What happens if I inadvertently exceed 183 days?

You become a Greek tax resident retroactively, obliging you to report worldwide income and settle any back taxes due.

Greek Tax Implications for Residence Permits & Visa Holders

Q: Are family members covered under a Golden Visa taxed differently?

They share the principal applicant’s non-dom status but may increase the minimum investment or income threshold required for eligibility.

Q: Is rental income from Greek property taxable for non-residents?

Yes—any income derived from property located in Greece is subject to Greek income tax, regardless of your residency status.

Q: What steps can minimize one’s Greek tax burden?

Consider the non-dom regime if eligible, manage your physical presence strategically to stay under 183 days when possible, leverage double tax treaties, and always consult a tax professional.

Editorial Team
Jun 29
4 min read

Determining one’s tax obligations in Greece hinges on tax residency status, not solely on the type of permit or visa held. This article systematically examines the OECD-endorsed criteria and AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue) provisions that govern:

Tax Residency Criteria
Tax Rates by Residency Status
Permit-Specific Implications
Practical Scenarios
AADE Filing Requirements
Concluding Remarks

1. Tax Residency Criteria in Greece

Under both OECD guidelines and Greek national law, two principal tests establish tax residency:

Physical Presence Test
- An individual spending more than 183 days in Greece within any rolling 12-month period is deemed a tax resident as of the first day of presence OECD, Greece Tax Residency PDF.
Centre of Vital Interests Test
- An individual may be considered a Greek tax resident if their principal home, family, economic interests or social ties are located in Greece, even if physical presence does not exceed 183 days.

If a double tax treaty exists between Greece and the individual’s home country, treaty provisions may alter the application of these criteria.

2. Tax Rates by Residency Status

Once residency is determined, taxation follows progressive rates on income. The 2024 scale is identical for residents and non-residents on Greece-sourced income, but only residents are taxed on worldwide income:

Residency Status	Greece-sourced Income	Worldwide Income	Progressive Tax Rates (2024)
Tax Resident	✔️	✔️	9% – 44%
Non-Resident	✔️	❌	9% – 44%

Tax Residents must declare and pay tax on their global income. (Double taxation may be avoided if involved countries have a treaty of double taxation avoidance.)
Non-Residents are liable solely on income originating within Greece.

3. Permit-Specific Tax Implications

Different visa and permit categories carry distinct tax considerations:

A. Golden Visa Holders

Employment: Prohibited from salaried employment yet permitted to establish businesses or receive investment income.
Non-Dom Regime: Option to elect a flat tax of €100,000 per year on foreign-source income for up to 15 years; Greek-source income remains subject to standard progressive rates.
Eligibility: Minimum investment of €500,000; absence of Greek tax residency for at least seven of the past eight years; application by March 31 of the taxation year.

Comparison of Golden Visa Tax Regimes

Feature	Non-Dom Regime	Standard Regime
Tax on Foreign Income	Flat €100 000 per year (up to 15 years)	Progressive rates (9 %–44 %) on worldwide income
Tax on Greek-Sourced Income	Standard progressive rates (9 %–44 %)	Same progressive rates (9 %–44 %)
Duration	Up to 15 years	Indefinite
Eligibility	≥ €500 000 investment; no Greek residency 7/8 years; apply by March 31	183-day rule or centre of vital interests
Work & Business Rights	Cannot be employed; may own business/investment income	Full work rights under your permit
Filing & Compliance	Annual declaration of flat tax + normal E1 return	Standard E1 return on all income

B. Financially Independent Individuals (FIP) Permit

Employment: No local employment or business activity permitted.
Tax Residency: Exceeding 183 days ⇒ resident (worldwide income taxed); fewer days ⇒ non-resident (Greek income only).
Extension to Family: Spouse and minor children may be included, subject to increased income requirements.
There is a special regime for pensioners (Article 5B of the Greek Income Tax Code) who transfer their tax residence to Greece, with a flat tax rate of 7% applied to their total income earned abroad.

C. Digital Nomad Visa Holders

Employment: Remote work for a foreign employer or management of a non-Greek business.
Tax Residency: Determined by the same 183-day threshold.
Regime: No bespoke flat tax; standard progressive rates apply upon residency qualification.

D. Standard Work & Family Permits

Employment: Full rights to work in Greece.
Tax Residency: Application of the 183-day rule or centre of vital interests test.
Taxation: Worldwide for residents; Greek-only for non-residents.

4. Practical Scenarios

To illustrate:

Part-Year Resident
An individual stays 120 days in Greece without significant ties. → Non-Resident; liable only on Greek-sourced income.
Full-Year Resident
An individual remains 200 days in Greece. → Resident; obligated to declare worldwide earnings.
Golden Visa Investor
Under 183 days but elects the non-dom regime. → Flat €100,000 on foreign income + progressive tax on Greek income.

5. AADE Filing Requirements & Deadlines

Compliance with AADE procedures is mandatory:

Annual Income Tax Return (Form E1): Due by the end of June following the fiscal year.
Asset Declarations: Disclosure of real estate, vehicles, vessels, and other significant assets within Greece.
Social Security Contributions: Applicable for individuals engaged in local employment.

For detailed filing instructions, refer to AADE’s official guidance on Income Taxation for Non-Residents.

6. Concluding Remarks

Understanding Greek tax implications for various residence permits in Greece is essential for legal advisors and clients alike. Key points include:

Residency Status Is Paramount: Visa category does not override physical presence or vital-interest criteria.
Progressive Tax Rates: Identical scale for all on Greek-sourced income; worldwide scope applies solely to residents.
Golden Visa Advantages: The non-dom regime offers a predictable flat tax for high-net-worth individuals.
Strict Deadlines: Late filings incur penalties and interest.
Professional Guidance Recommended: Complex cross-border situations warrant expert consultation.

Need Expert Guidance on Greek Tax & Residency?

Our team at Expat Law specializes in international tax planning and Greek residence permits. Contact Expat Law today for a tailored consultation!

FAQs

Q1: How can one demonstrate non-resident status to AADE?

Maintain records of days spent in and out of Greece, evidence of primary ties abroad (e.g., lease agreements, dependents, bank accounts), and submit the relevant non-resident certification forms.

Q2: Are family members covered under a Golden Visa taxed differently?

They benefit from the principal applicant’s status but may increase the minimum investment or income threshold for eligibility.

Q3: What are the consequences of inadvertently exceeding 183 days?

Retrospective resident status applies, obliging global income reporting and settlement of any outstanding tax liabilities.

Q4: Is rental income from Greek property taxable for non-residents?

Yes. All income derived from property in Greece is subject to taxation, irrespective of residency.

Q5: What steps can minimize one’s Greek tax burden?

Consider the non-dom regime where eligible, manage physical presence strategically, review applicable double tax treaties, and seek specialized advice.

Sources

OECD: Greece Tax Residency PDF

AADE: Greek Income Tax Obligations