When moving your freelance business to a new country, one of the biggest headaches is figuring out the local invoicing requirements. Do you need expensive accounting software? Do your invoices need specific tax codes? How does VAT work across borders?
In Greece, the system has undergone a massive digital transformation over the last few years with the introduction of myDATA (the electronic bookkeeping system). While it sounds intimidating, it actually comes with a huge perk for freelancers: The Greek state provides a completely free invoicing application.
Here is everything you need to know about invoicing your clients from Greece using the AADE Timologio app.
The myDATA Era
Greece has cracked down on tax evasion by mandating that all business transactions be reported electronically in real-time. This system is called myDATA (My Digital Accounting and Tax Application), run by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
As a freelancer in Greece, every invoice you issue must be transmitted to myDATA. This generates a unique MARK number and a QR code on your invoice, proving it is legally registered with the state.
In many European countries, complying with state e-invoicing mandates forces you to pay €20 to €50 a month for certified software like Lexware, SevDesk, or QuickBooks. Not in Greece.
Enter “timologio” (The Free State App)
To ensure that small businesses and freelancers aren’t burdened with software costs, the Greek government launched timologio (which literally translates to “invoice”).
Timologio is a free, web-based application provided directly by AADE. It is specifically designed for freelancers and small businesses that issue a manageable number of invoices per month.
Why Timologio is perfect for B2B remote workers:
- It’s 100% Free: Zero subscription fees, zero setup costs.
- Direct myDATA Integration: The moment you click “Issue,” the invoice is instantly transmitted to the tax authorities. It automatically generates the required MARK number and QR code on the PDF.
- English Interface Available: While it is a Greek government tool, the interface can be navigated quite easily, and the final PDF invoices can be issued in English for your foreign clients.
- Handles Cross-Border VAT: You can easily select the “0% VAT - Article 14 (Reverse Charge)” exemption when invoicing your clients in Germany, the UK, or the US.
What Timologio is NOT:
It is important to understand that Timologio is only an invoicing tool. It is not full accounting software. It does not calculate your annual depreciation, it doesn’t file your VAT returns, and it doesn’t give you profit/loss analytics. It simply issues compliant invoices and sends them to the state.
Your accountant still needs to retrieve this data and perform your actual bookkeeping.
How to Set It Up
To use the Timologio app, you need your Greek TAXISnet credentials (the login details for the tax portal, which you receive when you get your AFM number).
- Log in: Access the timologio portal via the official AADE website.
- Configure your profile: You will need to upload your logo, set your business details, and define your standard services. Your accountant should help you set up the correct VAT exemption codes for your specific client base.
- Add clients: Input the VAT numbers and addresses of your foreign clients.
- Issue: Create a new invoice, select the client, enter the amount, and hit issue. The PDF is generated, registered with the state, and ready to email to your client.
What about Remote Employees?
If you live in Greece but are employed as a standard remote employee by a foreign company (or via an Employer of Record), you do not need to worry about any of this. You receive a standard payslip, you do not run a Greek business entity, and you do not need to issue invoices.
If you are setting up as a B2B freelancer to claim the 50% tax break, however, the free Timologio app will be your best friend.
[!TIP] Don’t fly blind. While Timologio is free, setting up the correct tax categories (KAD codes) and VAT exemption reasons requires professional knowledge. Always have your Greek accountant walk you through your first invoice to ensure you don’t make a costly mistake.