How to Rent an Apartment in Greece

How to Rent an Apartment in Greece: Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to Greece or planning a longer stay? Renting an apartment is your first practical step — and the Greek rental market has its own rules, rhythm, and paperwork that can catch foreigners off guard. I am Nataliia Pavlychenko, a licensed real estate agent based in Athens with over ten years of experience helping international clients find their home in Greece. This guide walks you through every step of the process.

Understanding the Greek Rental Market

Before diving into the steps, it helps to understand how the market works. A few things will be very different from what you may be used to.

Annual contracts are the standard

Greek landlords strongly prefer annual rental agreements. Short-term lets are uncommon in the standard market. If you need accommodation for a few months, platforms like Airbnb offer options, but at prices two to three times higher than long-term rates. For any stay of a year or more, a long-term contract is by far the better deal.

💡 If you are relocating to Greece, commit to a 12-month contract from the start. It is cheaper, more stable, and gives you proper legal standing.

Most apartments are unfurnished

It is a Greek custom for tenants to move into bare apartments and furnish them over time — taking everything with them when they leave. As a result, furnished properties are relatively rare and clustered in central Athens and student neighbourhoods. If you need a furnished apartment, mention this clearly from the start. Such listings are limited and move quickly.

Location matters enormously

Athens is a city of contrasts. Kolonaki is upmarket and central. Kypseli is vibrant and bohemian. Glyfada and the southern suburbs are family-friendly and quiet. Piraeus is practical and well-connected. Before you start searching, be clear about your priorities: proximity to work, schools, the beach, or nightlife. I can advise on the best neighbourhood for your specific lifestyle and budget.

Step-by-Step: How to Rent an Apartment in Greece

Step 1. Define your area and budget

Start with a clear picture of what you need: neighbourhood, size, floor, parking, proximity to public transport or the sea. Research current rental prices in your target areas. As of 2025–2026, a one-bedroom apartment in Athens starts from around €500 per month in residential suburbs and €800–1,200 in central or southern areas.

Step 2. Obtain a Greek tax number (AFM)

The AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is a Greek tax identification number. It is mandatory for signing a legally registered rental contract. Without an AFM, no official tenancy agreement can be filed with the tax authorities.

How to get your AFM:

— Prepare your passport and a copy.

— Visit the local Greek tax office (ΔΟΥ) in person, or use a lawyer to handle it on your behalf.

— Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an online appointment.

— The number is typically issued within one working day.

💡 Working through a lawyer is faster and removes the language barrier entirely. I can recommend a trusted professional.

Step 3. Open a Greek bank account

Rent payments in Greece are made exclusively by bank transfer — cash is not accepted by most landlords and is not compliant with tax regulations. To open a bank account you will need your passport, your AFM, and proof of address (a utility bill or rental agreement). Popular banks for foreign residents include Eurobank, Alpha Bank, and Piraeus Bank. Account opening typically takes one to two working days.

Step 4. Find your apartment

Your main options for searching:

— Work with a licensed real estate agent in Athens — the most reliable route. An agent has access to off-market listings and will protect your interests throughout the process.

— Greek property portals: spitogatos.gr and xe.gr are the two largest platforms.

— Community groups on social media, particularly for the international community in Athens.

I recommend beginning your search online before you arrive and scheduling viewings for your first days in the country. Good apartments — especially furnished ones — rent out fast.

Step 5. Prepare your documents

When applying for a rental in Greece, landlords may ask for:

— Passport.

— AFM.

— Proof of income or employment (payslip, bank statement, or university enrolment letter).

— Occasionally, a reference letter from a previous landlord.

A complete, well-presented document pack significantly improves your chances — especially in competitive central districts.

Step 6. Sign the rental contract

The official rental agreement in Greece is registered through the taxisnet tax portal by the landlord’s accountant. Once registered, it appears automatically in your personal taxisnet account. You log in with your credentials and confirm the contract online. From that moment, you are a legally recognised tenant.

Key things to check in the contract:

— Lease duration and renewal conditions.

— Monthly rent and any annual indexation clause.

— Payment due date each month.

— Deposit amount and conditions for its return.

— Responsibility for maintenance and utilities.

💡 If you do not read Greek, never sign without a translation. I help my clients understand every clause before they commit.

Step 7. Pay the deposit and first month

On signing, you will pay:

— Security deposit — typically one to two months’ rent. Returned on departure if there are no debts or damage.

— First month’s rent.

— Agent’s commission — one month’s rent plus 24% VAT, paid once.

Step 8. Transfer utilities to your name

After signing, all utilities are transferred to your name:

— Electricity (DEI or private suppliers).

— Water (EYDAP in Attica).

— Natural gas (where available).

— Internet — choose your provider independently (Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind).

— Koinochristos — a monthly building maintenance fee covering the lift, stairwell, and common areas.

Transfers take two to five working days. Keep all receipts until the process is complete.

Rental Costs in Greece: Full Breakdown

Upfront costs when moving in:

— Security deposit: 1–2 months’ rent.

— First month’s rent.

— Agent’s commission: 1 month’s rent + 24% VAT.

Example: at €700/month rent, your move-in total is approximately €700 × 3 + VAT ≈ €2,600.

Monthly costs on top of rent:

— Electricity: €50–120 depending on apartment size and season.

— Water: €15–30.

— Internet: €20–35.

— Building maintenance: €20–80.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent in Greece without an AFM?

No. The official rental contract must be registered through Greece’s tax system, which requires the AFM of both parties. Without one, you cannot have a legally binding tenancy agreement — only an informal arrangement that carries real legal and financial risk.

Is a Greek bank account strictly required?

Legally no, but in practice the vast majority of landlords require payment by bank transfer to a Greek account. Tax law requires all rental income to be officially recorded, so this is effectively standard.

Can I rent remotely without visiting Greece?

It is technically possible, but I strongly advise against signing a contract without seeing the apartment in person. Photos rarely tell the full story. At minimum, arrange a live video walkthrough with your agent.

What if my landlord refuses to return my deposit?

The deposit is protected under Greek tenancy law. If a landlord withholds it without valid reason, you can pursue the matter through the courts. The key is having a registered contract and documenting the apartment’s condition on arrival and departure with photographs and a written record.