Opening a Bank Account in Greece: Documents, Fees and Banks
National Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus and Alpha all ask for the same core papers. What differs is fees, apps and how they treat non-residents.
To open a bank account in Greece you usually need a passport or EU ID, a Greek AFM tax number, proof of address and proof of income or employment. The four big banks (National Bank of Greece, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank and Alpha Bank) ask for broadly the same papers. Residents can often finish in one branch visit; non-residents should expect more questions.
Most people open the account in their first or second week, after the AFM and a registered lease; our first 30 days in Athens checklist puts the steps in order. A Greek IBAN is not legally required for everything, but salaries, rent, utility direct debits and some public payments run more smoothly with one.
What documents do Greek banks ask for?
Under anti-money-laundering rules, every bank must check who you are, where you live and where your money comes from. The usual list, as of November 2026:
| Document | What counts |
|---|---|
| Identity | Passport, or national ID card for EU citizens |
| Tax number | Greek AFM; some banks also ask for your foreign tax number |
| Address | Lease registered with AADE, recent utility bill or a tax office record in your name |
| Income or activity | Employment contract, payslips, pension statement, tax return or business registration |
| Residence status | Residence permit or EU registration certificate, if you have one |
| Contact details | Mobile number (a Greek one makes app setup easier) and email |
If you do not have an AFM yet, start there: our guide to getting an AFM tax number shows the steps.
How do the big Greek banks compare?
All four have English versions of their mobile apps and websites, wide ATM networks in Athens and support for IRIS instant payments. Differences are mostly in account packages and fees, which change often.
- National Bank of Greece: the largest branch network. In 2026 an Athens court ruled against its €0.80 monthly fee on two basic accounts, after a case brought by a consumer group; ask the branch what applies to your account.
- Eurobank: reported to charge a monthly fee of around €0.60, waived for accounts that receive a salary or pension.
- Alpha Bank: reported to charge around €0.80 a month, waived on some premium packages.
- Piraeus Bank: had not made a monthly fee mandatory for all customers as of early 2026.
These fee figures come from press reports in 2026, not from the banks’ own price lists. Every bank publishes its full tariff (timologio) on its website; check it before you open an account, as of the month you apply.
Can non-residents open a Greek bank account?
Yes, but it is harder. Banks may ask a non-resident why they need a Greek account, ask for proof of a link to Greece (a property purchase, a job offer, a golden visa file) and take longer to approve. Golden visa buyers usually need a Greek account because the property payment must go through the Greek banking system.
Some banks let you start the process online with video identification, then finish in a branch. Others require a visit from the start. Bring originals and copies of everything. Joint accounts need both holders present with their own documents, and each holder needs an AFM.
What is IRIS and do you need it?
IRIS is the Greek instant payment system run by the banks’ shared network. It moves money between Greek accounts in seconds using a mobile number or IBAN, and many shops, landlords and tradespeople now accept it. Daily limits for person-to-person transfers were raised in 2026, with press reports giving €1,000 a day; check the limit in your bank’s app.
IRIS works only between Greek banks that take part, so a Revolut or Wise account cannot use it in the same way.
When is Revolut or Wise enough?
An EU-issued IBAN from Wise, Revolut or another bank works for many things. Under EU rules (the SEPA regulation), Greek employers and utilities should accept any euro IBAN from the SEPA area. In practice, a Greek account still helps when:
- an employer’s payroll system only pays Greek banks, despite the rule;
- a landlord wants rent through IRIS or a local transfer;
- you buy property or need a Greek bank’s loan or guarantee;
- a public body or utility asks for a Greek bank direct debit.
Many newcomers keep both: an EU fintech account for travel and foreign income, and a Greek account for rent and bills. Set up your utility contracts after the account is open, since direct debits are the easiest way to pay them.
Bottom line
Ask the bank for its list in writing before your visit, since branches sometimes add documents (such as a tax residence certificate) that are easy to bring once and slow to fetch later. Choose the bank your employer pays into if fees are waived for salary accounts.
FAQ
Can I open a Greek bank account without an AFM?
Generally no. Banks need the AFM for tax reporting. Get it first at a tax office or through AADE.
How long does it take to open an account?
For a resident with all documents, often the same day or within a few days. Non-resident files can take longer because of extra checks.
Do Greek banks charge for ATM withdrawals?
Greek rules cut many bank fees from August 2025, including charges on cash withdrawals. Any fee that still applies, for example at an independent ATM operator, is shown on screen before you confirm; your bank’s tariff lists the rest.
