The favorable tax regime introduced in 2020 for individuals who choose to return from abroad and work in new jobs in Greece seems to be bearing fruit. According to data from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, more than 8,000 applications have already been submitted by individuals who wish to transfer their tax residence and work in Greece, while benefiting from tax incentives.
The vast majority of applications come from Greeks who had emigrated during the years of the economic crisis and are now returning with the aim of employment in new professional positions. This positive development, combined with the government’s intention to further strengthen employment, led to the adoption of initiatives to simplify and accelerate the relevant procedures.
The government and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) are launching a new electronic platform for submitting applications, while simultaneously reducing the required supporting documents. According to AADE executives, within this year the process of registering and obtaining a tax registration number will be completed within a few days, instead of the months required today.
Interested parties will be able to submit a simple application electronically. Those who meet the conditions and wish to work in Greece, benefiting from the legislation that provides for a 50% reduction in income tax, will complete the application and through interoperability with the Ministry of Labor and the Ergani platform, all the necessary information will be obtained.
The process will include checks at all stages, utilizing technology to directly interconnect AADE with other public bodies and ministries, ensuring the validity and speed of the procedures.
At the same time, the monitoring process of those included in this regime will also be digitized through the new electronic platform. It will monitor whether the terms of the program are respected by the obligated parties, such as the continuation of their work or any changes in their professional status, in order to determine whether they continue to meet the prescribed conditions.
Based on the ministry data, more than 8,000 applications have been submitted, of which approximately 5,000 have been approved. In the first half of this year alone, 750 new applications were submitted.