Yes, but you need a residence permit or proof of Greek address

Foreigners can open a bank account in Greece, but the requirements depend on your legal status. If you have a residence permit, an employment contract, or proof of a Greek address, most banks will open an account for you. If you are a tourist with only a passport, some banks will still open an account, but fewer options exist and the process takes longer.

The key difference is whether you can prove you actually live in Greece or have a legitimate reason to be there long-term. Banks treat these two situations very differently because Greek banking law requires them to verify your identity and your reason for opening the account. A tourist account is possible but limited; a resident account is straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport and proof of address in Greece — either a residence permit, an employment contract, or a rental agreement with your name on it.
  • Most major Greek banks (Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank) will open accounts for non-residents, but require different documents than residents do.
  • Tourists can sometimes open accounts with a passport alone, but these accounts are often limited to basic services and may require a minimum deposit.
  • The process normally takes one to three weeks from the day you submit all documents, because banks must verify your identity through Greek tax authorities.
  • You will need a Greek tax identification number (AFM) to open most accounts; the bank can help you obtain one, but it adds one to two weeks to the timeline.

What documents you need as a non-resident foreigner

A valid passport is non-negotiable. Beyond that, the bank needs proof that you have a legitimate connection to Greece. This can be a residence permit (issued by Greek immigration), an employment contract with a Greek employer, a rental agreement in your name, or a property deed if you own real estate in Greece.

If you do not have any of these, some banks will still open an account on the strength of your passport alone, but they will classify you as a tourist account holder. These accounts often come with restrictions: lower withdrawal limits, no overdraft facility, and sometimes a minimum deposit requirement. The bank may also require you to visit in person rather than opening the account remotely.

You will also need a Greek tax identification number (AFM). If you do not have one, the bank will direct you to the local tax office (Δημοτική Ενωση Φορολογουμένων) or help you obtain one through their process process. This step alone can add one to two weeks to your timeline.

Which banks accept foreign account holders and what they require

The four largest banks in Greece — Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, and Piraeus Bank — all open accounts for foreigners. Smaller regional banks and online banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise) also serve non-residents, though Wise requires you to be in a supported country and have a valid ID.

Alpha Bank and Eurobank have the most straightforward processes for non-residents. Both require a passport, proof of address, and an AFM. National Bank of Greece requires the same but sometimes asks for additional proof of income or employment. Piraeus Bank is more selective and may decline if you cannot demonstrate ongoing ties to Greece.

Online-only banks like Wise and Revolut are faster if you may have access to: they require only a passport and a valid email address, and you can open an account in minutes from your home country. However, these are not traditional banks and do not offer the full range of services (no mortgage products, no business accounts). They work well for transfers and spending, but not for long-term banking in Greece.

The step-by-step process and timeline

Start by visiting a branch of your chosen bank in person or checking their website for remote account opening options. Bring your passport, proof of address, and any employment or residence documents you have. Tell the bank representative that you are a foreigner and ask what documents they specifically need — requirements vary slightly between branches.

The bank will give you an process form (usually in Greek and English). You will fill this out with your personal details, your reason for opening the account, and your source of funds. This is a standard anti-money-laundering question; answer honestly and straightforward.

If you do not have an AFM, the bank will either direct you to the tax office or handle the process for you. If the bank handles it, expect an additional one to two weeks. If you go to the tax office yourself, you can get an AFM in one visit, but you will need to bring your passport and proof of address.

Once the bank has all documents, they submit your information to Greek tax authorities for verification. This step takes five to ten business days. You will then receive a call or email confirming that your account is open. Some banks will mail you a debit card; others will ask you to collect it in person.

What happens if you are a tourist with no residence permit

Tourist accounts are possible but come with real limitations. Most banks will open one if you have a valid passport and can show you are staying in Greece (a hotel booking or Airbnb confirmation helps). However, the account may have a daily withdrawal limit of €500 to €1,000, no overdraft facility, and no ability to set up standing orders or direct debits.

Some banks will not open a tourist account at all and will ask you to return once you have a residence permit or employment contract. If this happens, your options are limited to online banks like Wise or Revolut, which do not require proof of residence and can be opened entirely online.

Tourist accounts are meant to be temporary. If you plan to stay in Greece longer than a few months, it is worth obtaining a residence permit or signing a rental agreement so you can open a full account instead. The effort pays off because a full account gives you access to all banking services and removes the withdrawal limits.

Residence permits and how they speed up the process

If you have a Greek residence permit (issued by the immigration office), the account opening process becomes much simpler. You will still need a passport and an AFM, but the bank will treat you as a resident and will not impose the restrictions that explore to tourists. You will have full access to all account features from day one.

Residence permits are issued for different reasons: work, family reunification, self-employment, or retirement. The type of permit does not matter to the bank; what matters is that you have one. The process to obtain a permit varies by reason and can take anywhere from one month to six months, so this is not a quick fix if you are arriving soon.

If you are planning to move to Greece permanently, explore for a residence permit before you open a bank account will save you time and frustration. However, if you need a bank account when ready, open a tourist account first and upgrade it once your permit arrives.

Common reasons the bank might decline or delay your process

Banks will decline your process if your documents do not match or if your identity cannot be verified through Greek tax authorities. This usually happens because the name on your passport does not match the name on your proof of address, or because the tax office has no record of you. Ask the bank what the specific issue is and whether you can provide additional documents to resolve it.

Delays happen most often when the tax office is slow to respond or when you do not have an AFM and the bank is waiting for one to be issued. This is normal and not a sign that your process is in trouble. Call the bank after two weeks to check the status; most will give you an update.

Banks may also ask for proof of income or source of funds if the amount you plan to deposit is large or if your stated reason for opening the account is unclear. This is a regulatory requirement, not a judgment. A straightforward letter from your employer or a bank statement from your home country will usually satisfy this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Greek bank account before I arrive in the country?

Some banks allow remote account opening if you have a residence permit or employment contract. Wise and Revolut allow it with just a passport. Traditional banks like Alpha Bank and Eurobank usually require you to visit a branch in person at least once, though some branches now offer video verification. Check with your chosen bank about their remote opening policy.

Do I need a Greek tax number before I open the account?

No, but you will need one to complete the account opening. If you do not have an AFM, the bank will help you obtain one, which adds one to two weeks to the process. You can also get one yourself from the local tax office in one visit if you bring your passport and proof of address.

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account?

Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open a basic checking account. Some tourist accounts or premium accounts may require €500 to €1,000, but this varies by bank and account type. Ask the bank before you explore.

Can I open a business account as a foreigner?

Yes, but you will need additional documents: proof that your business is registered in Greece, your business tax number, and often a Greek business address. The process takes longer than a personal account. Contact the bank's business banking department directly for their specific requirements.

What if the bank asks for documents I do not have?

Ask the bank what alternatives they will accept. If you do not have an employment contract, a rental agreement or property deed will work instead. If you do not have proof of address, some banks will accept a utility bill or a letter from your employer confirming your Greek address. Be honest about what you have and ask what the bank can work with.