Taxation in Greece

An overview of taxation in Greece in 2026: personal income tax of 9–44%, the favourable regimes for foreign nationals, and what Golden Visa investors need to know.

Taxation in Greece is one of the important factors any investor or individual needs to understand clearly before deciding to live or invest in the country. Greece applies a progressive tax system with personal income tax from 9% to 44%, together with several special favourable regimes for foreign nationals newly taking up residence.

Since 01/01/2026, the new tax law (Law 5246/2025) has been in force with several notable changes, comprising reduced rates in most income bands, a tax exemption for young people under 25 and new concessions for families with children.

For those considering theGreece Golden Visaprogramme or other forms of investment, understanding the tax obligations is an unavoidable step in long-term financial planning.

A detailed article onthe country of Greece.

Who has to pay tax in Greece?

Tax liability in Greece depends on each individual’s tax residency. Under the law in force, a person is treated as a Greek tax resident where they are present in the country for more than 183 days in a calendar year. In addition, even where the 183-day threshold is not reached, an individual may still be treated as a tax resident where their habitual residence, family or centre of vital interests (comprising assets, economic activity and social ties) is in Greece.

Greek tax residents must declare and pay tax on their worldwide income, including income arising outside Greek territory. Conversely, non-tax-residents pay tax only on income sourced in Greece, such as income from rented property or business activity in the country. This is an important point for foreign investors owning property through the Golden Visa — where they do not become tax residents, their tax liability is limited to Greek-source income.

The tax year in Greece matches the calendar year (01/01 to 31/12). The personal income tax return (Form E1) must be filed by 15/07 each year. Where filed early, before 30/04, and the tax paid in a single instalment before 31/07, the taxpayer receives a 4% reduction on the tax due. Filing before 15/06 and paying in a single instalment gives a 3% reduction.

Personal income tax

Personal income tax in Greece is charged on a progressive scale, meaning the higher the income the higher the rate. Since the 2026 tax year (under Law 5246/2025), the bands have been reduced from 2025.

The income band from EUR 0 to 10,000 is taxed at 9%. From EUR 10,001 to 20,000 at 20% (down from 22%). From EUR 20,001 to 30,000 at 26% (down from 28%). From EUR 30,001 to 40,000 at 34% (down from 36%). From EUR 40,001 to 60,000 (a new band) at 39%. Income above EUR 60,000 is taxed at the top rate of 44%.

In addition, taxpayers with no dependent children receive a EUR 777 reduction in the total tax due. Those with children pay lower rates in the corresponding income bands. Notably, families with 4 or more children are entirely exempt in the first 2 income bands (that is, on income up to EUR 20,000).

Young people under 25 are entirely exempt on income up to EUR 20,000. Those aged 26 to 30 pay a favourable rate of 9% in the second income band (EUR 10,001–20,000), instead of the usual 20%. This policy encourages young workers, as part of a EUR 1.6 billion tax reform package announced in September 2025.

An important requirement: to receive the tax reductions in full, taxpayers must spend at least 30% of their income through electronic means of payment (bank cards, online transfers).

Tax on property rental

Income from rented property in Greece is taxed separately, not aggregated with employment income. First, taxpayers receive an automatic deduction of 5% of gross rental income to cover maintenance costs. The remainder is taxed on its own progressive scale.

From the 2026 tax year, the property rental bands comprise 15% on income up to EUR 12,000, 25% on income from EUR 12,001 to 35,000 (a new band, replacing the old 35% rate) and 45% on income above EUR 35,000.

For short-term letting (the Airbnb model), where the owner lets at most 2 properties furnished without providing additional services, the income still counts as property income. However, where 3 or more properties are let or hotel-like services are provided, the income is classified as business income and taxed on the business scale.

This is useful information for investors owning property in Greece through theGreece Golden Visaprogramme, particularly those planning to let the property to generate passive income.

Corporate tax

Corporate income tax in Greece is charged at a flat rate of 22% on net profits. Banks pay a separate rate of 29%. Greece ranks 23rd of 38 OECD countries on the International Tax Competitiveness Index 2025, up 3 places on the previous year, showing a considerable improvement in the business tax environment.

Dividends distributed by Greek companies bear withholding tax of 5%, the lowest in the European Union. Interest is taxed at 15% and royalties at 20%. Greek companies are exempt from withholding tax on royalties received, while non-resident companies pay 20%.

Greece also applies a participation exemption rule: Greek companies selling shares in a subsidiary in the EU or a treaty country, with a holding of at least 10% for at least 24 months, are exempt from capital gains tax. In addition, the government offers incentives such as a super-deduction for research and development (R&D) costs and accelerated depreciation for green assets.

Property tax and transfer tax

Owning property in Greece gives rise to 2 main taxes: the annual property tax and the transfer tax on purchase and sale.

The annual property tax in Greece is called ENFIA (Ενιαίος Φόρος Ιδιοκτησίας Ακινήτων), applying to all property owners including foreign nationals. ENFIA has 2 components: the main tax (based on area, location, age of the building and type of property) and the supplementary tax (applying to property with an assessed value of EUR 300,000 or more).

The supplementary rate ranges from 0.1% to 1.15% depending on the value of the asset. Note that ENFIA is calculated on the objective value set by the tax authority, which is usually below the actual market price.

Property transfer tax is 3.09% of the transaction value (comprising 3% transfer tax plus a 3% surcharge for the municipal fund). This tax is paid by the buyer on completing the transaction. In addition, capital gains tax on the sale of private property (normally 15%) has been suspended until 31/12/2026, meaning that in 2026 individuals selling property pay no capital gains tax.

The favourable tax regimes for foreign nationals

Greece offers 3 special tax regimes to attract foreign individuals and investors to move their residence to the country.

The regime for high-net-worth individuals (HNWI)

Individuals newly becoming Greek tax residents may elect to pay a flat tax of EUR 100,000 a year on all foreign income, whatever the actual amount. The regime lasts for up to 15 years. The conditions comprise making a minimum investment of EUR 500,000 in Greece (property, business or government bonds) and not having been a Greek tax resident for 5 of the previous 6 years. Each accompanying family member pays a further EUR 20,000 a year.

The flat-rate regime for foreign retirees

Foreign retirees moving their tax residence to Greece pay a flat rate of 7% on all foreign pension income for up to 15 years. The conditions comprise not having been a Greek tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 years, and the previous country of tax residence having an administrative tax cooperation agreement with Greece. Applications are filed by 31/03 each year through the AADE tax authority.

The 50% relief regime for new residents

Foreign nationals, or Greeks returning home, who move their tax residence to Greece and were not tax residents in the previous 5 years, receive a 50% income tax exemption on employment or business income in Greece for 7 consecutive years. This regime is often called the Digital Nomad Incentive, although in practice it applies to a wider group than remote workers alone.

The three regimes above operate in parallel and are not mutually exclusive. However, each individual may choose only 1 of the 3, whichever best suits their financial circumstances.

Value added tax (VAT)

Value added tax (VAT) in Greece has 3 rates: the standard rate of 24% (applying to most goods and services), the reduced rate of 13% (applying to food, drink, catering, hotels and energy) and the special low rate of 6% (applying to medicines, books, newspapers and tickets for artistic performances).

The islands of the Eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese and certain others enjoy VAT reduced by 30% against the mainland, to support economic development in remote areas. This is a point worth noting for property investors on the well-known holiday islands.

Social insurance

Social insurance contributions in Greece through the Unified Social Insurance Fund (e-EFKA) are compulsory for every worker. The total contribution is 35.16% of gross pay, of which the employer pays 21.79% and the employee 13.87%. The ceiling on insurable pay is EUR 7,761.94 a month from 01/01/2026, meaning no further contributions are due on income above that.

The self-employed and those in the liberal professions do not contribute by percentage but at fixed monthly rates, starting at around EUR 220 a month depending on the income band.

Double taxation treaties

Greece has signed double taxation treaties with more than 50 countries and territories. These treaties ensure an individual’s income is not taxed in both Greece and the country of source. This is an important factor for international investors with income in several countries.

Greece applies the tax credit method, meaning tax paid in the country of source is credited directly against the tax due in Greece, avoiding double taxation of the same income. However, keeping complete tax documentation from the country of source is essential to claim the credit.

Vietnam currently has a double taxation treaty with Greece, making things easier for Vietnamese citizens with income in both countries.

Frequently asked questions about taxation in Greece