Thousands of internationals live and work in Greece — but most Greek accountants work exclusively in Greek, in person, and on paper. If you’ve just moved here (or are about to), choosing the right accountant is one of the few decisions that will affect you every single month. Here’s how to get it right.
The short answer
- Licensed: Class A or B accountant registered with the Economic Chamber of Greece; ask for the number.
- In writing: documents sent digitally, filings confirmed in writing.
- Clear scope: myDATA, VAT returns and the annual return named in the fee, before you sign.
- Reachable: especially in July and January, when the deadlines bunch up.
- International experience: foreign clients, platforms like Stripe or Upwork, double tax treaties.
Why “speaks some English” isn’t enough
Greek tax life happens in deadlines:
- myDATA: every invoice is transmitted to the tax authority.
- VAT returns: quarterly for most established freelancers. If you started on or after 1 January 2024, monthly for the first 24 months, then quarterly on request. With turnover up to €10,000 you may qualify for the small-business VAT exemption.
- EFKA: monthly social security contributions, from €250.77 plus a €10 unemployment levy in 2026. Only new freelancers in their first five years can apply for the reduced class of €150.46 plus €10.
- Annual return: due in July.
When something goes wrong, it goes wrong in writing: a notice from AADE (the Greek tax authority), a mismatch flag, or a fixed fine (€250 or €500 per late return with tax due, depending on your bookkeeping category; €100 for a late VAT return with nothing to pay or a late VIES statement). Fines are imposed automatically, without warning.
You need an accountant who can explain these things to you, not just translate them. The difference between “we speak English” and “we work in your language” is whether your questions get answered before the deadline or after it.
And English is only part of the story: many internationals in Greece are German-speaking or Greek diaspora returnees. An accountant who works in English, German and Greek covers the conversation with you, your clients and the Greek authorities — without anything getting lost in between.
What to look for
1. A licensed professional, not just an office
In Greece, accountants are licensed by the Economic Chamber of Greece (ΟΕΕ), which issues the professional identity of “accountant – tax consultant” in Class A or Class B (Law 2515/1997; the old Classes C and D no longer exist). Only a licensed accountant may keep books and file returns for clients as a profession. Ask for the license class and number. A legitimate firm will tell you immediately.
2. Written, digital communication
If everything happens by phone or in person, you’ll have no record of advice — and no proof when something was submitted. Look for firms that confirm filings in writing and accept documents digitally.
3. Clear scope and a real price list
The single biggest source of expat-accountant conflict is scope: the client assumed VAT filings were included; they weren’t. A serious firm tells you exactly what the monthly fee covers — before you sign.
4. Response time as a promise, not an accident
Ask directly: “How fast do you respond in August?” (Greek offices traditionally go quiet in summer — the tax office doesn’t.)
5. Experience with international income
Foreign clients, foreign platforms (Upwork, Stripe, PayPal), double taxation treaties, cross-border setups — if the accountant has never handled international cases, you’ll be their training material.
The red flags
- “Don’t worry” as an answer to specific questions. Greek bureaucracy punishes vagueness. You want details, deadlines and document lists.
- Cash only, no engagement letter, no invoices for their own fees. An accountant who doesn’t invoice properly will not defend your books convincingly either.
- No mention of myDATA. Every business has to transmit its invoices to myDATA, and mandatory B2B e-invoicing has applied to freelancers and small businesses since November 2, 2026. myDATA is the center of Greek bookkeeping. If it doesn’t come up in your first conversation, run.
- Prices far below market without a scope list. Local offices often quote €30–60 a month with extras billed separately, while full-service firms for internationals usually charge €100–200. A rock-bottom monthly fee sounds great until every declaration costs extra — see our price guide for what things really cost in 2026.
- They’re unreachable in the months that matter. July (the annual tax-return deadline — 24 July in 2026 after this year’s extension) and January (year-opening) are exactly when you’ll need them most.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What exactly is included in the monthly fee — VAT, myDATA, annual return, tax office correspondence?
- What is your license and registration number?
- How do I send you documents, and how do you confirm submissions?
- What’s your typical response time — including in summer?
- Have you worked with clients who invoice foreign companies?
If the answers are specific, you’ve probably found the right partner. If they’re vague, keep looking — in Greece, your accountant isn’t a once-a-year service. They’re the person standing between you and the fine. And if you already have one who fails this test, switching takes about a week.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an English-speaking accountant in Greece?
Look for a licensed accountant (Economic Chamber of Greece, Class A or B) who works in writing and digitally, publishes a clear scope and price, and has experience with foreign clients and platforms. Ask for the license number and what the monthly fee includes before you sign.
Does my accountant in Greece need a license?
Yes. Anyone who keeps books and files returns for clients as a profession has to be licensed by the Economic Chamber of Greece (Class A or B). A legitimate firm gives you its license class and number on request.
What should be included in a monthly accounting fee in Greece?
At minimum myDATA transmission of your invoices, VAT returns and the annual income tax return. Ask explicitly about EFKA, recapitulative statements for EU clients and correspondence with the tax office, as these are often billed separately.
How long does it take to switch accountants in Greece?
Usually about a week. The new accountant takes over your TAXISnet authorisations and books, and nothing has to be re-registered.
How we can help
Looking for an accountant who ticks every box above? Our ongoing bookkeeping service covers myDATA, VAT declarations and your annual tax return at one fixed monthly rate, from €89 per month, in English, German or Greek, with written confirmations as standard.
Rules as of November 2026 (Tax Procedure Code art. 53, Law 5104/2024; AADE decisions A.1049/2025, A.1140/2026 and A.1011/2026; EFKA circular 6/2026).