VAT in Greece: Rates, Registration and Compliance Guide 2026

Value Added Tax (VAT) is one of the key components of the tax system in Greece. While VAT applies across all EU countries, Greece stands out with one of the highest standard VAT rates in Europe. At 24%, it is the highest in the EU after Hungary (27%), Finland (25.5%), and Croatia and Denmark (both at 25%). Despite the high standard rate, Greece also applies reduced VAT rates on selected goods and services, helping to lower the cost of certain essential products.

VAT Rates in Greece

Mainland Greece

In addition to the standard rate of 24%, Greece has two reduced VAT rates: 13% and 6%.

13% rate applies to:

• Selected food items and non-alcoholic beverages
• Certain agricultural and pharmaceutical products
• Medical equipment for people with disabilities
• Restaurant and catering services
• Services related to care for disabled individuals and boarding schools

6% rate applies to:

• Selected pharmaceutical products
• Books (excluding e-books)
• Magazines and newspapers
• Theatre and concert tickets
• Supply of electricity, natural gas, and district heating

0% rate applies to:

• International transportation, both maritime and air

Island VAT Reductions from 2026

From January 2026, a 30% reduction in all applicable VAT rates applies to certain low-population islands in the North Aegean Region, Samothraki, and the Dodecanese Prefecture with populations under 20,000 (based on the 2021 census), excluding tobacco products and means of transport. The 30% VAT reduction for Chios, Kos, Lesvos, and Samos continues beyond 2026, linked to migration centre conditions.

VAT on New Residential Properties

The VAT suspension regime for newly built residential properties has been extended until 31 December 2026. Qualifying sales of new homes remain outside VAT scope and are instead subject only to real estate transfer tax.

VAT Registration in Greece

As in other EU countries, VAT registration in Greece is mandatory in several cases. Companies must register for VAT if they engage in intra-EU trade, import goods into Greece, or provide services within the country. Registration is also required for storing goods in Greece. There is no domestic VAT registration threshold — registration is required from the first taxable transaction.

Additionally, if a company’s cross-border B2C sales to other EU countries exceed €10,000, it must either account for VAT in the destination country or register in the VAT OSS (One Stop Shop) system.

VAT registration in Greece is processed through the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). It requires submitting the appropriate documents, including the registration form, the company’s articles of association, and an extract from the commercial register. Some documents may need to be translated into Greek.

VAT Settlement in Greece

Filing Frequency

VAT-registered businesses must file periodic VAT returns in Greece, either monthly or quarterly:

• Monthly filing applies to businesses using double-entry bookkeeping, newly established businesses (for the first two years of operation), and certain foreign businesses or those using a fiscal representative
• Quarterly filing applies to smaller businesses using single-entry bookkeeping, subject to conditions

The deadline for filing both monthly and quarterly VAT returns is the last working day of the month following the end of the reporting period. VAT payment is due at the same time as the return.

Since 2014, Greece has abolished the requirement for annual VAT returns, simplifying the administrative process for many businesses.

Mandatory E-Invoicing (myDATA)

Greece is introducing mandatory B2B e-invoicing via the myDATA platform, with phased implementation beginning in March 2026 for large enterprises (with gross revenues exceeding €1,000,000 for the 2023 tax year) and extending to all businesses from October 2026. Businesses affected should ensure their systems are updated to comply with the new requirements.

Intrastat in Greece

Companies involved in intra-EU trade may be required to file monthly Intrastat reports covering the movement of goods between Greece and other EU member states.

Intrastat Thresholds for 2026

For 2026, Intrastat declarations are required for enterprises exceeding the following annual thresholds: €250,000 for intra-Community purchases (arrivals) and €90,000 for intra-Community sales (dispatches).

Filing Deadline

Intrastat reports must be submitted by the 15th of the month following the reporting period.

VAT Payments and Penalties

One of the key VAT obligations in Greece is the timely payment of the declared VAT amount. VAT must be paid in full, as even minor discrepancies may result in the rejection of the payment by the Greek tax authority. Accurate VAT reporting is therefore essential.

In the event of late VAT payments, interest of 0.73% per month is charged for each day of delay. If a company fails to register for VAT on time, it may be fined between €102.4 (for voluntary late registration) and up to €2,500 (for failure to register). If the tax authority detects a missing VAT number, a penalty of 50% of the VAT due may be imposed.

Penalties also apply for late filing of VAT returns:

• €250 if a return is not submitted on time and VAT is payable
• €102.4 if the return does not include VAT to be paid

Reverse Charge Mechanism

The Greek tax system applies the reverse charge mechanism, which shifts VAT liability from the supplier to the buyer of goods or services. This simplifies VAT reporting and reduces the risk of tax fraud. In Greece, the reverse charge applies in sectors such as construction — where the buyer of construction services accounts for the VAT — as well as to the supply of scrap metal and waste materials.

Summary

VAT in Greece, with its standard rate of 24%, remains one of the highest in Europe. The tax system provides various reduced rates for selected goods and services, and from 2026 a significant VAT reduction applies to qualifying small islands. The Intrastat threshold for arrivals has increased to €250,000, and mandatory B2B e-invoicing via myDATA is being rolled out across all businesses during 2026. Companies operating in Greece must ensure they register for VAT, file returns on time, and make timely payments to avoid penalties and interest charges. For guidance tailored to your business, please contact us — amavat®.