Tax Exile Guide for Crypto: Greece
Complete step-by-step procedure to transfer your tax residence to Greece. Crypto tax rate: 15%.
Overview
Crypto tax rate
15%
Crypto-friendly score
★★★☆☆
Cost of living
Moderate
Banking ease
Moderate
Regulation
Neutral
Preparation time
2-4 months
Step 1: Preparation for Departure
A tax relocation to Greece requires 2-4 months of preparation. Here are the essential steps before leaving.
Check your passport validity (minimum 6 months)
Gather all financial documents (bank statements, crypto history)
Notify your tax authority of your planned departure
Obtain an AFM (Greek tax number)
Take out international health insurance
Prepare to open a local bank account
Step 2: Exit Tax
Some countries apply an exit tax on unrealised capital gains. Check whether your country of origin is affected.
✅ Good news: Greece does not apply an exit tax upon entry.
Greece does not apply a specific exit tax on crypto. The country offers an attractive regime for new foreign residents with a lump-sum tax.
⚠️ Warning: your country of origin may apply an exit tax. Consult a tax adviser.
Step 3: Visa & Residence
For all detailed information on visas and residence permits for Greece, visit our specialist partner.
View visa options for Greece
eVisa-Card.com — Your partner for visa procedures
Step 4: Banking & Finance
Opening a bank account in Greece is a crucial step. Here are the recommended banks and the procedure.
Recommended banks
- 🏦 Alpha Bank
- 🏦 Eurobank
- 🏦 National Bank of Greece
- 🏦 Piraeus Bank
Required documents
- 📄 Valid passport
- 📄 AFM document (Greek tax number)
- 📄 Proof of local address
- 📄 Residence permit
Account opening time : 1-3 weeks
National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank and Piraeus Bank are the main banks. Account opening requires an AFM (Greek tax number). Greek banks have modernised since the financial crisis.
Step 5: Transferring Your Cryptocurrencies
Transferring your crypto assets to Greece requires compliance with local regulations. Here is the procedure.
Exchanges available in Greece
Regulator : HCMC (Hellenic Capital Market Commission)
Transfer steps
Verify that your exchange is authorised in the destination country
Check HCMC (Hellenic Capital Market Commission, Greece) compliance
Transfer via an EU-regulated exchange (MiCA)
Keep a complete record of all transfers (dates, amounts, wallets)
The HCMC (Hellenic Capital Market Commission) supervises crypto. The European MiCA framework applies. EU exchanges are accessible. Crypto capital gains are taxed at 15% after one year of holding.
Step 6: Settlement & Daily Life
Settling in Greece: what you need to know for your daily life.
Greece offers an exceptional Mediterranean lifestyle. Athens is a dynamic city with a moderate cost of living. The islands attract many expatriates. The investment residency programme and the tax regime for foreign retirees are very attractive.
Step 7: Tax Compliance in Greece
Your tax obligations in Greece after settling.
Filing deadline
30 juin
Forms to complete
E1 (Δήλωση Φόρου Εισοδήματος)
E2 (revenus locatifs)
Obligations
Flat tax of 15% on crypto capital gains
File an annual tax return
Declare worldwide income (residents)
Non-Dom regime option available
Greece taxes crypto capital gains at 15%. A special regime for new residents allows paying a lump-sum tax of 100,000 EUR/year on foreign income for 15 years (similar to Italy). The declaration is filed via the TAXIS system.
Estimated monthly cost of living
| Studio/1-bedroom rent | 350-700 EUR/month |
| Family rent (3 bedrooms) | 600-1 400 EUR/month |
| Utilities (water, electricity, internet) | 80-160 EUR/month |
| Food | 250-450 EUR/month |
| Transport | 30-70 EUR/month |
| Health insurance | 60-150 EUR/month |
| Estimated monthly budget | 800 - 2 900 EUR/month |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Moderate taxation
- ✓EU member
- ✓Quality of life
- ✓Non-domiciled regime
Cons
- ✗Bureaucracy
- ✗Economic instability
Frequently Asked Questions
How are crypto taxed in Greece?▼
Crypto capital gains are taxed at 15% as investment income. The lump-sum regime for new residents (100,000 EUR/year fixed on foreign income) is a very interesting alternative.
What is the new residents tax regime?▼
Since 2020, Greece offers a lump-sum tax of 100,000 EUR/year on all foreign income for 15 years. Condition: not having been a tax resident in Greece for 7 of the previous 8 years.
Is the Greek Golden Visa interesting?▼
The Golden Visa requires a real estate investment of 250,000-500,000 EUR depending on the area. It grants a residence permit but not automatically tax residency (183 days required).
What is the cost of living in Athens?▼
Athens is affordable for Southern Europe: 1,200-2,800 EUR/month all-inclusive. An apartment costs 500-1,200 EUR/month. The islands are more expensive during tourist season.
Does Greece have a regime for retirees?▼
Yes, Greece offers a flat rate of 7% on foreign income for 15 years for retirees transferring their tax residence. This is one of the most attractive regimes in Europe.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Laws and regulations change regularly. Consult a qualified professional before making any decision regarding tax relocation.
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