Opening a Bank Account

To manage your daily student life, buy textbooks, and legally transfer your monthly rent via traceable bank wires, you need an account that provides a legitimate Greek International Bank Account Number (GR IBAN). While traditional Greek commercial banks involve lengthy physical queues and heavy paperwork, the fastest and most efficient digital solution for international students is to use payzy. 

The Ultimate Digital Solution: payzy by Cosmote 

Developed by Greece’s largest telecommunications provider (Cosmote) and authorized as a licensed electronic money institution, payzy allows both EU and Non-EU students to open a fully operational Greek current account and issue a virtual debit card directly from their smartphones within minutes. 

Because payzy is natively integrated with local network databases, it bypasses traditional retail banking delays, making it the most accessible pathway for foreigners. 

The 5-Minute Digital Onboarding Steps: 

To activate your digital GR IBAN from your dorm or temporary lodging, simply download the official application and complete the digital onboarding profile: 

1. Identity & Facial Verification: Upload a clear photograph of your valid Passport (with your student visa for Non-EU citizens) or your European National ID card, followed by a quick biometric facial selfie.
2. Tax Data Linkage: Enter your newly issued 9-digit Greek AFM number (from Step 2) when prompted by the app to establish your local tax profile.
3. Mobile Network Authentication: Input your active local Greek mobile phone number (+30 from Step 3). The payzy system will instantly cross-reference your telecom registration and verify your profile with a single secure 2FA SMS code.

Once your automated identity verification clears, your GR IBAN account is live. You can immediately link your virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Wallet and transfer funds via international wires or external card top-ups to begin securing your permanent housing.