Updated 28 September 2026: Alpha Bank has extended its remote onboarding service to residents of the US, UK and Israel, so you can now open an account by video call without travelling to Greece.
You can own an apartment in Athens for years without a Greek bank account. Then a supplier will not accept your foreign IBAN for a direct debit, or you need to receive a tax refund, and you discover how many small tasks are easier by having a Greek bank account.
A bank account can help you manage payments, but someone still has to notice the bill or the message from the building administrator. Home Watch Athens gives overseas owners one point of contact in Athens for monthly home checks and mail collection. Bill payment is available as a separately quoted member service.
Here is what you can do without a Greek bank account, what having one makes easier, and which banks offer a route to opening one from abroad. For owners in the US, UK and Israel, that route just got much simpler: Alpha Bank now handles the whole process online, with no branch visit needed.
Do you actually need a Greek bank account?
No. You can own and manage a property in Greece without one. For example:
- Utility bills: You can pay PPC and EYDAP bills online. Our guide to paying Greek utility bills from abroad covers cards and other payment methods.
- ENFIA property tax: You can pay by transfer from a foreign bank using the payment code on your notice. See our guide to paying ENFIA from abroad.
A Greek account becomes useful when a payment method depends on one:
- Direct debits: Some billers offer them only through participating Greek banks.
- IRIS: This instant payment system requires an account with a participating Greek bank.
- Standing orders: Some insurers and utilities may decline a foreign IBAN.
- Tax refunds: Check which IBAN AADE will accept for your refund. A Greek IBAN may make this simpler, as discussed by Growth Business.
What a Greek account makes easier
- Direct debits for bills: Once set up, they reduce the chance of missing a payment, provided you keep enough money in the account and check that payments go through.
- IRIS payments: You can make instant payments through a participating bank’s app. NBG says IRIS is free for individuals. Piraeus lists limits of €1,000 a day and €5,000 a month. Check your bank’s current limits.
- ENFIA payments: Pay through your bank’s online service with the payment code, or use IRIS where available in myAADE.
- Refunds: The myAADEapp lets you update the IBAN registered for tax refunds.
Can non-residents open one? The right to a basic account
EU rules give people legally resident in the EU a right to apply for a basic payment account. Under Greek law 4465/2017, article 16, this right applies regardless of where within the EU the applicant lives.
The bank must make a decision within ten working days of receiving a complete application. If it refuses, it must generally give the reasons and explain how to complain. An application can be refused in circumstances covered by the law, including anti-money-laundering requirements or where the applicant already holds a basic payment account in Greece.
That right does not automatically extend to someone who lives outside the EU. In all cases, banks carry out identity and other checks, and their procedures differ. If your application is refused and you believe you have a right to an account, seek advice from a lawyer.
Opening remotely: which banks allow it?
| Bank | Remote opening for non-residents | How to proceed | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Bank | Yes, for residents of the US, UK, Israel, Germany or Cyprus, subject to its eligibility conditions | Fill in the remote onboarding form; an advisor then guides you to a video call | Passport, tax and income proof, and proof of address and occupation. The exact list depends on your country |
| Eurobank | Available to eligible applicants | Apply through the Eurobank Mobile App and complete a short video call | Passport or ID, latest income tax return, proof of employment or income, and proof of address |
| Piraeus | Its standard digital onboarding has specific Greek citizenship, ID and residency conditions; it refers Greeks abroad to a separate service | Ask the bank which route applies to you | Ask the bank |
| NBG | Its online account-opening information concerns customers who already have digital banking access; it does not establish whether a new non-resident can open remotely | Ask the bank | Ask the bank |
Alpha Bank announced the expansion to the US, UK and Israel at the end of September 2026, as reported by Greek Reporter — the first time the service has reached outside Europe. It already worked for residents of Germany and Cyprus, and Alpha plans to add more countries gradually. You submit the online form, an international advisor confirms which documents you need, and you complete identity verification on a video call of about 30 minutes, available 07:30 to 23:30 Greek time. Alpha says the account, e-banking access and debit card are then ready within about two business days.
Eurobank’s remote onboarding page sets out eligibility conditions, including age, residency and accepted identity documents. Eligible applicants upload documents in the app, complete a video call, set up their login and answer questions about their financial profile. Eurobank says an approval response can arrive by SMS within 15 minutes to two days, after which it posts the debit card.
The other banks’ published information leaves some questions unanswered for non-residents. Check the current requirements directly with Piraeus or the bank you intend to use before preparing an application.
Documents you’ll usually need
Requirements vary by bank, but the typical list includes:
- A valid passport or identity card
- A Greek tax number (AFM). Our guide explains how to get an AFM from abroad.
- Your latest income tax return from your country of tax residence
- Proof of employment or income, such as an employer’s certificate or recent payslip. If you are retired or self-employed, ask the bank which alternative documents it accepts.
- Proof of address, such as a recent utility or mobile phone bill
- Your foreign tax identification number
Make sure the documents are complete and legible. Eurobank’s instructions say not to upload screenshots.
Fees
A basic account may be free, while optional service packages can have monthly charges. A March 2026 report by Crisis Monitor lists these package prices:
- NBG: €0.80 a month
- Eurobank: €0.60 a month, with exemptions for some customers
- Alpha Bank: €0.80 a month, with some exemptions
- Piraeus: Tiered packages
Ask about debit-card fees and incoming and outgoing international transfers as well. Those costs may not be included in a monthly package price.
“Owners abroad usually do not need a Greek bank account on the day they buy their property. They discover they need one when a direct debit is refused or a refund is difficult to receive. It is easier to look into it before a bill becomes urgent. Once the account is open, you still need to keep an eye on its balance and on any failed payments.”
Yanis, Founder of Home Watch Athens
Alternatives: foreign IBANs, Wise and Revolut
Foreign IBANs: EU rules prohibit certain forms of IBAN discrimination. The Bank of Greece explains that refusing an eligible IBAN solely because it is from another EU country can breach those rules and provides information on complaints. In practice, you may still encounter a Greek biller whose system does not readily accept a foreign IBAN for a direct debit.
Wise: Some customers have a Belgian IBAN that can be used for SEPA transfers. Whether it works for a particular Greek direct debit or refund depends on the organisation receiving the details, so check before relying on it.
Revolut: The Bank of Greece approved a Greek branch in July 2026, and Revolut announced plans to issue Greek IBANs, according to Skai. We found no confirmation that Greek IBANs had launched as of September 2026. Check the IBAN shown in your own Revolut account rather than assuming it is Greek.
Setting it up for the property: bills, ENFIA and common charges
Once your account is open:
- Set up e-bills and any direct debits you want for electricity, water and gas.
- Pay ENFIA through web banking using the payment code on your notice, or use an available IRIS option.
- Register the IBAN in myAADE if you want to use it for tax refunds. Our TAXISnet and myAADE login guide explains how to access the portal.
- Ask your building administrator how common charges are collected. If they provide bank details, you can arrange a transfer.
- Keep sufficient funds in the account and check for failed payments.
- Check the bank’s mobile-number requirements for its app and one-time security codes.
If you want another person to operate the account on your behalf, read our guide to whether you need a power of attorney and ask a lawyer what the bank will require. For help keeping track of property-related administration, see our administrative representation service.
Bank eligibility rules, products and fees can change, and Alpha Bank’s expansion to the US, UK and Israel was announced only at the end of September 2026. This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Confirm the current terms with each bank.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident open a Greek bank account?
Yes, subject to the bank’s eligibility and identity checks. You will usually need an AFM, identity document, proof of address and proof of income. Alpha Bank lets residents of the US, UK, Israel, Germany and Cyprus open an account entirely remotely, and some eligible non-residents can apply remotely through Eurobank.
Do I need a Greek bank account to own property in Greece?
No. You can make many payments from abroad, but a Greek account can make direct debits, IRIS and some other transactions easier.
Can I use a foreign IBAN for Greek direct debits?
EU rules protect the use of eligible EU IBANs, although you may still encounter a company that refuses one in practice. Ask the biller what it accepts and refer to the Bank of Greece’s guidance if needed.
Does Revolut provide a Greek IBAN?
Revolut announced plans for Greek IBANs, but we could not confirm their availability as of September 2026. Check the IBAN displayed in your account.