks will accept a Greek address instead of a foreign one.
If you have a Greek tax number (AFM—Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου), bring it. If you do not have one yet and plan to work or do business in Greece, you can obtain one from the local tax office (Δημοτική Ενότητα) before opening the account, which will speed up the process. If you do not have a tax number and do not plan to get one, the bank will still open an account for you, but it may take longer and you may face additional verification steps.
How to open an account in person at a Greek bank branch
Walk into any branch of a major bank during business hours. Tell the staff you want to open a non-resident account (λογαριασμός για μη κατοίκους). They will give you an application form and ask you to fill it out with your personal details, passport number, and home address. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The bank will then verify your identity against your passport and check your address proof. They may ask why you want the account and whether you have any income in Greece. Answer honestly—banks are required to comply with anti-money-laundering rules, and they will ask follow-up questions if your answers seem inconsistent.
Once the bank approves your application, they will issue you a debit card (usually within 5 to 10 business days) and provide you with your IBAN and account number on the spot. You can start using the account immediately for transfers, though the card will not work until it arrives. Some banks charge a one-time opening fee (typically €20 to €50 for non-residents) and a monthly maintenance fee (€3 to €10).
Opening an account online or by mail if you cannot visit in person
Most Greek banks do not allow non-residents to open accounts entirely online. They require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity and sign documents. However, a few banks and fintech services operate differently. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut both allow non-residents to open accounts through their apps without visiting a physical location, though these are not traditional bank accounts—they are payment accounts with more limited features.
If you cannot visit Greece in person, contact the bank's customer service before traveling and ask whether they can arrange a video call verification or accept a notarized copy of your passport. Some banks will do this for customers who are opening accounts for business reasons or who have significant assets. Be prepared to wait longer—remote verification can add two to four weeks to the process.
Do not attempt to open an account by mail alone. Greek banks require original documents and in-person identity verification for non-residents, and applications submitted by post without verification will be rejected.
Fees and account limits for non-resident accounts
Non-resident accounts typically cost more than resident accounts. Monthly maintenance fees range from €3 to €10, and some banks charge a one-time opening fee of €20 to €50. If you use the debit card outside Greece, you will pay a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3% on top of the exchange rate. ATM withdrawals outside Greece may also incur a fee of €2 to €5 per withdrawal.
Transaction limits are often lower for non-residents. Some banks cap monthly transfers at €5,000 or €10,000 without prior approval, and they may restrict your ability to set up standing orders or automatic payments. Credit products like overdrafts or personal loans are rarely available to non-residents unless you have a Greek income or a Greek guarantor.
Ask the bank about these limits and fees before opening the account. They vary significantly between banks, and some banks offer better terms for non-residents than others. If you plan to move large sums of money regularly, compare the fees at two or three banks before deciding.
Getting a Greek tax number if you need one
If you work in Greece, own a business there, or rent out property, you will need a Greek tax number (AFM). You can obtain one from the local tax office (Δημοτική Ενότητα) in the area where you work or own property. Bring your passport, proof of address, and a completed application form (available at the tax office or online). The process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive your tax number immediately.
If you do not speak Greek, ask the tax office whether they have an English-speaking staff member available, or bring a translator. Some expat communities in Athens and Thessaloniki have volunteer translators who can help with this process for free.
Having a tax number before you open a bank account will make the process faster and will unlock more account options. Some banks offer better terms to customers with Greek tax numbers because it signals that you have a legitimate reason to be banking in Greece.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can receive money from abroad via international wire transfer (SWIFT). Provide the sender with your IBAN, which starts with "GR" followed by 24 digits. Transfers from other European countries usually arrive within one to two business days. Transfers from outside Europe may take three to five business days.
You can also send money out of Greece using your account. International transfers cost €5 to €15 per transaction, depending on the bank. If you are sending money regularly, ask the bank about setting up a standing order, which may have a lower per-transaction fee.
Your account will be subject to Greek banking regulations and EU financial rules. If you do not use the account for 12 months, the bank may freeze it or charge an inactivity fee. Keep your account active by making at least one transaction every few months, or contact the bank to put it on hold if you will not be using it for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Greek resident to open a bank account in Greece?
No. Non-residents can open accounts at most Greek banks, though you will need to provide proof of your home address and may face higher fees and lower transaction limits than residents. Some banks require a Greek tax number or proof of Greek income, while others do not.
Can I open a Greek bank account online without visiting Greece?
Most traditional Greek banks require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity. Payment apps like Wise and Revolut allow remote account opening, but these are not full bank accounts and have more limited features. If you cannot visit in person, contact the bank to ask about video verification options.
What is an IBAN and why do I need one?
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a standardized code that identifies your bank account across Europe. Greek IBANs start with "GR" and have 24 digits. You need it to receive international wire transfers and to set up payments from abroad. Your bank will provide it when you open your account.
How long does it take to open a Greek bank account as a non-resident?
If you open an account in person at a branch, the process takes about 30 minutes to complete. Your debit card will arrive within 5 to 10 business days. If you apply remotely or by mail, expect two to four weeks. Having a Greek tax number before you apply can speed up the process.
Will I pay higher fees on a non-resident account?
Yes. Non-resident accounts typically have monthly maintenance fees of €3 to €10, opening fees of €20 to €50, and higher foreign transaction fees (1% to 3%) compared to resident accounts. Compare fees at multiple banks before opening an account, as they vary significantly.