You bought or inherited a home in Athens. The first thing Greek offices, utility companies and banks often ask for is your Greek tax number. It is called an AFM (ΑΦΜ), and you need it to access tax notices, put utilities in your name and use many online services. The good news is that you can obtain one from abroad.
There are four routes to getting an AFM. Below, you’ll find an overview of each route and the steps for applying through myAADE, the Greek tax authority’s online portal.
An AFM is only the beginning. Owning property in Greece also brings ongoing administration: E9 updates, ENFIA property tax, utility accounts and building charges. Home Watch Athens provides local administrative representation for owners abroad alongside monthly checks of the home.
What the AFM is and why property owners need one
The AFM (ΑΦΜ) is a Greek tax identification number issued by AADE, the Greek tax authority. Property owners typically need one to:
- Buy property in Greece
- File or update an E9 property declaration and access ENFIA property tax notices
- Sign utility contracts and put accounts in their name
- Open a Greek bank account
Our guides to the E9 declaration and MIDA, paying ENFIA from abroad, moving utilities into your name and paying Greek utility bills cover some of the steps that follow.
The routes at a glance
AADE lists four routes for obtaining an AFM and authentication key:
| Route | Who it suits | What you need | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Online application with an automatic check | Applicants with a Greek bank account and Greek mobile number in their own name | A Greek bank IBAN and mobile number registered with the bank in your name | The key can be issued immediately if the check succeeds |
| 2. Online application with a myAADElive video call | Many applicants abroad | An original valid ID, passport or residence permit; email address; mobile number; and a device that runs Microsoft Teams | A video call during weekday service hours |
| 3. Tax office appointment | Applicants who are in Greece | An original ID and an appointment booked through myAADE | Depends on appointment availability |
| 4. Representative | Applicants who cannot use the video-call route | A representative in Greece and the appropriate authorisation; foreign documents may need an Apostille or consular certification and official Greek translation | A lawyer’s guide estimates 1 to 5 working days, or 5 to 10 when a new power of attorney is needed |
The automatic check requires a Greek bank account and Greek mobile number in your own name. If you do not have those, the myAADElive video call may be more practical. The timing shown for a representative is an estimate from a lawyer’s guide, not an AADE processing time.
Step by step: applying in myAADE
The application is called “TIN & Authentication Key.” Before starting, have an original valid identity card, passport or residence permit, a working email address and a mobile number ready. See AADE’s step-by-step guide.
The screens are in Greek. Our ENFIA guide explains how to use Chrome Translate if you need help reading them.
- Go to myaade.gov.gr.
- Select “ΑΦΜ & Κλειδάριθμος” (AFM and authentication key), then “Ενεργώ για τον εαυτό μου” (acting for myself).
- Complete the form with your personal, identification and contact details. AADE’s FAQ says to enter your foreign tax identification number and full address abroad.
- Confirm your email address and mobile number using the one-time codes sent by email and SMS.
- Attach any documents the form requests, accept the terms and submit the application.
- Look for the registration number sent to your email address, then choose how to verify your identity.
Phone number: AADE’s FAQ says the application’s phone field accepts only 10 digits, without an international prefix or special characters. Check whether the number you intend to use can be entered as required. If it cannot, check another application route.
The myAADElive video call: what to expect
After submitting the form, choose “Ραντεβού myAADElive” for a scheduled appointment or “Άμεση βιντεοκλήση” for an immediate call with an available agent. According to AADE’s myAADElive FAQ:
- The call runs on Microsoft Teams.
- Service hours are 08:00 to 14:30 Athens time on weekdays, excluding holidays.
- The call can be conducted in Greek or English.
- You must show an original, valid identity card, passport or residence permit on camera.
- The call is recorded with your consent.
- The service is for adults with legal capacity who are applying for themselves.
An AADE agent checks your identity against your document and confirms your details. If verification succeeds, the AFM and authentication key are sent using the contact details given in your application.
If you book an appointment, test your camera and Microsoft Teams beforehand. Check the time difference from where you live, as the service closes at 14:30 Athens time.
The tax office appointment
If you are in Greece, you can choose an appointment through My Appointments in myAADE and take your original ID to the selected office. AADE describes this option on its AFM application page.
“Foreign property owners tend to believe that obtaining a tax number is the biggest challenge. What is difficult is preparing the right ID, having a phone number that works with the form, and knowing what to do next. The tax number opens the door, but the E9, property tax and bills keep coming every year.”
Yanis, Founder of Home Watch Athens
Using a lawyer or representative instead
If you cannot use the video-call route, a representative in Greece may be able to apply on your behalf. The authorisation required depends on how it is issued. AADE’s guidance describes options including a power of attorney or solemn declaration. Documents issued abroad may require an Apostille or consular certification and an official Greek translation.
Make sure the authorisation covers both obtaining the AFM and receiving the authentication key. The representative must also accept the role. For representative applications, AADE sends the credentials to the representative’s digital mailbox and to the applicant’s email address in an encrypted file.
Agree any representative’s or lawyer’s fees in writing before work begins. Our guide explains when you may need a power of attorney. A lawyer can advise you on the wording needed for your situation.
What you get: the AFM and the authentication key
A successful application gives you:
- An AFM: Your Greek tax number.
- An authentication key (κλειδάριθμος): Used to create your TAXISnet login and access online tax services.
AADE’s guidance describes delivery of the key by email and, in some cases, in separate parts by email and SMS. Check both the inbox and mobile number you registered. Some banks and notaries may also ask for an AFM certificate. We have not confirmed from AADE’s guidance how to obtain that certificate, so ask the organisation requesting it what document it needs.
Do you need a tax representative?
Not necessarily. Under decision Α.1069/2024, a tax representative is optional for foreign tax residents who accept electronic notifications at their declared contact details. Keep those details up to date. If you prefer someone in Greece to receive and handle tax correspondence, ask your accountant about appointing a representative.
Since 14 July 2025, non-residents have been served by a dedicated tax office within ΚΕΦΟΔΕ Αττικής, according to e-forologia.
Does an AFM make you tax resident in Greece?
No. Having an AFM does not, by itself, make you a Greek tax resident. AADE’s FAQ sets out separate tax-residency criteria. Ask an accountant to assess your own circumstances.
Next step: your TAXISnet codes
An AFM alone does not give you access to myAADE. Use your authentication key to set up your TAXISnet login. You can then access services such as your E9 declaration and ENFIA notice.
If you would rather have someone in Athens help keep track of property administration, see our local administrative representation service.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026. Procedures and service hours may change. This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm the current process with AADE and consult an accountant or lawyer about your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is an AFM?
An AFM is a Greek tax identification number. Property owners generally need one to buy property, deal with property taxes, sign utility contracts and open a Greek bank account.
Can I get an AFM without going to Greece?
Yes. You can apply through myAADE and verify your identity by myAADElive video call. An appropriately authorised representative is another option.
How long does it take?
The identity check by video call can be completed in one session if your application and documents are in order. The representative route may take several working days, depending on the authorisation and appointments needed.
Does having an AFM make me a Greek tax resident?
No. Tax residency is determined by separate criteria. Having an AFM alone does not establish Greek tax residency.