How to Get the AFM Tax Number for the Greece Golden Visa

The AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is the 9-digit tax identification number required to buy property, open a bank account or conduct any financial transaction in Greece, and it is one of the first and most fundamental steps of the Golden Visa process. Without an AFM, neither a property can be bought nor a Greek bank account opened; obtaining this document correctly and without losing time at the very beginning of the process is therefore very important. In this article we explain, with current 2026 information, what the AFM is, the methods for obtaining it, and how an investor abroad can manage this process.

What Is the AFM and Why Is It Required?

The AFM is an official tax identification number issued by AADE, Greece's independent public revenue authority. Everyone who will engage in significant financial activities in Greece — such as buying and selling property, opening a bank account, buying a vehicle, or any transaction involving VAT — must have this number. The AFM is mandatory not only for Greek citizens or residents but also for foreign investors; a Golden Visa investor must first have an AFM to be able to buy property.

Three Ways to Get an AFM

For most Golden Visa investors transacting from abroad, the most practical and common method is to authorize a lawyer or advisor through a notarized power of attorney. This way, the AFM application can be completed without the investor needing to travel to Greece at all.

Required Documents

Getting an AFM by Power of Attorney: Step by Step

• A notarized power of attorney is prepared; this document can be signed at a Greek consulate abroad or before a notary in Greece.
• The power of attorney and required identity documents are sent to the authorized lawyer or advisor.
• The representative submits the application through the AADE digital portal or the local tax office (DOY).
• After the application is approved, the 9-digit AFM number is issued.
• Optionally, a TaxisNet username and password can also be obtained to manage online tax transactions in the future.

Common Misconceptions

• A residence permit or visa is not required to get an AFM; a person who only wants to buy property or conduct a financial transaction can get an AFM without a residence permit.
• Some local tax offices may still ask for an entry visa or stamp, but this is not a universally applied rule; it can therefore be helpful to confirm the relevant tax office's current practice before applying.
• Having an AFM does not automatically make you a Greek tax resident; tax residency depends on separate criteria such as residence, centre of life or physical time in Greece.
• For a standard property purchase, only the basic AFM is sufficient; no additional step such as VAT activation is required.
• The AFM, once issued, is valid for life; no re-application or renewal is needed.

Why Is Timing Critical?

The AFM must be obtained before the Greek bank account opening appointment and the sale transaction to be carried out at the notary. It is therefore important for an investor starting the Golden Visa process to also begin the AFM application in parallel with the property search and title due diligence, to avoid delays in the subsequent steps. Experienced lawyers usually recommend starting the AFM application at the very beginning of the process, before the property is even finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to go to Greece to get an AFM?
No, in most cases you do not. With a notarized power of attorney, a lawyer or advisor can complete the AFM application entirely remotely on your behalf; this power of attorney can be signed at a Greek consulate abroad or before a notary in Greece. It is also possible to apply remotely by verifying your identity via a video call on AADE's digital portal. Physically going to Greece is only necessary if you prefer to complete the process in person at the local tax office.

2. Do I need a residence permit or visa to get an AFM?
No, a residence permit or visa is not required to get an AFM. Anyone with a legitimate reason such as buying property, inheriting, or conducting a financial transaction can apply for an AFM without a residence permit. Some local tax offices (DOY) may still ask for an entry visa or passport stamp, but this is not a universally applied rule. It can therefore be helpful, before applying, to confirm the relevant tax office's current practice through a lawyer or advisor to avoid possible delays.

3. Does getting an AFM make me a Greek tax resident?
No, having an AFM does not automatically make you a Greek tax resident. Greek tax residency is determined by separate and independent criteria such as residence status, where your centre of life is, or the physical time spent in Greece during the year. The AFM is merely an identification number required for financial transactions and does not on its own create tax residency status. The vast majority of Golden Visa investors therefore continue to keep their tax residency status in their own country even while holding an AFM.

4. What documents are required for the AFM application?
Basically, a valid passport, current contact information (address, phone, email) and, if any, your tax number in your own country are sufficient. If applying by power of attorney, a notarized power of attorney document is also mandatory. If separate AFM applications will be made for family members, additional documents such as a marriage certificate or children's birth certificates may also be requested. Remember that documents obtained abroad often need to carry an apostille and be translated into Greek where required.

5. When should I get the AFM, at which stage of the process?
The AFM must be obtained before the Greek bank account opening appointment and the property sale transaction at the notary. It is therefore recommended to start the AFM application at the very beginning of the Golden Visa process, in parallel with property search and title due diligence. Leaving the AFM application to the last minute can delay the bank account opening or notary sale date. Experienced lawyers usually advise completing this step in the first weeks of the process, before the property is even finalized.

Note: The process information in this article is based on general practice and can show minor differences by local tax office. Contact us to move your AFM application and power of attorney process forward quickly and smoothly.