Getting an AFM and a Greek Bank Account from Israel, Step by Step
You need a Greek tax number before you can buy, and a Greek account to pay through. Here is the order, the documents and how much can be done remotely.
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The order matters
- Power of attorney (if you are not in Greece), so a lawyer can act for you.
- AFM, the Greek tax number. Nothing else can start without it.
- Greek bank account, opened with the AFM.
- Contract and payments, from your own account.
Often the whole sequence takes one to two weeks. A bank that wants to meet you in person can add a trip.
Step 1: power of attorney
Most Israeli buyers sign a power of attorney so a Greek lawyer can apply for the AFM, open accounts and sign on their behalf. It is usually signed either at the Greek consulate in Israel, or before an Israeli notary with an apostille and then translated into Greek. Ask your lawyer which form they need, and keep the scope narrow: this purchase, with an end date.
Step 2: the AFM
The AFM is issued by the Greek tax authority (AADE). It is free, and your lawyer or accountant can usually apply for it with:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of your address in Israel, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.
- The power of attorney, if someone applies for you.
Residents of countries outside the EU are generally asked to name a tax representative in Greece. In practice this is usually your lawyer or accountant. Ask what they charge for it each year.
Step 3: the bank account
The account is opened with one of the Greek banks. Expect careful checks on who you are and where the money comes from:
- Passport and AFM.
- Proof of address and of income or source of funds, such as payslips, a tax return, or a sale contract.
- The reason for the account: the property purchase, with the reservation or preliminary contract if you have one.
Some banks open accounts through a lawyer with a power of attorney; others ask to see you once in a branch. Ask before you book the trip.
Step 4: moving the money
Transfer from your Israeli account by bank transfer to your Greek account, or directly to the developer's account named in the contract. Your Israeli bank may ask for the contract to approve a large transfer abroad. Keep every confirmation. A clean money trail is required for a Golden Visa and protects you in any dispute.
Common questions
Can I get a Greek AFM without travelling to Greece?
Yes. With a power of attorney a Greek lawyer or accountant can usually apply for the AFM for you, and it is often issued within a few days.
Do I need a Greek bank account to buy property in Greece?
In practice, yes. Payments for property should be traceable bank transfers, and a Greek account makes the payments, the taxes and later the rent much simpler.
How long does it take to get an AFM and open a Greek bank account?
Often one to two weeks in total. The AFM is usually quick; the bank account depends on the bank's checks and on whether it asks to see you in person.
General information, checked against public sources in October 2026. Not legal or tax advice. Rules change and every purchase differs, so have a licensed Greek professional confirm your own position.
