Greece’s value-added tax (VAT) system has a few characteristics that are helpful for businesses to understand, particularly around registration thresholds and how different rates apply. Registration requirements kick in earlier than many businesses expect, especially for cross-border sellers. Greece’s 24% standard VAT rate is higher than the EU average of 21.6%, and rules for reduced rates are limited to defined goods and services.

Below, we’ll cover what companies operating in or selling into Greece need to know about the Greece VAT rate.

What’s in this article?

• What is the Greece VAT rate?
  
• What are the different VAT rates in Greece?
  
• Who needs to register for VAT in Greece?
  
• When is VAT registration required for non-Greek businesses?
  
• What is a Greece VAT number, and why do businesses need one?
  
• How does Greece VAT compliance work for businesses?
  
• How do VAT refunds work in Greece?
  
• How Stripe Tax can help
  

What is the Greece VAT rate?

The standard VAT rate in Greece is 24%. This is the default rate that applies to most goods and services sold in the country. If a product or service doesn’t clearly fall into a reduced or zero-rated category under Greek law, 24% is the VAT rate to assume.

What are the different VAT rates in Greece?

Greece applies VAT based on what’s being sold and, in some cases, where the transaction takes place.

Here are the major VAT rate categories.

24% standard rate

This is the default VAT rate. It applies to most goods and services, including retail products, professional services, electronics, clothing, and general commercial activity. If a product or service isn’t explicitly listed under a reduced or zero rate, Greek tax authorities expect 24% to be charged.

13% reduced rate

This 13% rate covers many everyday needs and high-volume consumer services. It applies to most food and nonalcoholic beverages, restaurant and catering services, hotel accommodation, and cinema tickets.

6% super-reduced rate

Greece has a super-reduced VAT rate of 6% for socially and culturally essential goods. This includes certain pharmaceuticals, medical devices, books, newspapers, magazines, and music.

0% (or zero) rate

Zero-rated supplies are taxable transactions charged at 0%. VAT isn’t collected, but input VAT can still be recovered by the seller. This mainly applies to exports of goods and services to non-EU countries, exports to VAT-registered businesses established in other EU member states, and qualifying international transport.

VAT exemptions

Some supplies fall outside the VAT system entirely, which means no VAT is charged and input VAT generally can’t be reclaimed. Common VAT-exempt sectors in Greece include healthcare services, education, financial and insurance services, and most residential real estate transactions.

Reduced island rates

Certain Aegean islands—such as Leros, Lesbos, Kos, Samos, and Chios—qualify for VAT rates lower than mainland Greece to support local economies. On these islands, the standard rate drops from 24% to 17%, the reduced rate from 13% to 9%, and the super-reduced rate from 6% to 4%. Alcohol and tobacco are excluded from this VAT relief.

Who needs to register for VAT in Greece?

Greece does not have a minimum VAT registration threshold for standard domestic businesses. That means companies or sole traders based in Greece that sell goods or services subject to VAT must register before or as soon as their activities begin.

There is a small business exemption that Greek businesses with annual turnover below €10,000 can opt into, which allows them to operate without charging VAT. Choosing this exemption means VAT cannot be reclaimed on business expenses, which makes it less attractive for many growing or B2B-focused companies. Some businesses choose to voluntarily register for VAT even if they qualify for the small business exemption. This is common when customers expect VAT invoices or when reclaiming input VAT is financially important.

Companies with activities that fall entirely under VAT-exempt categories, such as certain education, healthcare, or financial services, generally do not need to register for VAT.

When is VAT registration required for non-Greek businesses?

If a non-Greek company creates a VAT obligation in Greece, registration is required immediately.

Non-Greek businesses are subject to VAT registration in these situations:

• Importing goods into Greece: Bringing goods into Greece for onward sale means VAT is due at import and businesses must have a Greek VAT number to clear customs and account for tax correctly.

• Holding or selling stock in Greece: Storing inventory in a Greek warehouse, fulfillment center, or logistics hub creates a local VAT presence. Registration is usually required even before a business’s first sale.

• Selling goods or digital services to Greek consumers: EU-based businesses selling goods or supplying digital services to private individuals must charge Greek VAT once their total EU-wide B2C sales exceed €10,000 in a calendar year. Businesses can either register for VAT in Greece or use the EU One Stop Shop (OSS) to report and remit VAT across member states through a single registration.

• Providing services in Greece: Services tied to a physical location in Greece, such as events, accommodation, catering, and property-related services, require VAT registration, even if the provider is based abroad.

Many cross-border B2B services fall under the reverse charge mechanism, which means the Greek customer accounts for the VAT instead. In these cases, the foreign supplier does not register in Greece.

What is a Greece VAT number, and why do businesses need one?

A Greece VAT number is the identifier that connects a business to the Greek VAT system. It’s required for charging VAT, filing returns, reclaiming input VAT, and participating in EU cross-border trade.

Greek VAT numbers use the country code “EL” followed by nine digits. The digits are the business’s Greek tax identification number, with “EL” used internationally to identify Greece. Any business making taxable supplies in Greece must use a valid VAT number on invoices and tax filings. Charging VAT without being registered is against the law.

VAT numbers must appear on B2B invoices along with the customer’s VAT number, when applicable. This is important for applying zero-rated intra-EU supplies and reverse charge rules correctly. A VAT number allows businesses to deduct VAT paid on expenses from VAT collected on sales. Without it, VAT becomes a cost rather than a recoverable tax.

Greek VAT numbers enable participation in the EU VAT system, including reporting intra-EU sales and validating business partners through EU databases.

How does Greece VAT compliance work for businesses?

Once registered, VAT compliance in Greece is ongoing and fairly structured.

Here’s what businesses need to be aware of:

• VAT return frequency: VAT-registered businesses typically file VAT returns monthly. This is most common for newly registered companies, foreign businesses, and those with more complex activities. Businesses with simplified accounting can file quarterly.

• Filing and payment deadlines: VAT returns and payments are due by the last working day of the month following the reporting period. Filing and payment happen together, which means missed deadlines quickly turn into penalties and interest.

• Electronic filing requirements: VAT returns must be submitted electronically through myAADE, the Greek tax authority’s online system. Nil returns, or zero returns, are still required when there’s no activity for a period.

• Invoicing rules: VAT invoices must include VAT numbers for both parties in B2B transactions, invoice dates and numbers, descriptions of goods or services, applicable VAT rates, and VAT amounts. Invoices can be issued in English.

• Recordkeeping obligations: Businesses must retain VAT records, including invoices and filings, for at least five years. Greece also requires transaction data to be reported through the myDATA platform, its digital bookkeeping system.

Businesses engaged in EU cross-border trade might need to submit EC Sales Lists and Intrastat declarations when thresholds are exceeded. These reports are separate from VAT returns but closely linked to them.

How do VAT refunds work in Greece?

VAT refunds come into play when the VAT a business has paid on business expenses is higher than the VAT it charged to customers. This often happens when businesses make zero-rated supplies, such as exports, or when they incur large upfront costs. Businesses can either carry the VAT credit forward to offset future VAT liabilities or formally request a cash refund. Carrying forward is automatic, while refunds must be explicitly requested.

Refunds are claimed directly through the VAT return by selecting the refund option and stating the reason. Supporting documentation could be requested, especially for larger claims. Greek tax authorities generally process VAT refunds within 90 days. Delays are possible if additional checks or audits are deemed necessary.

EU-based companies can reclaim Greek VAT through the EU VAT refund system via their home tax authority. Non-EU businesses can only claim refunds if their home country has a reciprocity agreement with Greece.

How Stripe Tax can help

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Stripe Tax can help you:

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