Based on the new changes introduced in the legislation, on June 2013, the majority of Greeks worldwide will be liable to pay taxes. Many of those Greeks have failed to proceed accordingly, either because they have ceased any link to their homeland or due to unawareness.

Individuals who are not Greek tax residents but acquire income from Greece must provide to the Greek tax authorities the income tax statements for the financial year 2011 and 2012 the following documents from the country where they live:

a. a certificate from the relevant tax authority of the country where the person resides stating that the individual is a tax resident of this country , or

b.a copy of the tax return clearance of income from the country where he lives , or

c. In case that such document does not exist, then a copy of the annual income tax return submitted to the foreign county (country where the Greek is currently living) is accepted.

In case it is not possible for the individual to provide these documents (because such documents do not exist in the foreign country, or because of any other similar reasons), then a certificate from any other public or municipality or other recognised authority which states the address of the above mentioned individual in this foreign country is acceptable.

Foreign public documents prepared in the country of residence should bear the Apostle of Hague [N. 1497/1984 (Government Gazette An 188/27.11.1984)], if the foreign country falls under the list of the States acceded to the Hague Convention (RE: MOF1047385/542/0006D/25.05.2006, as supplemented and applicable).

For foreign public documents originating from states that have not acceded to the Hague Convention, as well as those coming from states for which Greece has raised objections for their inclusion to the Hague Convention and as long as there have been withdrawn the saving clauses, the consular visa is valid (Related: 1032348/346/0006D/03.04.2007 MOF and MOF 1059356/627/0006D/03.06.2008).

Special group of individuals and foreign residents are employed as foreign staff in undertakings subject to the provisions of a.n.89/1967 (shipping companies), required to submit:

a. A copy of the foreign passport;

b. The state decision to register the company of a.n.89/1967 published in the National Gazette; and

c. A certificate of the employer company which states that the individual is working in a company of a.n.89/1967 and the date of the commencement in the company.

In case of non- submission or late submission of the above documents; individuals will be considered as residents in Greece and taxed in Greece for their worldwide income.

The relevant Tax Authority for submitting all the above mentioned documents will be the one that the individual will have his tax file according to the local legislation.

We can offer you valuable advice on finding a solution for such occasion.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.