VAT in Greece – VAT Rates in Greece 2026

VAT is something that affects you whenever you buy anything in another country. If you are planning a holiday in Greece, doing business there, or simply want to know what the VAT rate in Greece will be in 2026, this text explains it in a clear and simple way. We leave complicated tax jargon at the door.

What is VAT and how does it work in Greece?

Value Added Tax, known as VAT in Greece, is a tax applied to most goods and services sold in the country. It works similarly to other European Union countries – it is added to the price you pay as a customer, but formally it is the business that pays it to the Greek tax authority. The Greek VAT system is harmonized with EU regulations, so if you have experience with VAT in Poland or another EU country, many elements will feel familiar.

How much is VAT in Greece – basic rates

When you ask how much VAT is in Greece, the answer is generally straightforward. The Greek tax system includes several VAT rates depending on what you buy or which service you use. The standard VAT rate in Greece is currently 24%. This means that most goods and services purchased in shops or online from Greek sellers are subject to this rate.

Alongside the main rate, Greece also applies reduced VAT rates. The first reduced rate is 13%, usually applied to selected everyday goods and services such as certain food products, hotel accommodation, or passenger transport. The second, even lower rate is 6% and applies to particularly important goods and services, such as books, newspapers, and certain medical products. Some transactions may be subject to a 0% VAT rate – typically international transport services or intra-EU supplies under specific conditions.

Could Greek VAT look different in 2026?

Tax regulations can change, and in Greece the situation is not always simple. In recent years, the Greek government has experimented with tax reliefs on selected islands and sectors, reducing standard VAT rates by around 30% for certain goods and services in specific regions. This means that on some Greek islands, standard VAT rates may be temporarily lower during certain periods, although this does not apply nationwide.

For 2026, however, official information points to a return to the core VAT rates of 24%, 13%, and 6% as the base structure of Greek VAT. Economists predict that this system will remain in place for the coming years unless further legislative changes are introduced.

What do the individual VAT rates cover?

To understand how VAT in Greece works in practice, it is worth looking at how each rate is applied. The standard 24% rate applies to items such as electronics, clothing, and professional services. It is the most common rate and the one you will see on most receipts.

The reduced 13% rate applies to selected food products, hotel services, public transport, and water supply. It represents a balance between the standard rate and areas where the state aims to reduce the burden on consumers.

The lowest rate of 6% is used for goods and services considered socially important in Greece – for example books, certain medicines and medical equipment, and newspapers.

VAT in Greece and international trade

If you run a business and are interested in how Greek VAT affects international transactions, the rules are similar to those applied across the European Union. VAT is charged according to the place of supply of goods or services, and B2B transactions within the EU may follow special settlement rules.

If you sell goods to Greece from another EU country, you do not charge local VAT if the buyer has a valid VAT number. If you sell to consumers in Greece, meaning private individuals, you must charge VAT according to Greek rates.

VAT registration and settlement in Greece

For entrepreneurs who are required to register for VAT in Greece, this obligation generally starts from the first taxable sale made in the country. There is no high turnover threshold that allows you to delay registration, which means many foreign businesses must register immediately.

VAT returns are usually filed monthly or quarterly, depending on the company’s situation. The tax payment deadline follows the end of the reporting period, and Greek tax authorities tend to monitor these deadlines quite strictly.

Why is it worth knowing the current VAT rates in Greece?

If you want to know what VAT in Greece will be in 2026, the answer focuses on three core levels: 24% as the standard rate, and 13% and 6% as reduced rates, with additional 0% exceptions in specific transport-related cases.

Knowing the VAT rates in Greece makes it easier to estimate the cost of everyday purchases, tourist services, or business settlements. The system is similar to those in other EU countries, although local reliefs and regional reductions may sometimes affect the final amount of tax you pay.

In summary, Greek VAT is clear in its principles and transparent in its structure, with basic rates of 24%, 13%, and 6% – worth keeping in mind whether you are a consumer or a business operating in Greece on a daily basis.