Fast AFM for International Hires — A Guide

For international companies expanding into Greece, obtaining an AFM (Greek tax number) for new hires is a critical step. The AFM serves as a unique identifier for tax purposes, enabling employees to legally work, receive salaries, and engage in a range of financial activities. Without an AFM, new hires cannot be legally employed, which can stall operations and complicate payroll processes.

The AFM is not only required for employment but also necessary for opening bank accounts, signing rental agreements, and even accessing healthcare services in Greece. Therefore, ensuring that international hires have their AFM in place is essential for seamless integration into the Greek workforce. As such, understanding and navigating the AFM application process becomes a priority for HR professionals and business leaders.

Despite its importance, obtaining an AFM for international hires can be fraught with challenges, especially for companies unfamiliar with Greek bureaucracy. The process requires precise documentation, including certified translations of identification documents, and often necessitates an in-person visit to a local tax office. These requirements can lead to delays and complications, particularly if there are language barriers or misunderstandings about the necessary paperwork.

Moreover, the requirement for a Greek mobile number and potential notarized power of attorney adds another layer of complexity. These hurdles can be especially daunting for companies trying to onboard multiple employees simultaneously, as any errors or omissions can result in application rejections and further delays.

Ellytic offers a streamlined solution for businesses looking to expedite the AFM process for international hires. By leveraging Ellytic's services, companies can bypass common pitfalls associated with document preparation and submission. Ellytic ensures that all documents are correctly translated and formatted, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.

Ellytic's Identity Starter and Full Service packages provide comprehensive support, including the setup of a Greek mobile number and the coordination of online appointments with AADE representatives. This approach eliminates the need for physical visits, enabling a fully remote AFM application process, which is particularly beneficial for companies operating outside of Greece.

Attempting to manage AFM registration internally can lead to significant risks, including document errors and misinterpretations of Greek regulations. These issues often result in application rejections, requiring companies to restart the process, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

By choosing Ellytic, businesses gain certainty and efficiency, ensuring their employees can begin work without unnecessary delays. The cost of Ellytic's services is offset by the savings in time and the avoidance of potential administrative pitfalls.

Navigating the Greek bureaucracy for AFM acquisition can be a daunting task for international companies. However, with Ellytic's expert guidance and comprehensive services, businesses can ensure a smooth and efficient onboarding process for their international hires. From document preparation to final submission, Ellytic provides the expertise necessary to secure an AFM quickly and without hassle.

For HR professionals and business leaders looking to expand operations in Greece, partnering with Ellytic means peace of mind and a seamless transition into the Greek market. Learn more at ellytic.com.

L

About the Author

Lazaros • Founder & Greek Market Expert

500+ CasesGreek Market ExpertFounder

I build digital pathways through Greek bureaucracy — for people who move, buy, inherit, hire, or run operations on the ground. Designed for clarity, speed and legal certainty. Ellytic exists because the system should finally work.