Unclaimed Money in Greece
Greece requires banks to transfer dormant accounts to the Greek State (through the Independent Authority for Public Revenue / AADE) after 20 years of inactivity. Before the 20-year mark, funds remain with the individual bank. Greece went through a severe banking crisis (2010–2018) during which several banks were merged or wound down — this has created a complex landscape for tracing older accounts.
The Bank of Greece (Τράπεζα της Ελλάδος / BoG) oversees the banking system and can provide regulatory guidance. Given the number of bank mergers and restructurings, it is essential to understand the corporate history of any bank involved.
How to Search Greek Dormant Accounts
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Eurobank
One of Greece's four systemic banks. Traces legacy accounts from Ergasias Bank and others. Contact via eurobank.gr.
✓ Major systemic bank
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Alpha Bank
Another systemic bank. Alpha acquired Emporiki Bank (formerly Crédit Lyonnais Greece) and its legacy accounts. Contact via alpha.gr.
✓ Covers Emporiki accounts
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National Bank of Greece (NBG)
Greece's oldest and once-largest bank. NBG holds decades of historical accounts. Contact via nbg.gr.
✓ Oldest Greek bank — legacy accounts
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Piraeus Bank
The fourth systemic bank. Piraeus acquired assets from ATEbank, Geniki, and other failed banks during the crisis. Contact via piraeusbank.gr.
✓ Absorbed multiple failed banks
Greek AFM Tax Number
The Greek AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου — Tax Registration Number) is a 9-digit identifier used for all Greek financial accounts. It is the most efficient search tool for dormant Greek bank accounts.
For deceased estates, a Κληρονομητήριο (certificate of inheritance) from the Greek court (Πρωτοδικείο) is required. Greek probate proceedings can be complex, particularly for non-residents, and a Greek lawyer (δικηγόρος) should be engaged for cross-border estate claims.
What happened to accounts in failed Greek banks?
During the 2010–2018 crisis, several Greek banks were resolved: ATEbank, Hellenic Postbank, Proton Bank, FBB, and others. Their good assets and deposits were transferred to the four systemic banks (Eurobank, Alpha, NBG, Piraeus). Accounts at these banks should be traceable through the acquirer banks.
What is HDIGF's role?
The Hellenic Deposit and Investment Guarantee Fund (Ταμείο Εγγύησης Καταθέσεων και Επενδύσεων / TEKE) guarantees deposits up to €100,000 in Greek banks. It does not hold unclaimed deposits — its role is deposit insurance, not custody of dormant accounts.
After 20 years, how do I claim from the Greek State?
Claims for accounts transferred to the Greek State (AADE) must be submitted through AADE. You will need proof of identity (AFM, passport) and documentation proving connection to the account.
Are Greek government bonds (GGBs) traceable?
Greek government bonds and other securities may be held at the Bank of Greece's securities depository. For old bearer bonds or securities from before the electronic era, the Bank of Greece (bankofgreece.gr) can advise.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Unclaimed Money in Greece
What is the Greek Deposits and Investments Guarantee Fund?
The Hellenic Deposit and Investment Guarantee Fund (HDIGF — Ταμείο Εγγύησης Καταθέσεων και Επενδύσεων / TEKE) guarantees deposits up to €100,000 per person per bank in case of a bank failure, and also covers investment claims. For dormant accounts, Greek banks are governed by Law 5702/1932 and subsequent regulations which require banks to eventually transfer unclaimed deposits to the Greek State. The Bank of Greece (Τράπεζα της Ελλάδος) at bankofgreece.gr oversees banking regulation and can provide guidance on locating dormant accounts.
How long before a Greek bank account is considered dormant?
Under Greek law, a bank account becomes legally dormant after 20 years of inactivity (no transactions or customer contact). At that point, the bank is required to transfer the balance to the Greek State. However, banks typically begin their own internal dormancy procedures much earlier — often after 3 to 5 years of inactivity — by freezing the account and attempting to contact the account holder. If you or a relative had a Greek bank account that was abandoned, contact the bank directly first, then contact the Bank of Greece if the bank no longer exists or cannot help.
Can I claim Greek unclaimed money from abroad?
Yes. Greek diaspora communities are substantial, and many people have assets in Greece from relatives or from their own time living there. You can submit claims to Greek banks or to the Greek State from abroad. You will need a Tax Identification Number (ΑΦΜ — Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou) for tax purposes. If you do not have a Greek tax number, you may need to obtain one through the Greek tax authority (AADE) via a local tax office (Εφορία). A Greek attorney (δικηγόρος) can facilitate the process if the amounts involved justify the cost.
What about unclaimed Greek pensions or social security payments?
The Unified Social Security Entity (EFKA — Ενιαίος Φορέας Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) manages Greek state pensions and social security. Unclaimed pension payments may remain available for claim by the insured person or their heirs within the statutory limitation period (typically five years for pension arrears). Contact EFKA at efka.gov.gr for enquiries about pension entitlements. For supplementary pension funds (formerly ETEAM, TSMEDE, and others now merged into EFKA), the relevant EFKA division handles claims.