Greece improved its ranking in the in the OECD’s International Tax Competitiveness Index, rising three spots to land at 23^rd place among 38 member-countries, according to the Athens-based Center for Liberal Studies – Markos Dragoumis (KEFiM), which released the results in collaboration with the Tax Foundation.

Greece achieved an overall score of 67 out of 100, up from 62.9 in 2024, reflecting a modest progress in the country’s fiscal structure and competitiveness.

In specific categories, the country ranks 16th in corporate taxation, fourth in personal taxation, 30th in consumption taxes, 29th in property taxes, and 23rd in the taxation of foreign profits.

Weaknesses

The report points to several structural challenges that continue to impede competitiveness, namely, the fact that companies active in the country face strict limits on offsetting net losses against future profits and cannot apply losses to past taxable income; a relatively small network of tax treaties—58, compared to the OECD average of 76, and a very high VAT rate – the maximum is 24% – amongst the highest of OECD member-states. Conversely, the tax base in the country covers only 43% of final consumption, one of the narrowest in the OECD.

Strengths and Reforms

At the same time, the annual study highlights several positive aspects of the country’s tax system. Foremost is a net personal tax rate on dividends of 5%, far below the OECD average of 24.7%, while capital gains from listed shares without a substantial holding remain tax-exempt.

Additionally, the corporate income tax rate of 22% also gets a nod, as it is lower than the OECD average of 24.2%, while controlled foreign company (CFC) rules are limited in scope, applying only to passive income.

KEFIM said the improvement in the national ranking reflects continuing efforts to enhance the country’s fiscal competitiveness, despite structural challenges.

Estonia remained first on the specific index, with France last.