How to Safely Transfer Money to Greece for Real Estate Purchases

Preparing for an International Money Transfer

Buying real estate in Greece requires not only choosing the right property but also carefully preparing for an international transfer. Banks conduct thorough checks on the origin of funds, buyer documentation, and the purpose of the payment. Preparing in advance helps speed up the process and significantly reduces the risk of transaction delays.

Obtaining an AFM and Opening a Bank Account

The first step for a foreign buyer is obtaining a Greek tax identification number (AFM). It is required for:

• Purchasing real estate;
• Opening a bank account;
• Signing contracts;
• Registering property rights.

AILIT Group provides support in obtaining an AFM and preparing the necessary documents. Our lawyer also assists in opening an account at a Greek bank, interacting with the financial institution on behalf of the client based on a power of attorney. Detailed information on full support can be found on the [real estate and investment in Greece](/en/]/ page.

What Documents Will the Bank Require

Greek banks are required to verify the legality of the origin of capital. As part of the compliance procedure, the following may be required:

• Bank statements;
• Tax returns;
• Documents confirming the sale of property, receipt of dividends, salary, or income from business activities.

It is important that the sources of funds are transparent and clear in advance. We recommend preparing a package of documents before making the transfer, especially for large payments or transfers from jurisdictions subject to enhanced banking control.

Recommendations for Transferring Funds

To ensure the security of the transaction, follow these rules:

1. Official Transfer: Use only a bank transfer from the buyer’s account.
2. Purpose of Payment: The payment order must accurately state the purpose of the transfer.
3. Verification of Details: Carefully check bank details before sending.
4. Retention of Documents: Keep payment confirmations to provide to the bank, notary, and tax authorities.

Before transferring funds, the property must undergo a comprehensive legal check: analysis of title, presence of debts and encumbrances, cadastral data, and verification of the legality of buildings. Information on construction and technical checks can be found in the [real estate construction in Greece](/en/]/ section.

How AILIT Group Helps

AILIT Group supports the client at all stages of the transaction:

• Assistance in obtaining an AFM;
• Organization of opening a bank account through a lawyer;
• Consultations on preparing bank documents;
• Coordination of fund transfers and interaction with the notary until the property is registered.

After the document review is completed, the client receives a clear payment scheme and full transaction support. To contact our team, go to the [AILIT Group contacts](/en/]/ page.