Acquisition of a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Greece for an EU-based Company – OBLIGATIONS FOR LONG-TERM LEASES
1. Obligation to obtain a TIN
Any foreign company that generates income in Greece (e.g., from renting real estate) is required to register with the Greek tax authorities and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN), in accordance with Article 36 of Law 4174/2013 (Code of Tax Procedure).
2. Required documentation
To obtain a TIN, the foreign company must submit the following documents to the Tax Office for Foreign Residents of the Tax Representative’s Residence:
- Application forms (Form D211 for the company’s registration and appointment of a tax representative)
- Articles of Association – official copy translated into Greek
- Certificate of incorporation/operation issued by the competent authority of the country of incorporation, with an official translation
- Board of Directors’ resolution regarding representation, if not stated in the Articles of Association
- Solemn declaration appointing a tax representative in Greece, with a notarized signature
- Proof of identity of the tax representative (ID card or passport)
- Proof of business establishment in Greece (e.g., lease agreement of the property)
- Power of attorney, if the procedure is carried out through a proxy
The tax representative must be a natural person with a Greek TIN, Tax resident in Greece.
FOR SHORT-TERM LEASES
1. Obligation to obtain a TIN
Any foreign company that generates income in Greece (e.g., from renting real estate) is required to establish a branch of the foreign company with the Greek tax authorities and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN), in accordance with Article 36 of Law 4174/2013 (Code of Tax Procedure).
2. Required documentation
To obtain a TIN, the foreign company must submit the following documents to the Tax Office for Foreign Residents of the Tax Representative’s Residence:
- Application forms (Form D211 for the company’s registration and appointment of a tax representative)
- Articles of Association – official copy translated into Greek
- Certificate of incorporation/operation issued by the competent authority of the country of incorporation, with an official translation
- Board of Directors’ resolution regarding representation, if not stated in the Articles of Association
- Solemn declaration appointing a tax representative in Greece, with a notarized signature
- Proof of identity of the tax representative (ID card or passport)
- Proof of business establishment in Greece (e.g., lease agreement of the property)
- Power of attorney, if the procedure is carried out through a proxy
The tax representative must be a natural person with a Greek TIN, tax resident in Greece..
3. Short-Term Rental Register
- The tax representative must declare the property on the electronic platform of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR).
- After registration, a Property Registry Number (PRN) is issued, which must be displayed in all listings (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.).
4. Tax obligations
- Corporate income tax: Net rental income is taxed at 22%. The company must submit an annual tax return in Greece through its representative.
- VAT: As of 2024, short-term rentals by legal entities are subject to VAT at 13%. The company must declare VAT commencement and keep accounting records in accordance with the Greek Accounting Standards.
- Accommodation levy: As of January 1, 2025, an accommodation levy of €8 per overnight stay applies during the April–October period.
5. Accounting and banking arrangements
- Collaboration with a local accountant for bookkeeping, VAT returns, and issuance of invoices.
- Optional: Opening of a Greek bank account to facilitate rent collections.
6. Timeline
- Issuance of TIN: 5–10 business days
- Registration of the property in the register: immediately after issuance of the TIN
- VAT commencement: 1–2 business days
- Full operational readiness: approximately 2 weeks
