Yes, you can open a bank account in Greece, but the process and requirements depend on whether you are a resident or visiting
Non-residents can open accounts at most Greek banks, but they face stricter documentation requirements and may not have access to the full range of services a resident would get. Residents — people who live in Greece or have a Greek tax identification number — have a simpler path and can often open an account in a single visit to a branch.
The main Greek banks that accept non-resident accounts are Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, and Piraeus Bank. Smaller regional banks and online-only banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut also operate in Greece and may have fewer barriers for non-residents, though they function differently from traditional banks.
The real constraint is not whether you can open an account, but what documents the bank will ask for and how long the process takes. A non-resident typically needs more proof of identity, address, and source of funds than a resident does.
Key Takeaways
- Non-residents can open accounts at major Greek banks, but must provide a passport, proof of address from their home country, and sometimes proof of income or source of funds.
- Residents with a Greek tax ID number (AFM) have a faster process and need fewer documents — usually just an ID and proof of address in Greece.
- Online banks like Wise and Revolut operate in Greece and may process non-resident accounts faster than traditional banks, though they offer fewer in-person services.
- Most Greek banks require an in-person visit to a branch to open an account; remote opening is rare and usually only for residents.
- The account opening process typically takes one to three weeks after your visit, as banks conduct background checks and verify your documents.
What documents you need as a non-resident
A non-resident opening an account at a Greek bank will need to bring a valid passport and proof of address from their home country — usually a utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter from a government body dated within the last three months. Some banks also ask for a reference letter from your current bank in your home country, confirming you have an account in good standing.
Many banks now require proof of the source of funds you plan to deposit. This can be a letter from your employer, a tax return, or documentation of pension income. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, you may need to show business registration documents or recent invoices. The bank is not asking this to judge you; it is a legal requirement under European anti-money-laundering rules.
You will also need to provide a Greek tax identification number (AFM) if you plan to stay in Greece long-term. If you do not have one yet, the bank can sometimes help you obtain it, or you can explore through the local tax office (Δημοτική Διοίκηση) before opening the account.
The difference between opening as a resident versus a non-resident
If you have a Greek address and a tax ID number, the process is straightforward: bring your ID, proof of address in Greece (a rental contract or utility bill), and your AFM. Most banks will open the account the same day or within a few days. You can often walk out with a debit card or at least a temporary card number.
Non-residents face a longer timeline because banks conduct additional verification. After your in-person visit, the bank will send your documents to their compliance team, who check your identity against international databases and verify your address and source of funds. This process typically takes one to three weeks. You will not have access to your account until this is complete.
Residents also have access to more services. A resident can often set up online banking, request a credit card, or arrange a loan more easily than a non-resident. Non-residents may be restricted to basic checking and savings accounts, and some banks will not offer credit products to non-residents at all.
Which Greek banks accept non-residents and what they require
| Bank | Non-resident accounts | In-person visit required | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Bank | Yes | Yes | 1–3 weeks |
| Eurobank | Yes | Yes | 1–3 weeks |
| National Bank of Greece | Yes | Yes | 1–3 weeks |
| Piraeus Bank | Yes | Yes | 1–3 weeks |
| Wise | Yes | No | 1–5 business days |
| Revolut | Yes | No | Same day to 2 days |
Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, and Piraeus Bank are the four largest traditional banks in Greece. All accept non-resident accounts, but each has slightly different requirements. Call the branch you plan to visit before you go; requirements can vary by location, and some smaller branches may have different policies than the main Athens branches.
Wise and Revolut are not traditional banks but payment and money transfer platforms. They operate in Greece and can open accounts for non-residents without an in-person visit. Wise is particularly useful if you need to transfer money between countries; Revolut offers multi-currency accounts and debit cards. Neither offers the full range of services a traditional bank does — no loans, no investment accounts — but both are faster and require less documentation than traditional banks.
How to open an account step by step
For a traditional Greek bank: First, gather your documents — passport, proof of address from your home country, and proof of income or source of funds. Call or visit a branch to confirm they accept non-residents and ask which documents they specifically need; this varies by bank. Schedule an appointment if the branch requires one.
At your appointment, bring originals and photocopies of all documents. The bank will fill out an account opening form with you, verify your identity, and take your signature. They will explain the account terms, fees, and how to access online banking. You will not have when ready access to the account; the bank will contact you by phone or email once the compliance check is complete, usually within one to three weeks.
For Wise or Revolut: read the app, enter your email and passport details, and verify your identity using a photo of your passport. Upload proof of address and source of funds if prompted. The account opens within hours or a few days. You can order a physical debit card, which arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Fees and ongoing requirements
Greek banks charge monthly maintenance fees ranging from zero to around 10 euros per month, depending on the account type and the bank. Some banks waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposits. Debit card fees are usually separate — typically 10 to 20 euros per year, or free with certain account packages.
Once your account is open, you must keep your address and contact information current. If you move, notify the bank in writing or through online banking. Greek banks are required to report accounts held by non-residents to tax authorities in the account holder's home country under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), so the bank may ask you to confirm your tax residency status periodically.
If you plan to stay in Greece longer than a few months, consider obtaining a Greek tax ID number (AFM) and registering as a resident. This simplifies banking and may reduce fees. You can explore for an AFM at the local tax office (Δημοτική Διοίκηση) with your passport and proof of address in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Greek bank account online without visiting in person?
Traditional Greek banks require an in-person visit. Online-only platforms like Wise and Revolut allow remote opening and are faster, but they are not full banks — they do not offer loans or investment accounts. If you need a traditional bank account, you must visit a branch.
What if I do not have a Greek address yet?
Use your home country address as your proof of address. The bank will accept a utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter from your home country dated within the last three months. Once you move to Greece, update your address with the bank in writing.
How long does it take to get a debit card?
Traditional banks usually issue a debit card within one to three weeks of account opening, once your compliance check is complete. Wise and Revolut can issue a virtual card when ready and mail a physical card within one to two weeks.
Do I need a Greek tax ID to open an account?
No, but many banks ask for one or help you obtain one during the account opening process. If you do not have one, you can explore at the local tax office before or after opening your account. Having an AFM speeds up the process and may reduce fees.
Will my home country tax authorities know about my Greek bank account?
Yes. Greek banks report non-resident accounts to tax authorities in the account holder's home country under the Common Reporting Standard. This is automatic and legal; you do not need to do anything, but you should report the account on your home country tax return if required.