What is the Greece 7% Flat Tax Regime?

Introduced in 2020, Greece's non-dom tax regime allows foreign pensioners who transfer their tax residency to Greece to pay a flat 7% tax on all foreign-source pension income for 15 consecutive years.

This is one of Europe's most attractive tax deals for retirees.

How Much Can You Save?

Annual PensionHome Country Tax (25%)Greece Tax (7%)Annual Savings

€20,000€5,000€1,400€3,600 €30,000€7,500€2,100€5,400 €50,000€12,500€3,500€9,000 €75,000€18,750€5,250€13,500 €100,000€25,000€7,000€18,000

Over 15 years, a retiree with a €50,000 pension could save €135,000.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the 7% regime, you must:

1. Not have been a Greek tax resident for 5 of the last 6 years

2. Transfer your tax residency from a country with a tax treaty or administrative cooperation agreement with Greece

3. Declare your intention to stay in Greece for at least 183 days per year

4. Be a foreign national OR a Greek national returning from abroad

Which Countries Qualify?

Greece has tax treaties or administrative cooperation agreements with virtually all developed countries, including:

- All EU/EEA countries - United Kingdom - United States - Canada - Australia - Switzerland - Norway - And many more

The Application Process

Step 1: Transfer Tax Residency

Before applying for the 7% regime, you must first establish Greek tax residency. This involves: - Spending 183+ days in Greece - Registering with the Greek Tax Office - Obtaining your AFM (Tax ID)

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit your application for the 7% regime to the Greek Tax Office (AADE) by March 31 of the tax year following your residency transfer.

Step 3: Annual Compliance

Each year, you must: - File a Greek tax return declaring your foreign pension income - Pay the 7% flat tax - Maintain your Greek tax residency (183+ days)

What Income is Covered?

The 7% rate applies to: - State pensions from foreign governments - Private pension plans - Occupational/company pensions - Annuities

It does NOT apply to: - Greek-source income (taxed normally) - Rental income - Investment income (dividends, interest) - Employment income

Common Questions

Can I combine this with the Golden Visa?

Yes. Many clients use the Golden Visa for residency and the 7% regime for tax optimization.

What happens after 15 years?

You revert to Greece's standard progressive tax system. However, by then you may have restructured your finances.

Do I need a Greek bank account?

Yes. Your pension must be deposited in a Greek bank account to qualify.

Can my spouse also benefit?

If your spouse also receives foreign pension income and meets the criteria, they can apply separately.

Expert Tips

1. Apply in your first year of residency — Don't delay, as the 15-year clock starts from your first application year.

2. Keep detailed records — Document your days in Greece to prove residency if questioned.

3. Consider timing — Transferring residency in the latter half of the year can be strategically advantageous.

4. Get professional help — Greek tax law is complex. A mistake in your application can cost you the regime.

How We Help

Our 7% tax regime service handles: - Eligibility verification - Tax residency transfer - Application preparation and submission - Annual tax filing - Ongoing compliance monitoring

Book a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Written by SettleInGreece.com

Published on January 20, 2026

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Greece 7% Flat Tax for Pensioners: Everything You Need to Know