Greece · Country topic

Non resident business accounts in Greece

By Morten Andersen, cofounder of Business Bank Index
Reviewed by Fredrik Filipsson · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Snapshot

A non resident can open a business account in Greece, but it usually requires a Greek registered entity, a Greek tax number known as the AFM, and anti money laundering checks, as of 18 April 2026. Traditional banks such as National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank and Alpha Bank often expect an in person visit for applicants without a residence permit, while some neobanks such as Wise Business and Revolut Business can onboard eligible businesses remotely.

Can a non resident open
Yes in principle, usually through a Greek registered entity with an AFM tax number and anti money laundering checks. Verify eligibility with the provider.
In person or remote
Traditional banks often require a branch visit for applicants without a residence permit. Some neobanks onboard eligible businesses online, as of 18 April 2026.
Tax number needed
An AFM is generally required and can be issued to non residents through AADE, in person or by an authorised representative under power of attorney.
Providers to consider
Greek banks plus neobanks that serve Greece
Fees and features as of 18 April 2026Last reviewed 18 April 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

A non resident who runs a business can usually open a Greek account once the business is set up and identity and source of funds are verified. The common path is to register the entity with the General Commercial Registry, known as GEMI, obtain an AFM tax number from AADE, then apply to a bank with passport, proof of address and company documents. Traditional Greek banks tend to ask applicants without a residence permit to apply in person, while neobanks such as Wise Business and Revolut Business may complete onboarding online for businesses that meet their eligibility rules. Availability and conditions vary, so confirm with the provider before applying. Positions are shown as of 18 April 2026.

Who counts as a non resident and what it means here

On this page a non resident means a business owner who does not live in Greece or does not hold a Greek residence permit, but who wants a business account tied to activity in Greece or the euro area. The account itself is usually opened in the name of a registered business rather than the individual. Whether you can open one depends on the legal form of the business, the documents you can supply, and the provider rules on remote applicants. Where a position is unclear, treat it as unclear and verify with the provider before applying.

The usual route through a Greek entity

Most non residents open a Greek business account by first having a Greek registered entity, for example a private company or a single member company, recorded with GEMI, and by holding an AFM tax number. An AFM can be issued to non residents through AADE, and the application can be made in person, by a legal representative, or by an authorised third party acting under a power of attorney. Once the entity and the AFM are in place, the bank runs identity and anti money laundering checks before opening the account.

Banks and neobanks compared for non residents

Traditional Greek banks such as National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank and Alpha Bank can serve non resident owned businesses, but applicants without a residence permit are often asked to apply at a branch and to provide more detailed documentation. Neobanks take a different approach. Wise Business is an electronic money institution that holds many currencies and can onboard eligible businesses online, and Revolut Business operates across the European market and also onboards online. N26 focuses on self employed people and sole traders rather than registered legal entities, so a company may not be eligible. Exact eligibility for a non resident owned business was not confirmed for each provider here, so treat provider acceptance as unclear and verify before applying, all as of 18 April 2026.

What a non resident should check before applying

These points decide whether an application is likely to succeed, and they vary by provider. Verify with the provider

  • Whether the provider accepts an owner or director who is not resident in Greece, and whether an in person visit is required. Traditional banks often expect a branch visit for applicants without a residence permit, as of 18 April 2026.
  • Whether you hold a Greek registered entity and an AFM tax number. An AFM can be issued to non residents through AADE, in person or by an authorised representative under power of attorney.
  • What anti money laundering documents are needed, such as passport, proof of address and source of funds. Requirements differ by provider, so confirm the current list before you apply.

How a non resident can open a business account in Greece

  1. Register the business with GEMI and obtain an AFM tax number from AADE, in person or through an authorised representative under power of attorney.
  2. Gather identity and company documents, proof of address, and source of funds evidence, then confirm with your chosen provider whether a remote application is possible or a branch visit is needed.
  3. Apply to the provider, complete the anti money laundering checks, and verify the current fees and any non resident conditions with the provider before the account is opened.

Compare business accounts available in Greece

These providers accept business customers in Greece. Fees and eligibility shown as of 18 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about non resident business accounts in Greece

Can a non resident open a business account in Greece?
Yes in principle. A non resident can usually open a Greek business account through a Greek registered entity that holds an AFM tax number, after passing identity and anti money laundering checks. Traditional banks often ask applicants without a residence permit to apply in person, while some neobanks onboard eligible businesses online. Acceptance and conditions vary, so verify with the provider as of 18 April 2026. This is general information, not advice.
Do I need a Greek tax number to open the account?
Generally yes. An AFM tax number is normally required, and it can be issued to non residents through AADE. The application can be made in person, through a legal representative, or by an authorised third party under a power of attorney. Confirm the current process with AADE or your representative before you apply.
Can a non resident open a Greek account fully online?
Sometimes. Some neobanks such as Wise Business and Revolut Business can onboard eligible businesses online, while traditional Greek banks often require a branch visit for applicants without a residence permit. Whether a fully online application is available depends on the provider and the business type, so verify before applying, as of 18 April 2026.
What documents does a non resident need?
Commonly a passport, proof of address, the AFM tax number, company registration documents, and evidence of the source of funds. The exact list varies by provider and by business type, and anti money laundering checks can ask for more. Confirm the current requirements with the provider before applying.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 18 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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