AFM for Non-Residents in Greece (2026 Guide)
If you live outside Greece and need a Greek tax number, the good news is simple: yes, non-residents can obtain an AFM. In fact, the official Greek process expressly allows a natural person to apply regardless of tax residence, and the request can be submitted electronically. The applicant can then identify themselves either by video call through myAADElive or by attending a tax office in person.
That said, many non-residents are unsure about what an AFM actually means. Does it make you a Greek tax resident? Do you need a tax representative? Will you have to file tax returns every year? These are the questions that matter, and the answer is usually more reassuring than people expect. Greek tax residence is determined by criteria such as residence, centre of vital interests, or extended physical presence in Greece, not simply by the fact that you hold an AFM.
Current AADE and gov.gr guidance confirms that non-residents can apply electronically, that contact details and supporting documents are required, and that the exact paperwork depends on the case.
Quick Answer
Yes, a non-resident can get an AFM in Greece.
- You do not need to live in Greece to apply
- The application is submitted electronically through the official AADE process
- You may be identified by video call or in person
- You will usually need ID, contact details, your foreign tax number, and any supporting documents relevant to your case
- Having an AFM does not automatically make you a Greek tax resident
- Non-residents do not automatically have to file annual Greek tax returns just because they have an AFM
For most people abroad, the smartest option is to use a guided service that helps avoid mistakes, missing documents, and unnecessary delays.
That summary reflects the current official AADE/gov.gr process for non-residents, including electronic application, identity verification, required contact data, and the separate rules on Greek tax residence and filing obligations.
The comparison below is built around the official fact that a non-resident may apply personally, through a representative, or through an authorized third person.
| Option | Best for | What you handle yourself | Main drawback | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply yourself through the official route | People comfortable with forms, document checks, and follow-up | Everything: document prep, uploads, phone/email details, identification step, and any corrections | Most room for confusion or avoidable mistakes | Cheapest route, but not always the easiest |
| Use a local representative or third party | Applicants who already have trusted help in Greece | Part of the coordination, plus representative paperwork if needed | Still requires careful preparation and document control | Helpful, but depends heavily on who is assisting you |
| Use AFM Greece | Non-residents who want a smoother and more guided process | Usually just providing the requested details and documents | Paid service | Best overall option for most non-residents |
If you want to avoid confusion, missing documents, and unnecessary delays, AFM Greece can guide you through the process from start to finish. We help non-residents understand exactly what is needed for their AFM application, so you can move forward with more clarity and less stress.
The basic AFM documents for most adults
If you are an adult living outside Greece, the first document is usually your valid passport or identity document. AADE’s guidance for foreign citizens residing abroad lists passport, EU identity card, and certain other official identity documents among the acceptable proofs of identity. In practical terms, most applicants will rely on a passport or EU/national ID.
You will also need the personal information required for the online AFM application. Today, the AFM request is tied to the digital registration flow, and the authorities may then verify your identity by videocall through myAADElive or by an in-person appointment.
That is the simple part. Where things usually become more technical is when your case includes a representative, marriage details, or a child.
If a tax representative is used
If a tax representative is involved, the tax office expects supporting documents for that representation. In the current AADE guidance, this usually means a document appointing the tax representative and a declaration from that representative accepting the appointment. The representative’s details and identification information must also be stated.
There is an important nuance here. AADE’s FAQ states that appointing a tax representative is optional if the taxpayer accepts that official notifications from the tax administration will be sent directly to the contact details declared to the authorities. However, when a representative is actually used, the appointment and acceptance documents still need to be correctly prepared.
For many people abroad, this is the stage where the process becomes less “simple” than it first looked. The AFM itself is not the issue. The real challenge is making sure the representative document is signed correctly, authenticated correctly, and translated correctly where needed.
If you are married or declaring civil status
Some applicants will also need civil-status documents. AADE states that a marriage certificate with translation may be required, and the more detailed FAQ also refers to a marriage certificate, certificate of marital status, or cohabitation document depending on the case.
This matters because the application is not always limited to identity only. If your file includes spouse-related details, you should be prepared to provide the relevant civil-status document rather than assuming your passport alone will be enough.
If the AFM is for a child or minor
When the AFM application is for a minor, the file becomes more specific. AADE’s published checklist for minors includes the child’s birth certificate or the parents’ marital-status certificate, an identification document, the tax representative documents where applicable, and written consent from both parents unless one parent is deceased or a court-backed custody arrangement applies.
So if you are applying for a child, it is better to assume from the beginning that you will need more than a basic ID document.
Do foreign documents need translation or apostille?
Very often, yes.
AADE’s guidance explains that if a representative document or other foreign public document has been drawn up outside Greece, it may need authentication under international rules and an official Greek translation. In practice, that usually means an Apostille for countries that are party to the Hague Convention, or consular legalization in other cases, followed by a proper Greek translation where required. AADE’s FAQ also states clearly that foreign-language documents submitted to Greek public services should be legally certified and accompanied by their complete translation into Greek.
This is one of the most important parts of the process, because a document can be perfectly genuine and still unusable if it has not been prepared in the format expected by the Greek authorities.
The practical reality
If you read the official rules from start to finish, one thing becomes clear: the document list is not always long, but it is very case-sensitive. A single applicant with a passport may have a very simple file. A married applicant, a child, or a file involving a representative can require additional documents very quickly.
That is why many non-residents prefer a guided service instead of trying to interpret every edge case alone. The value is not just “getting an AFM”. It is avoiding the wrong translation, the wrong signature format, the wrong representative wording, or an incomplete civil-status file.
At AFM Greece, that is exactly what we help with. Instead of guessing which documents might apply to your case, you can follow a clearer process and submit only what is actually needed.
Final word
So, what documents are needed to obtain an AFM in Greece?
For most adults abroad, start with a valid passport or identity document. Then add the documents that match your exact situation: representative documents if someone is acting for you, civil-status documents if you are declaring marriage details, and child-related documents if the AFM is for a minor. If the documents come from outside Greece, check carefully whether translation, apostille, or legalization is required.
If you want the simplest route, the smartest move is usually not to wait until something is rejected. It is to make sure the file is correct before it is submitted.
The FAQ block below reflects the same current AADE/gov.gr position on identity documents, representative documents, marriage documents, minor applications, and translations.
Ready to apply for your Greek AFM? Let AFM Greece help you handle the process with clear guidance and the right documents from the start. Submit your request today and take the next step with confidence.
FAQ
What documents do I usually need to get an AFM in Greece?
In most cases, you will need a valid passport or identity document, your application details, and any extra supporting documents that apply to your case, such as tax representative paperwork, marriage documents, or child-related civil-status documents.
Do I always need a tax representative?
Not always. Official guidance indicates that a tax representative can be optional in some situations. However, if a representative is used, the appointment and acceptance documents must be prepared correctly.
Can I use a passport instead of a national ID?
Yes. For many foreign applicants, a valid passport is one of the standard identity documents used for the AFM application.
Do married applicants need extra documents?
Sometimes, yes. If your marital status is declared as part of the file, the authorities may request a marriage certificate or another relevant civil-status document.
What if I am applying for a child?
Minor applications often require extra documents such as a birth certificate and written consent from both parents, unless a specific exception applies.
Do foreign documents need to be translated into Greek?
Very often, yes. If a foreign document is not in Greek, it may need an official Greek translation, and depending on the document and country, it may also need apostille or consular legalisation.
Can I apply for an AFM online from abroad?
Yes. The official process allows electronic submission, followed by identity verification either by videocall or in person, depending on the route used.
What is the easiest way to avoid delays?
The easiest way is to make sure the file is correct before submission, especially if your case involves representation, marital-status documents, child applications, or foreign-language paperwork.
