When moving to Greece as a freelancer, navigating the bureaucratic landscape can seem daunting. One of the biggest challenges for expats is understanding the local tax timeline and ongoing reporting obligations.
In Greece, staying compliant means keeping track of monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines. Missing these deadlines can lead to severe fines, making it essential to have a clear roadmap of what is due and when. This guide breaks down the timeline for freelancers operating a sole proprietorship (ατομική επιχείρηση) in Greece.
Monthly Obligations
As a freelancer, your most frequent interactions will be with your accountant and two main systems: myDATA and EFKA.
1. Invoicing & myDATA (Real-time / Monthly)
Greece has moved to a highly digitized tax system called myDATA (My Digital Accounting and Tax Application).
- Issuing Invoices: Every invoice you issue to clients must be transmitted to myDATA. This is usually done in real-time or within a few days via certified invoicing software (like AADE Timologio or third-party tools).
- Submitting Expenses: Your business expenses must also be categorized and uploaded to myDATA. Your accountant typically handles this by the 20th of the following month.
2. Social Security Contributions (EFKA)
EFKA is the national social security fund in Greece. As a freelancer, you must pay fixed monthly contributions for your pension and healthcare.
- Deadline: EFKA payments are due by the last working day of the following month. (For example, January’s EFKA contribution is due by the end of February).
- Payment Method: You pay this directly via bank transfer using a unique payment code (RF number).
Quarterly Obligations
VAT Returns (FPA)
If your business is subject to VAT (Value Added Tax), you must submit VAT returns and pay any VAT owed.
- Frequency: Freelancers using single-entry bookkeeping (the vast majority) submit VAT returns quarterly.
- Deadlines: VAT returns are due by the last working day of the month following the quarter.
- Q1 (Jan-Mar): Due April 30
- Q2 (Apr-Jun): Due July 31
- Q3 (Jul-Sep): Due October 31
- Q4 (Oct-Dec): Due January 31
Annual Obligations
The end of the tax year triggers the most significant filings and payments.
1. Annual Tax Return
Your annual income tax return (E1 and E3 forms) summarizes your total income, deductible expenses, and calculates your final income tax.
- Filing Window: The Greek tax filing season usually opens in spring (April/May) and traditionally closes in late June or July. However, the government frequently extends this deadline.
- Payment: Once the return is filed, the tax owed is assessed. You can usually pay the total amount in a lump sum (often with a small discount) or in monthly installments through the end of the year.
2. The “Advance Tax” (Prokatavoli)
When you pay your annual income tax, Greece also requires an advance tax payment toward the next year’s taxes.
- For freelancers, this is typically 55% of your assessed tax for the current year.
- While this is heavily reduced (by 50%) for the first three years of a new business, it is a critical cash-flow consideration that catches many expats by surprise.
Summary: A Typical Year
To summarize, a standard year for a Greek freelancer looks like this:
- Every Month: Issue e-invoices, send expenses to your accountant, pay EFKA.
- January, April, July, October: Pay quarterly VAT (if applicable).
- Spring/Summer: File your annual tax return and pay your income tax (plus advance tax for next year).
Working with a reliable, English-speaking accountant is not just a luxury in Greece—it is a necessity. They will ensure your myDATA records are perfectly synced, handle the complex E3 forms, and remind you of every deadline before it becomes an issue.