The Evolution of Invoicing in Greece: Embracing E-Invoicing
Greece is moving decisively towards the digital transformation of its tax and accounting systems. At the heart of this shift is the introduction of a mandatory, certified electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) framework, backed by significant legislative reforms. The adoption of Law 5222/2025 and amendments to Law 4308/2014 have created the legal foundation for e-invoicing obligations in both domestic and export transactions.
E-invoicing in Greece is not just a local initiative, it aligns with EU legislation, particularly Articles 218 and 232 of the VAT Directive, which govern the acceptance and use of e-invoices. For B2G transactions, businesses engaged in public procurement must comply with the European e-invoicing standard set out by the Ministry of Finance.
To meet these obligations, businesses can work with accredited service providers such as eezi – Powered by VAT IT, which enable secure and compliant transmission of e-invoices to both the Tax Authority and public bodies. The Peppol network is increasingly becoming the standard for these transactions, ensuring interoperability for both cross-border and domestic exchanges.
For companies operating in B2B, B2C, or public contract environments, the shift to e-invoicing will require technical and legal alignment with both Greek regulations and broader EU initiatives such as VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA).
Legislative Framework: The Laws and Regulations Driving Change
The latest reforms were introduced in the bill titled “National Customs Code and Other Provisions – Pension Provisions”, approved by the Greek Parliament on 25 July 2025. This bill outlines the national framework for mandatory e-invoicing across sectors. However, the exact implementation date for B2B e-invoicing has not yet been set and will be determined by joint ministerial decisions from the Minister of National Economy and Finance and the Governor of the Independent Authority of Public Revenue (AADE).
While B2B e-invoicing is not yet mandatory, the legislation has already been passed to enable it in the future. It is widely expected that businesses will receive at least 12 months’ notice before enforcement, meaning a full mandate is unlikely before 2027.
The B2G mandate is already in place, anchored in amendments to Law 4308/2014 and provisions under Law 5222/2025, including Article 212, which introduces tax incentives for early voluntary adoption of e-invoicing in B2B transactions.
Key Compliance Requirements for B2G E-Invoicing
Amendments to Articles 14 and 15 of Law 4308/2014 have made e-invoicing mandatory for transactions linked to public sector expenditures, particularly those involving General Government bodies. For these transactions:
- Invoices must be issued in a structured, standardised electronic format that complies with both EU and national specifications.
- Buyers are legally required to accept e-invoices where they are mandated.
- For other transactions, e-invoicing remains optional, provided the buyer gives prior consent.
- All e-invoices must maintain authenticity and integrity through approved technological measures, such as QR codes, ensuring traceability and verification.
Incentives for Early B2B Adoption: Article 212 of Law 5222/2025
To encourage businesses to adopt e-invoicing before it becomes mandatory, Greece has introduced generous tax incentives under Article 212 of Law 5222/2025.
Companies that opt in early can claim enhanced deductions on both capital and operational costs linked to e-invoicing. This includes a 100% bonus depreciation on hardware and software purchased for e-invoicing and a 100% additional deduction on operational expenses such as invoice production, transmission, and digital archiving in the first 12 months of use.
These incentives are available from the 2025 tax year onwards but do not apply to businesses that have already received similar support under Article 71F of the Income Tax Code. Importantly, if a company fails to follow through on its declaration to adopt e-invoicing, or uses unapproved methods, the incentives will be revoked.
Current Status: Where Greece Stands on E-Invoicing
At present, B2G e-invoicing is mandatory for specific public sector transactions, while B2B and export e-invoicing remain voluntary but incentivised. The legal framework for a future B2B mandate is already in place, and full implementation is expected to follow a transitional period once secondary legislation sets the effective date.
Given the pace of legislative developments, businesses should begin assessing their systems and processes now to ensure they are ready for a smooth transition.
The Road Ahead: MyDATA and Digital Transformation
The MyDATA platform remains central to Greece’s tax digitisation strategy. This real-time reporting system is designed to streamline VAT compliance, improve data accuracy, and reduce fraud. When combined with mandatory e-invoicing, MyDATA will enable the Greek Tax Authority to receive, process, and validate transaction data almost instantly.
Although the final enforcement timeline for B2B e-invoicing has not been confirmed, businesses that act early can benefit from tax advantages, operational efficiency, and reduced compliance risk.
At VAT IT, we help businesses prepare for the shift by offering end-to-end e-invoicing solutions via eezi, ensuring full compliance with Greek and EU requirements.
