Enter your freelance revenue, expenses, and VAT status to see your net profit, income tax, EFKA estimate, and final take-home as a Greek freelancer.
Net take-home
--
Net profit (after expenses)
--
Income tax
--
EFKA estimate
--
VAT collected for AADE
--
Your breakdown
Updates live as you type
Item
Amount
How Greek freelancer taxation works
Greek freelancers pay income tax on net profit (ex-VAT revenue minus allowable expenses) under the 5-bracket system (9% to 44%). VAT collected from clients at 24% is held in trust and remitted quarterly; it does not form part of income. EFKA social contributions are fixed by insurance class rather than proportional to income, which favors high earners but can be costly relative to income for low earners.
Example: 35,000 EUR revenue, 7,000 EUR expenses
Net profit: 28,000 EUR. Income tax: 900 + 2,200 + 2,240 (28% on 8,000) = 5,340 EUR. Tax credit: 0. EFKA estimate: 2,616 EUR. Net take-home: 28,000 minus 5,340 minus 2,616 = 20,044 EUR. VAT on invoices: 35,000 times 24% = 8,400 EUR (collected from clients and remitted to AADE, not your income).
Tips for Greek freelancers
Set aside at least 30% of each invoice for taxes and EFKA. File quarterly VAT returns on time to avoid penalties. Consider upgrading your EFKA class if you want higher pension benefits or healthcare entitlements. A licensed Greek accountant can reduce your overall tax burden through proper expense optimization and keep you compliant with AADE requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What taxes does a freelancer in Greece pay?
Greek freelancers registered as eleftheri epaggelmaties pay three types of taxes and contributions. First, income tax on net business profit under the 5-bracket system (9% to 44%), filed annually via Taxisnet. Second, EFKA social insurance contributions, which for most freelancers follow a class-based system with minimum contributions of about 218 EUR per month (Class A) and optional higher classes for greater coverage. Third, VAT (FPA) at 24% on most services, which must be collected from clients and remitted to AADE quarterly. The VAT itself is not income; it is collected on behalf of the state and passed through.
How do Greek freelancers register for taxes?
New freelancers in Greece must register with the Tax Authority (AADE) by filing a commencement of activity declaration (Delossi Enarxis Ergasion) via Taxisnet or at a tax office. This gives you a professional activity code (KAD) and triggers your VAT registration if your expected turnover exceeds the relevant threshold. You must also register with EFKA for social insurance. The process typically takes a few days with the right documents. Many freelancers use a licensed Greek accountant to handle the initial registration and ongoing quarterly filings.
Can Greek freelancers deduct equipment and software as business expenses?
Yes. Business equipment, software subscriptions, communication tools, professional books and courses, and home office costs (pro-rated) are all potentially deductible as business expenses under Greek tax law, provided they are directly related to the business activity and supported by valid invoices (timologia). Large asset purchases such as computers are typically amortized over their useful life rather than fully deducted in the year of purchase. All expense documentation must be retained for at least five years as AADE can audit within that period.
What is the minimum tax rule for Greek freelancers?
Greek tax law includes a presumptive minimum income rule that can apply to freelancers and self-employed persons whose declared income is below a minimum threshold calculated from living cost indicators. If the tax authority determines that your declared profit is unrealistically low relative to your lifestyle (assessed via a notional living cost scale that considers property, vehicles, private schools, domestic staff, and leisure expenses), it may impute a higher taxable income. This is governed by Article 34 of the Income Tax Code and is more likely to affect freelancers who declare very low profits while having visible high personal expenditure.