What taxes do expats pay in Greece?
Taxes in Greece will affect every paycheck you earn. Here's a clear breakdown of what expats actually pay in 2026.
Tax System Overview
| Tax Component | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Tax System Type | Progressive |
| Top Personal Income Tax Rate | 44% |
| Effective Rate on €90,000 | 30.7% |
| Net Monthly on €90,000 Gross | €4,620 |
| VAT (Standard Rate) | 24.0% |
| Special Expat Regime | Yes — unverified. Requires legal source verification |
| Tax Revenue (% of GDP) | 25.3% |
Income Tax in Greece
Greece operates a progressive income tax system, meaning higher earners pay a higher percentage on their income above certain thresholds. The top marginal rate is 44%.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
On a gross annual salary of €90,000, you would pay an effective tax rate of approximately 30.7%, resulting in a net monthly income of approximately €4,620. This accounts for income tax and mandatory social contributions.
For context, the average monthly salary in Greece is approximately €1,542.
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VAT (Value Added Tax)
The standard VAT rate in Greece is 24.0%. VAT is included in consumer prices and applies to most goods and services. Reduced rates typically apply to:
- Basic food items and groceries
- Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals
- Books and educational materials
- Public transport (in some cases)
Special Tax Regimes for Expats
Yes — unverified. Requires legal source verification
If eligible, these regimes can provide substantial savings during your initial years in Greece. Always verify current requirements with a qualified tax professional, as rules change frequently.
Tax Filing Requirements
As a tax resident of Greece, you are generally required to:
- Register with tax authorities upon establishing residence
- Obtain a tax identification number
- File an annual tax return (deadlines vary)
- Declare worldwide income if you are a tax resident
- Report foreign bank accounts if applicable
Double Taxation
Greece has double taxation agreements (DTAs) with numerous countries. These treaties determine which country has the right to tax specific types of income and help prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income. Before moving, check whether a DTA exists between Greece and your home country.
Tax Tips for Expats
- Hire a local tax adviser familiar with expat situations during your first year
- Keep records of all income, deductions, and tax payments from day one
- Understand residency rules: most countries consider you a tax resident after 183 days
- Check for exit tax: some countries impose tax on unrealised gains when you leave
- Social security contributions are often separate from income tax and can add 10-20% to your total burden
Additional Practical Information
The following information is compiled from expat community sources and recent reports to complement the official data above.
Key Institutions and Services
Based on current expat reports, the following organisations and services are relevant for newcomers to Greece:
- Greek Tax Authority
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Greece:
- Even if you have no taxable income, you still need to file a tax return if you own a car (a motorcycle, a boat, or an aircraft), property, you are a partner in a limited liability company, you're buying or constructing a building, earning income by letting property or land or own a swimming pool that's bigger than 25m² (you must declare an income of at least 11,600 euros for an outdoor pool and 17,400 euros for an indoor one).
Tax Registration Process
Expat sources describe the following steps for Greece:
- income from salaried work and pensions
- Income from business activity.
- Οφειλές εκτός ρύθμισης και πληρωμή,which means that tax that is not included in the settlement
- Οφειλές σε ρύθμιση και πληρωμή fortax that is in the settlement.
- Individuals and businesses are obligated to pay taxes in Greece. Whether you are a resident or non-resident, you still must pay taxes in Greece. There are taxes on income, property – both moveable and immovable, capital gains, gifts, inheritance, interest, etc.
- You must have received a tax statement or note from the Greek Tax Authorities (AADE) to pay your taxes in Greece. On the statement, there is a number which is the payment ID; it is 30 digit number. In Greek, it is known as taftotita ofilis or Ταυτότητα οφειλής (TO), with the literal meaning being tax identity because the number is specific to the tax being paid.
- Important:
- Unless you have an accountant in Greece working on this for you, you must be able to understand the form in Greek.
- Below are listed a few terms that might be listed on your tax payment note or payment ID so you make sense of it:
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income tax rate in Greece?
Greece uses a progressive tax system. The top personal income tax rate is 44%. On a gross income of €90,000, the effective tax rate is approximately 30.7%, leaving a net monthly income of approximately €4,620.
Do I pay tax on worldwide income in Greece?
If you are a tax resident of Greece (usually 183+ days per year), you are generally taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents are only taxed on income sourced within Greece. Some special regimes may offer Territorial taxation taxation for the initial years.
Are there special tax regimes for expats in Greece?
Yes — unverified. Requires legal source verification. Special tax regimes can significantly reduce your tax burden during the initial years of relocation. Consult a local tax adviser to determine your eligibility.
What social security contributions do expats pay in Greece?
Social security contributions in Greece are typically mandatory for employed residents and cover healthcare, pensions, and unemployment insurance. Combined employer-employee rates vary from 15-45% of gross salary depending on the country. These are separate from income tax.
How are investment gains taxed in Greece?
Capital gains tax in Greece varies by asset type and holding period. Short-term gains are often taxed at your marginal income tax rate, while long-term gains may benefit from reduced rates. Check local rules for shares, property, and cryptocurrency.
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