The Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance has officially extended the deadline for introducing mandatory rent payment exclusively through bank transactions. The measure, initially planned for the beginning of April 2026, now has a new starting date of October 1, 2026.
The decision, announced on March 30, aims to give property owners and tenants additional time for technical preparation and registration of bank accounts (IBAN) in the system of the revenue agency (AADE). From October 2026, any payment “in hand” will be considered invalid before the tax authorities. Landlords who continue to accept cash will lose the right to the automatic deduction of 5% of their taxable income (intended for property maintenance). Citizens who do not pay their rent through a bank will lose their right to housing subsidies and tax credits, which in some cases reach up to 800 euros per year. Owners are required to declare a personal IBAN on the AADE platform, and the account must match the name of the person listed on the rental agreement. The measure is part of the government’s broader plan to combat tax evasion and the “grey” economy in the real estate market in Greece.
Illustrative Photo by Efrem Efre : https://www.pexels.com/photo/serene-greek-flag-overlooking-ionian-sea-corfu-33753971/
