Banking in Greece 2026: opening an account as a foreigner
Euro banking with an AFM tax number — recovered and increasingly digital.
Greek banks (National Bank of Greece, Alpha, Eurobank, Piraeus) open euro accounts for residents and non-residents given an AFM (tax number), ID and proof of address. The sector has recovered and digitised since the debt crisis. Greece is in SEPA; Wise and Revolut are widely used alongside a local account.
Opening a bank account in Greece
You'll need an AFM (Greek tax number), ID and proof of address. The four systemic banks — National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Eurobank and Piraeus — open accounts for residents and, more cautiously, non-residents. Online banking has improved markedly since the crisis years.
Multi-currency, crypto and moving money
Greece is in the EU and SEPA, so euro transfers are simple and Wise and Revolut are common for FX. Crypto is served by EU-regulated exchanges; banks are cautious on crypto flows. Capital controls ended years ago, but keep source-of-funds records for larger transfers.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Open as non-resident? | Yes (with an AFM) |
| Typical documents | AFM, ID, proof of address |
| Currency | EUR (SEPA); Wise/Revolut |
| Crypto | Cautious at banks |
| CRS reporting | Yes (EU / CRS) |
Where it fits in a borderless plan
Pairs with the Greek non-dom flat-tax regime and golden visa. Banking is one pillar of a borderless setup. Line it up with where you are tax-resident, your Bitcoin self-custody plan, and the rest of daily life — healthcare and schools. Compare countries in our banking-abroad guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Greece?
Yes (with an AFM). Typical documents: AFM, ID, proof of address. Requirements vary by bank and change over time, so confirm current rules before you rely on them.
Can I use Wise or Revolut and hold foreign currency in Greece?
Currency options: EUR (SEPA); Wise/Revolut. Most globally mobile people pair a local account with a multi-currency app for cheap FX. Check each provider's availability for your nationality.
Is Greece crypto-friendly for banking?
Cautious at banks. Banks and regulators treat crypto cautiously and rules move fast — verify the current position with your bank before moving funds.
Directories & official sources
Providers and rules change — these are the authoritative directories and regulators to check for current, complete listings:
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