e-Invoicing in Greece: Timeline, Guidelines, Process, and Steps for Implementation

Greece has made significant progress with respect to digitalisation with the implementation of e-invoicing, in particular for public procurement. The process is managed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR) and is designed to enhance tax transparency as well as facilitate invoice reporting. Since July 2021, companies that carry out B2G transactions are obligated to send out e-invoices using certified service providers. These should be provided in structured forms like XML and should meet European e-invoicing standards. 

The goal is to improve the tax infrastructure of Greece, harmonise with EU directives, and make VAT procedures easier. This guide covers the key aspects of adopting e-invoicing in Greece, how the e-invoice system in Greece operates, what e-invoicing is, to whom it is applicable, and how businesses can proceed to meet current e-invoice requirements. 

What is e-Invoicing in Greece?

E-invoicing in Greece is a state-sponsored initiative targeting the modernisation of issuing, sending, and filing invoices, especially for public procurement (B2G) transactions. As per the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) mandate, the system forces companies to issue an e-invoice in a standardised XML format via accredited service providers or in-house solutions. Such bills should be submitted in real time to the national myDATA platform, where transaction data is kept for the sole purpose of reporting for taxation. The objective is to increase transparency, avoid tax evasion, and simplify VAT compliance. Mandatory e-invoicing as of 2025 targets suppliers who are a party to public contracts.

e-Invoice Implementation Timeline

Greece has implemented e-invoicing in phases, beginning with public procurement and expanding gradually. The system follows European standards (EN 16931) and is monitored through platforms like myDATA and the National Interoperability Centre. Below is a timeline of e-invoicing implementation in Greece.

e-Invoicing Process in Greece

The e-invoice in Greece process follows a structured, multi-platform approach led by certified service providers, the myDATA platform, and public authority systems. Here's how it works:

1. Supplier invoice preparation: The process starts when a contractor or supplier prepares an electronic invoice according to the European standard EN 16931 and Greek business regulations in Peppol.
2. Verification of e-invoicing service provider: A certified e-invoicing provider verifies the invoice's format, completeness, and semantic correctness through interoperability tools made available by the National Interoperability Centre (KE.D).
3. Upload to myDATA platform: The invoice information is subsequently passed on to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR) myDATA platform for taxation and real-time reporting.
4. Peppol network transmission: Certified e-invoice is transmitted from the Interoperability Centre (KE.D) to the Peppol Access Point (AP) with secure routing to the relevant contracting authority.
5. Processing of contracting authority: The pertinent public body receives the e-invoice, verifies it through internal channels such as EDHT or GAO and informs the supplier of its status (accepted, rejected, in processing). 
6. Supplier confirmation final: The status messages are passed to the supplier over the same channel. Once accepted, the invoice is forwarded for payment and clearing.

e-Invoicing Compliance Guidelines

For Greece e-invoicing compliance, companies and public bodies have to meet the following e-invoice guidelines: 

• Standard Format: Invoices shall be in the European standard EN 16931 and comply with Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (CIUS version for Greece).
• Platforms Used: Invoices must be sent by certified service providers and published on the Peppol network, and then verified by the myDATA platform.
• Scope of Application: e-invoicing is mandatory for B2G transactions in Greece. Since 1 June 2024, all Economic Operators (EOs) have been required to send e-invoices to contracting authorities. From 1 January 2025, it has also become mandatory for all government expenditures above EUR 2,500.
• Real-Time Reporting: All B2B and B2G invoices are to be dispatched in real-time to the myDATA system for accounting and taxation.
• Archiving: Electronic invoices must be kept safe in an electronic format for a minimum of five years and be made available for audit or inspection.
• Monitoring Mechanism: The government uses myDATA to track and cross-check e-invoice information, enabling real-time oversight and compliance enforcement.

Who Needs to Comply with e-Invoicing in Greece? 

The following entities are required to comply with e-invoice in Greece: 

• All Economic Operators (EOs) are now required to send e-invoices for B2G transactions.
• Since 1 June 2024, e-invoicing has been mandatory for all contracting authorities.
• From 1 January 2025, all government spending over EUR 2,500 must be supported by e-invoices.
• All businesses are required to report transaction data via myDATA, regardless of size.
• Small businesses (turnover below EUR 50,000 or fewer than 50 invoices/year) may still use manual entry on the myDATA portal.
• While B2B e-invoicing is not yet mandatory, real-time digital reporting remains compulsory for all businesses.

Benefits of e-Invoicing in Greece

E-invoicing in Greece brings practical advantages for both businesses and the government. Here are a few of them: 

• Cuts paperwork and manual errors
• Speeds up invoice processing and payments
• Ensures better VAT accuracy and reporting
• Reduces tax fraud and improves audit trails
• Makes businesses ready for upcoming digital mandates

How can ClearTax help a business with e-Invoicing in Greece? 

ClearTax ensures business compliance with the e-invoicing and e-reporting requirements of Greece with:

• Seamless Integration with ERPs and Accounting Systems: Posts and generates invoices to MyDATA in the Peppol BIS or EN 16931 format as prescribed.
• Regulatory Compliant Validation: Validates invoices as per Greek and EU norms prior to submission to prevent rejection or errors.
• Cloud-Based Secure Platform: Allows users to generate, save, and handle e-invoices with access control and a complete audit trail.
• Digital Signature Support: Facilitates legally binding electronic signatures for government (B2G) transactions.
• Real-Time Tracking & Alerts: Provides timely reminders of invoice status, payment due dates, and regulatory compliance to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

Greece has advanced considerably towards an organised and secure e-invoicing environment. Although e-invoicing is mandatory for all B2G transactions and government expenditures above EUR 2,500, wider mandates for B2B transactions and VAT returns are on the horizon. Companies are required to accept strict formats, abide by the terms of EN 16931 standards, and upload invoice summaries via the MyDATA portal. With numerous platforms, changing regulations, and integration requirements, compliance may be complicated. With ClearTax, it is easy, providing automated, safe, and regulation-compliant options that assist business organisations in fulfilling compliance requirements and being ready for upcoming mandates.