Send Invoice in Greece

Greece has implemented mandatory e-invoicing regulations, primarily through the myDATA platform, impacting both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) transactions. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) regulates e-invoicing and tax reporting in Greece, with the myDATA platform introduced in 2021 to mandate the digital transmission of invoices, expenses, and accounting data in real-time or near real-time for all businesses. This shift aims to modernize tax compliance, simplify reporting, and enhance real-time transparency for both businesses and authorities.

The requirements differ significantly between B2B and B2G transactions. For B2G transactions, structured e-invoicing became mandatory in phases, starting in 2023 for suppliers in public procurement. By September 1, 2025, B2G e-invoicing became fully mandatory for all public contracts exceeding €2,500, requiring EN16931-compliant e-invoices sent via certified e-invoicing providers connected to the Peppol network. Public sector entities are also required to accept and process these e-invoices.

For B2B transactions, structured e-invoicing is transitioning from optional to mandatory. Key compliance deadlines are:

• March 2, 2026: Mandatory e-invoicing begins for large companies with annual revenues exceeding €1 million in the 2023 financial year, with a gradual implementation period until May 3, 2026.
• October 1, 2026: Mandatory e-invoicing extends to all other businesses, with a transition period until December 31, 2026.

This obligation will apply to both domestic and cross-border transactions outside the EU, with invoices declared and exchanged via certified e-invoicing service providers. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or fines from the tax authority, rejection of invoices, and issues during tax audits or VAT refunds.

The myDATA platform serves as the central electronic book system for businesses in Greece, facilitating the transmission of invoicing data to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). This national e-bookkeeping platform requires the digital transmission of invoices, expenses, and accounting data in real-time or near real-time, effectively acting as Greece's digital "mirror" of your financial books. Upon successful validation, myDATA assigns a unique identification code, known as a MARK, to each invoice, confirming its official recording. Additionally, from January 1, 2024, a QR code became mandatory on any documents shared in PDF format.

To register and use myDATA, businesses typically follow these steps:

1. Choose an E-Invoicing Method: Businesses can use certified e-invoicing software that integrates with myDATA, leverage their existing ERP system with appropriate integration, or utilize the free applications provided by the AADE, such as the "Timologio" web application or "myDATAapp" for mobile devices.
2. Data Transformation: Your chosen solution will transform your invoice data into the XML or JSON format required by the AADE.
3. Transmission and Validation: The formatted data is then securely transmitted to myDATA for validation. The platform processes this information, generates electronic accounting books, and assigns the unique MARK identifier.
4. Integration and Delivery: This validated information, including the MARK, is integrated back into your company's ERP or accounting system. The invoice, now officially cleared, can then be delivered to the buyer.

Common challenges businesses face include mistakenly equating e-invoicing solely with myDATA, as they are related but distinct processes (myDATA is for reporting, e-invoicing for format and delivery to the customer). Another pitfall is ignoring the specific classification rules for income/expense categories and VAT attributes required by AADE e-Books, which can lead to reconciliation issues. Solutions involve using certified providers that ensure correct data mapping, proactively identifying and rectifying data gaps, and utilizing systems with clear validation and error handling to facilitate smoother, error-free submissions.

The Peppol network plays a significant role in Greek e-invoicing, particularly for Business-to-Government (B2G) transactions, by providing a standardized framework for cross-border and domestic electronic document exchange. In Greece, the use of Peppol is mandatory for exchanging e-invoices between businesses and the public sector. These B2G e-invoices must be compliant with the European Standard EN 16931 and specifically use the Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 format, adapted to Greek Core Invoice Usage Specifications (CIUS).

The benefits of using Peppol for e-invoicing extend beyond mere compliance:

• Enhanced Security: Peppol operates as a secure and closed network where the identity of all affiliated parties is verified, significantly reducing the risk of invoice fraud and ensuring the safe exchange of sensitive financial data.
• Process Automation: The network facilitates the exchange of fully digital invoices, enabling greater automation of the invoicing process and streamlining the entire purchase-to-pay cycle.
• Standardization and Interoperability: By adhering to the EN 16931 standard and Peppol BIS 3.0, Peppol ensures consistency in invoicing practices and promotes interoperability, not just within Greece but also with other European and global systems.
• Efficiency and Reduced Burden: It improves the speed and accuracy of invoice submission and processing, leading to reduced administrative burdens and more efficient transactions.

In Greece, an electronic invoice must include specific mandatory information to comply with legal requirements. This includes the supplier's and buyer's VAT identification numbers, a unique invoice number, the date of issue, a clear description of the goods or services provided, the quantity and price per unit, and the applicable VAT rate and amount. The format requirements are guided by Greek law, which stipulates that invoices must be structured in a way that allows for electronic exchange and processing, adhering to the EN 16931 standard for e-invoicing in the EU.

Best practices for ensuring invoice accuracy involve double-checking all entered data, using automated systems to reduce human error, and regularly updating your invoicing software to align with any regulatory changes. These steps help maintain compliance and ensure smooth invoice processing and approval.

The landscape of e-invoicing in Greece is evolving, with several upcoming regulatory changes and potential impacts on businesses. One significant trend is the continued expansion of mandatory e-invoicing to encompass all business transactions, both domestic and cross-border, by 2026. This move aims to enhance tax compliance and streamline financial reporting.

Technologically, advancements in e-invoicing solutions are expected to further automate processes, improve data accuracy, and integrate with broader financial systems. Businesses can anticipate greater use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict invoicing trends and automate routine tasks, reducing the administrative burden and improving efficiency.