Greece to Mandate B2B E-Invoicing

The European Commission has formally authorized Greece to implement mandatory B2B e-invoicing for domestic transactions. This significant step marks a key development in Greece’s efforts to enhance tax compliance and streamline VAT reporting. 

Authorization for B2B E-invoicing Mandate in Greece

On July 2, 2024, Greece formally requested a derogation from Articles 218 and 232 of Directive 2006/112/EC. If granted, this derogation will allow Greece to mandate e-invoicing for taxable persons established within the country.

Notably, the measure requested will not impact companies that are not established in Greece, even if they are VAT-registered there. This would be a B2B mandate to issue e-invoices for transactions carried out between entities established in Greece. Additionally, the mandate will respect customers' right to receive paper invoices for intra-Community transactions. As for the format proposed, e-invoices must adhere to the European Standard on electronic invoicing (EN 16931) and its specified syntaxes as outlined in Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1870.

On 5th March 2025, the European Commission formally authorized Greece to implement the B2B e-invoicing mandate through the Council Implemeting Decision (EU) 2025/502. The timeline suggests that mandatory e-invoicing could begin on 1 July 2025, and continue until 30 June 2026 - although considering ViDA is adopted, the expiry date shall have no effect-.

Current Digital Reporting Requirement in Greece

Currently, Greece operates a reporting system through the myDATA platform, which requires Greek established businesses to transmit income and expense transaction data. Once e-invoicing is mandated, real-time data transfer to the myDATA platform will become standard practice.

Although e-invoicing is not yet a universal mandate, e-reporting through the myDATA platform is mandatory. The platform processes sales invoices in real time, categorizes revenue and expenses, and ensures accurate year-end tax reporting. Smaller companies - those with a turnover below EUR 50,000 or issuing fewer than 50 invoices annually—can manually upload data using a special entry form on the myDATA web portal.

The scope of myDATA requirement extends beyond B2B transactions to include business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-consumer (B2C) segments. These requirements cover all domestic and international transactions, ensuring comprehensive VAT compliance.

B2G E-invoicing Mandate in Greece

From 1 June 2024, electronic invoices following the EN 16931 standard are mandatory for B2G transactions involving contracting authorities and entities in public procurement. Additionally, starting 1 January 2025, e-invoicing became mandatory for government-related expenditures exceeding EUR 2,500.

The move towards mandatory B2B e-invoicing aligns with Greece’s broader digital transformation strategy and its commitment to combating VAT fraud and reduce the VAT gap. Businesses operating in Greece should begin preparations to ensure seamless compliance with these upcoming requirements. By adopting standardized e-invoicing practices, Greece is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and foster a more transparent tax environment.