. Requirements for Opening a Greek Bank Account
- Obtain a Greek Tax ID (AFM) The AFM is mandatory for both residents and non-residents and is issued by the Greek tax authorities.
- Essential Documents Banks generally require:
- Valid passport (or EU ID)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease)
- Proof of income or salary details
- Tax return or bank statement from your home country
- Possible additional documents: bank references or personal use statements
- Application & Verification
- Non-residents must apply in-branch.
- Residents may open accounts online if they have AFM (e.g., NBG allows up to 6 online accounts)
- Expect 1-week review timeline, complete with KYC and AML checks.
- Local Banking Drawbacks Greek ATMs typically charge €2–€3.75 for non-network withdrawals. IDs and documents often need translation or notarization. Deposit insurance is up to €100,000.
- Recommended Options Major banks include Piraeus, Alpha, National Bank of Greece, and Eurobank—all with English services and broad accessibility.
2. DogPay: A Smart, Low-Friction Global Alternative
For hassle-free access and modern flexibility, DogPay offers:
- Global onboarding—no AFM or complex documentation required
- Supports fiat and crypto—manage currencies all in one place
- Virtual card support—works with Apple Pay & Google Pay worldwide
- 180+ country availability, bypassing the need for local accounts
- Transparent, minimal fees—fair exchange rates, no hidden costs
- Full online access—immediate functionality, no branch visits needed
3. Comparison Table
| Feature | Greek Local Bank Account | DogPay Payment Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Tax ID Requirement (AFM) | Required | Not required |
| Document & Setup Effort | Many documents, possible notarization | Easy online registration |
| Processing Time | ~1-week for approval | Instant activation |
| Cross-Border Functionality | Costly and cumbersome | Seamlessly manages multiple currencies |
| Fees & Transparency | ATM and international transfer fees apply | Very low, with clear pricing |
| Best For | Permanent relocation or official needs | Digital nomads, expats, global users |
