Greece VAT Guide 2026 — ΦΠΑ Rates (24%/13%/6%)

Overview of Greek ΦΠΑ

Greece's value-added tax — ΦΠΑ (Φόρος Προστιθέμενης Αξίας) — is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services supplied in Greece. It is governed by Νόμος 2859/2000 (Κώδικας ΦΠΑ) and harmonised with EU VAT directives. ΦΠΑ is administered by the ΑΑΔΕ (Independent Authority for Public Revenue). Businesses registered for ΦΠΑ charge the tax on taxable supplies (output ΦΠΑ) and may recover ΦΠΑ paid on business purchases (input ΦΠΑ). The net difference is remitted to the tax authority via regular Περιοδικές Δηλώσεις ΦΠΑ (periodic VAT returns).

Greece applies the destination principle: ΦΠΑ is due in the country where goods or services are consumed. Exports are generally zero-rated, and imports are taxed at the same rates as domestic supplies. For digital services and e-commerce, EU VAT rules apply through the OSS (One-Stop Shop) and IOSS (Import OSS) regimes.

ΦΠΑ Rates 2026

Greece has three main ΦΠΑ rates — the standard rate and two reduced rates — plus special reduced rates for certain islands:

Standard Rate — 24%: Applies to most goods and services. This includes electronics, clothing, household appliances, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, professional services (legal, accounting, consulting), restaurant meals, and general consumer goods. The 24% rate is one of the highest standard VAT rates in the EU.

First Reduced Rate — 13%: Applies to: basic food products (meat, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, bread, cooking oil), water supply, electricity and natural gas, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment for persons with disabilities, passenger transport (urban, intercity bus, train, ferry, air within Greece), hotel accommodation and similar hospitality services, certain cultural events (theatre, cinema, museums, concerts), funeral services, agricultural inputs (fertilisers, pesticides, animal feed), and renovation and repair of private dwellings (excluding materials).

Second Reduced Rate — 6%: Applies to: newspapers, magazines, books (including e-books), theatre and concert tickets (if not covered by 13%), selected pharmaceutical products (certain vaccines and medicines for chronic conditions), certain agricultural supplies, and admission to sporting events.

Island Rate Reductions

Several Greek islands benefit from reduced ΦΠΑ rates, which are typically 30% lower than the mainland rates. This regime was introduced to support island economies. The reduced island rates are: Standard 17% (vs 24% mainland), Reduced 9% (vs 13% mainland), Super-reduced 4% (vs 6% mainland).

Eligible Islands: The reduced rates apply to the following islands (non-exhaustive): Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Rhodes, Kos, Santorini (Thira), Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Corfu, Crete, Zakynthos, Cephalonia, and most other inhabited Greek islands. Excluded islands (mainland rates apply): the Athens metropolitan area including Piraeus, and the island of Evia (Euboea), which is connected to the mainland by bridge. The reduction does not apply to motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and certain luxury goods regardless of the island of supply.

VAT Exemptions

Certain supplies are exempt from ΦΠΑ without credit (meaning input VAT cannot be recovered): insurance and reinsurance transactions, supply of land (excluding building land), leasing or letting of immovable property (residential — though commercial property can opt for taxation), certain financial services (credit, banking, and payment services — though intermediation and advisory services are taxable), education provided by recognised institutions, healthcare and hospital services provided by licensed professionals, postal services, and certain cultural and sporting services provided by non-profit organisations.

Exports and International Transport: Export of goods outside the EU is zero-rated (0% ΦΠΑ). International passenger and freight transport is also zero-rated. The supply of goods to EU businesses registered for VAT (intra-Community supply) is zero-rated subject to the supplier having the customer's valid VAT number and meeting invoicing requirements.

VAT Registration and Filing

Registration Threshold: Businesses must register for ΦΠΑ if their annual turnover exceeds €10,000 (for most goods and services). Smaller businesses may register voluntarily, which can be advantageous if they have significant input VAT to recover. Non-resident businesses making taxable supplies in Greece must register regardless of turnover. Registration is via the TaxisNet platform or the M.I.T. (Μητρώο) system.

Periodic VAT Returns (Περιοδικές Δηλώσεις ΦΠΑ): Most businesses file quarterly (due by the last working day of the month following the quarter). Large businesses (turnover exceeding €1,000,000) must file monthly (due by the 20th of the following month). Since 2022, all VAT returns must be submitted through the myDATA digital reporting platform, which requires real-time or near-real-time transmission of invoice data. An annual VAT return (Εκκαθαριστική Δήλωση ΦΠΑ) is also required by the end of the second month following the end of the tax year.

Penalties: Late filing of VAT returns incurs penalties of €100 (quarterly) or €50 (monthly) plus interest at approximately 0.73% per month on unpaid VAT. Late payment incurs further interest. AADE has increased its use of automated assessments and bank account seizures for persistent non-compliance.

FAQs

Can I reclaim ΦΠΑ on business purchases?

Yes. Registered businesses can recover input ΦΠΑ on taxable business purchases, including goods, services, and imports. The right to deduct arises when the supply is made, not when payment is received. Input VAT on certain expenses is restricted: 50% recoverable on passenger cars (unless used exclusively for business, e.g., taxis, rental cars), 0% recoverable on entertainment and hospitality expenses (unless provided to clients as part of the business), and 0% on residential property expenses (unless used for short-term rental).

What is the VAT treatment for short-term rentals (Airbnb)?

Short-term rental of furnished properties (Airbnb, Booking.com) is subject to ΦΠΑ if the total annual rental income exceeds €12,000. Income below this threshold is exempt from ΦΠΑ but subject to the 0.5% stamp duty and withholding tax on the gross rental amount. Properties registered as short-term rentals must obtain a Αριθμός Μητρώου Ακινήτου (ΑΜΑ) — Property Registration Number — and display it in all listings.

How does the OSS scheme work for Greek businesses?

Greek businesses selling digital services or low-value goods to consumers in other EU member states can use the OSS (One-Stop Shop) to declare and pay VAT for all EU sales in a single quarterly return filed in Greece. This eliminates the need to register for VAT in each EU country. The VAT rate charged is that of the consumer's country, but the declaration and payment are handled through the Greek ΦΠΑ system.