A VAT refund guide to Greece
Which countries have reciprocity with Greece?
Learn more about how reciprocity works within VAT by clicking below.
What expenses are claimable in Greece?
Entertainment
Events
Travel Related
General Expenses
Additional Information
| Current VAT Rate | 24% |
| Categories | Entertainment, Events, Travel Related, General expenses |
| VAT in local language | Fóros Prostithémenis Axías / Φόρος Προστιθέμενης Αξίας |
| VAT number format | EL123456789 (EL followed by 9 digits) |
| Exemptions | Entertainment, Accommodation, Food, drink and restaurant services, Hiring of means of transport, Public Transport, Taxis |
| Key Deadlines | 30th September (8th and 13th directive) |
| Threshold |
Non-Simplified: More than EUR 100 (including VAT) Simplified: EUR 150 or less (including VAT) Super Simplified: Not applicable to this VAT scheme |
| Electronic Invoicing | Currently, electronic invoicing is only mandated for B2G transactions. However, the government plans on implementing B2B invoicing in the near future |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of business expenses qualify for a VAT refund in Greece?
Businesses can qualify for a Greece VAT refund on expenses including, but not limited to fuel (if purchased for resale) and admission to fairs and exhibitions this includes conferences and trade shows. VAT for Greece is not claimable on the following expense types: hiring of means of transport; vehicle expenses (other than fuel which is claimable); road tolls; taxis and public transport fees; accommodation; food, drink and restaurant services and entertainment.
2. What is the general timing of VAT refund claims in Greece?
Processing times for a Greece VAT refund can vary. Businesses reclaiming a VAT refund in Greece can expect it to take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the claim complexity and submission accuracy.
3. What is the claiming frequency of VAT refund applications in Greece?
Greece VAT refunds can be made quarterly and annually, however the claiming periods for Greece VAT refunds are not allowed to overlap with one another.
4. What happens if VAT was charged incorrectly on an expense in Greece?
Generally, if VAT for Greece has been charged incorrectly, the invoice would not be eligible for a Greece VAT refund. The entity that incurred the incorrectly charged VAT would need to contact the supplier to have the VAT refunded to them. VAT IT can assist with this service.
5. What is the VAT refund application process in Greece?
Greece VAT refunds under the 8th Directive are submitted electronically through the digital portal of the claimant’s Member State of Establishment. Greece VAT refunds under the 13th Directive are submitted in physical (hard copy) format directly to the VAT Authority in Greece.
6. What are the reduced VAT rates in Greece?
The reduced VAT rates in Greece are 13% and 6%. Most of the claimable expense types however would be charged at the standard rate of 24%.
Explore VAT reclaim opportunities in
Nearby Countries
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Italy
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