GREECE: Tax Convention with Greece was Signed

1. Today, the Government of Japan and the Government of the Hellenic Republic signed the “Convention between Japan and the Hellenic Republic for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance” in Athens. This Convention is the first tax convention to be concluded between Japan and the Hellenic Republic in light of the development of economic relationship between the two countries.

2. For the purpose of eliminating double taxation arising between the two countries, this Convention clarifies the scope of taxation in the two countries. In addition, this Convention will enable the tax authorities of the two countries to consult each other on taxation not in accordance with the provisions of this Convention, to exchange information concerning tax matters and to mutually lend assistance in the collection of tax claims. It is expected that, while eliminating double taxation and preventing international tax evasion and tax avoidance, this Convention promotes further mutual investments and economic exchanges between the two countries.

【Reference 1】 Next Steps

After the approval in accordance with the domestic procedures of the two countries (in Japan, approval by the Diet is necessary), this Convention will enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date of exchange of diplomatic notes indicating such approval and will have effect:
(a) in Japan:
(i) with respect to taxes levied on the basis of a taxable year, for taxes for any taxable years beginning on or after 1 January of the calendar year next following that in which this Convention enters into force;

(ii) with respect to taxes levied not on the basis of a taxable year, for taxes levied on or after 1 January of the calendar year next following that in which this Convention enters into force; and

(b) in the Hellenic Republic:

(i) with respect to taxes withheld at source, for amounts paid or credited on or after 1 January of the calendar year next following that in which this Convention enters into force;

(ii) with respect to other taxes, for taxes levied for periods beginning on or after 1 January of the calendar year next following that in which this Convention enters into force.

The provisions concerning the exchange of information and the assistance in the collection of taxes will have effect from the date of entry into force of this Convention without regard to the date on which the taxes are levied or the taxable year to which the taxes relate.

【Reference 2】 Texts and Key Points of the Convention

・“Convention between Japan and the Hellenic Republic for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance”（Japanese(PDF:242KB) ・English(PDF:80KB) ）
・Key Points of Tax Convention with Greece