Greece’s tax authority AADE has issued decision A.1192/2026, which sets the procedure for the 7% flat tax regime for foreign pensioners. AADE announced on 25 September 2026 that applications are open until 31 October.
The decision is signed by AADE governor Georgios Pitsilis and replaces the earlier decision A.1217/2020, according to the text of decision A.1192/2026. It applies Article 5B of the Income Tax Code (Law 4172/2013).
Who can apply
The regime applies a separate 7% tax to income earned abroad by pensioners who move their tax residence to Greece, for up to 15 years. Income earned in Greece is taxed under the normal rules.
Applicants must not have been Greek tax residents in five of the six years before the move. They must also be moving from a country that has a tax cooperation agreement with Greece.
Key dates under the decision
- Applications: by 31 October. People who move by 2 July can apply for that year or the next; those who move later can apply only for the following year.
- Supporting documents: by 30 November, according to press reports.
- Tax payment: one sum by 31 December, with no instalments. The tax cannot be offset against other amounts owed.
Failure to pay by the deadline means leaving the regime. A taxpayer can also withdraw voluntarily by 31 October, but cannot re-enter afterwards. Applications are filed with tax offices in Athens or Thessaloniki.
The decision takes effect on publication and also applies to pending applications and to 2025 tax assessments.
Demand so far
More than 1,700 applications have been submitted and about 1,000 approved, Greek media reported. Most applicants come from the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, with growing interest from the United States, according to the same reports.
What it means for buyers
Retirees who buy a home in Greece and move their tax residence here now have a single set of rules and dates for joining the 7% regime. The one-payment rule by 31 December is stricter than paying in instalments, and missing it ends the special status. Buyers should confirm how this applies to them with a Greek lawyer or accountant.
What happens next
Decisions on applications are due by the end of December, according to press reports.
