If you’re looking to open a Greek bank account online, you’ve come to the right place…
In this article, we’ll share who can open, who can’t, what you’ll need to open successfully, and where you might want to consider opening instead.
If this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks you may want to get started with our free EU account opening guide on how to open a European bank account for non-residents.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to any sections that are immediately relevant to your search.
Table of Contents
- Greek Banking 101
- Who Can Open an Online Account With a Bank in Greece?
- Why Should I Open a Bank Account in Greece?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
Greek Banking 101
Greece’s banking system is no longer a symbol of safety or stability due to the result of the economic and financial turmoil that unfolded in Greece between 2001 and 2015.
Instead, banking in Greece should only be considered by individuals and companies with local banking requirements that cannot be met by international banks or banks in other EU countries.
What happened to Greece between 2001 and 2020?
- Greece joined the European Union (2001)
- Politicians loaded up on debt they couldn’t afford (2002-2004)
- Global Financial Crisis pushes borrowing rates higher (2007-2009)
- Greek government debt hits junk status (2009)
- Greece was forced to take EU bailouts (2010 & 2012)
- Overexposure to Greek debt causes Cyprus banking crisis (2012-2013)
- Greece defaults on IMF payment & receives third bailout (2015)
As you can see, this list does not include any of the human interest considerations, such as austerity cuts, unemployment rates, and the insane amount of debt per household that Greek citizens now have to endure thanks to Greek and EU politicians.
After all, this is an article about banking. And (depending on your profile) there are still reasons why you may need to open a bank account in Greece.
If you’re open to considering other alternatives, like opening a bank account in Ireland, and want to learn more about Irish bank’s guarantee deposit scheme, click our free article here to get started.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can open Greek bank accounts online now.
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Who Can Open an Online Account With a Bank in Greece?
Generally speaking, to open a Greek bank account you will need to visit a branch in person. However, there are several online account opening options available.
Unfortunately, if you are looking to open an account as a non-resident, these options will not be available to you unless you have a Greek fiscal number, an Arithmo Forologiko Mitro (AFM).
Your AFM is essentially a Greek tax identification number that all banks require in order to open a bank account. This includes opening bank accounts in person or remotely.
That said, if you’re in Greece and you have a Greek residence permit, it is possible to obtain an AFM by visiting the nearest tax office to your place of residence. If you don’t have this, opening an account is going to be extremely difficult.
Why Should I Open a Bank Account in Greece?
In short, most people should not open a bank account in Greece. There are significantly better banking alternatives available elsewhere. This includes other EU countries, top offshore banking jurisdictions, and even major international jurisdictions like Singapore, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
If you would like to explore all of the available options, consider joining GlobalBanks IQ where we share international account opening strategies, remote banking options, and step-by-step instructions on how to open accounts with the best banks in the best banking hubs around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are two of the most common questions that we receive from people looking to open a Greek bank account online. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can I Open a Bank Account in Greece as a Non-Resident?
Opening a bank account in Greece as a non-resident is challenging. In most cases, banks require you to provide an Arithmo Forologiko Mitro (AFM), which is the Greek fiscal number. To obtain an AFM, you will need to present a residence permit demonstrating your ability to legal right to stay in Greece. With this in mind, other EU banking options are often better suited to non-residents, including both online and traditional banks.
Do I Need a Greek Tax Number to Open a Bank Account Remotely?
Yes, you need a Greek tax number in order to open a bank account remotely. In fact, applicants will need to provide an Arithmo Forologiko Mitro (AFM) whether they want to apply for an account online or in person.
Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
If so, you can access GlobalBanks Insider and start the process of applying for an offshore account in a few clicks.
GlobalBanks Insider is a dedicated account opening solution that involves direct support from our team and direct introductions to the banks of your choosing. It gives you instant access to the…
+ Direct support from a team of banking experts
+ Direct introductions to your desired banks
+ Answers to your most pressing questions and challenges
+ Expert insights on which banks to choose & why
+ Plus FULL access to our entire suite of account opening tools and intelligence!
And “yes!” GlobalBanks Insider is designed to help foreign and non-resident individuals and companies open bank accounts.
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