Greece's ELSTAT monthly accommodation return in 2026: who files it in «Xenios Zeus» and what about short-term rentals

Updated 9 November 2026

Every month the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) collects arrivals and overnight stays from accommodation businesses. That is the source of each area's official tourism figures, the Cyclades included. This guide sums up what ELSTAT, gov.gr and the tax authority AADE say as of 9 November 2026, with sources at the end. Where we could not confirm something, we say so. It is not legal advice: ask your accountant about your case.

Who files it

According to ELSTAT's release of 22 July 2026:

Obliged are «all hotel-type accommodation» and «the country's campsites». The survey is a census and is carried out monthly.
For short-stay accommodation (rooms and apartments to let, NACE 55.2), since 2020 data are collected every month from all operating properties, with an additional sample collection.
The gov.gr service is addressed to owners of hotels, campsites, rooms to let and furnished apartments to let.
The survey is based on Regulation (EU) 692/2011 on tourism statistics.

How it is filed

Mainly online:

Through ELSTAT's «Xenios Zeus» web application, as ELSTAT states; on paper only when filing online is not possible.
ELSTAT's 2026 Work Programme plans an upgrade of the application.
We found no 2026 source giving the filing deadline. An older ELSTAT methodology note mentioned five working days after the end of the month: confirm it in the application.
We found no official page explaining which credentials are used to log in to «Xenios Zeus».

What data are asked

ELSTAT's official forms (C43_1_2022 for hotels and campsites, C43_24_2022 for rooms to let) ask for:

Property details and tax number (AFM), days open in the month, beds and rooms.
Guest arrivals and overnight stays by country of permanent residence.
For hotels, also total rooms occupied and the number of staff at the end of the month.
The person responsible certifies, under liability for false declaration, that the data are accurate.
The rooms-to-let form asks for the return to be sent «every month», from October 2021.

Legal basis and fines

ELSTAT's forms state that providing data to ELSTAT is required by article 2(3) of Law 3832/2010.

The law obliges private legal entities, associations of persons and natural persons to provide requested data «in an accurate and timely manner».
If data are not provided, ELSTAT first sends a notice to correct within a deadline. If not corrected, after a hearing it may impose a fine of 1,000 to 50,000 euros (current text on taxheaven, unofficial; the same amount in ELSTAT's official 2011 English translation).
We found no data on how often such fines are imposed on accommodation businesses.

Short-term rentals with an AMA number: measured differently

On 24 July 2026 ELSTAT published an experimental statistic on short-term rental properties:

Its aim is to cover tourism activity that «is not included in the existing official statistics».
The data come from the short-term rental declarations filed with AADE for properties registered in the Short-Term Rental Register (AMA), not from questionnaires to owners. The methodology is still being developed.
We found no official sentence saying whether a property with an AMA number can receive an ELSTAT return. If you receive one, ask ELSTAT.

Neither the AADE declaration nor the Digital Client Register replaces it

They are different obligations:

The AADE short-stay declaration is a tax filing: due by the 20th of the month after departure, with amounts and dates. AADE's FAQ does not mention ELSTAT.
The Digital Client Register (Ψηφιακό Πελατολόγιο), according to AADE's FAQ of January 2026, covers vehicle-related sectors, not accommodation. See our guide on the Digital Client Register.
ELSTAT uses AADE data to update its register of accommodation, but no source says this exempts hotels from the return.

Why it is in your interest

This return produces the official arrivals and overnight-stay figures for your area, used by municipalities, the press and AI assistants when someone asks when an island is quieter. And each month it shows you which countries your guests come from.

How iQuota helps

iQuota publishes an official page for each property with direct booking, no commission and payment at the property, read by AI assistants and search engines. iQuota does not file ELSTAT returns or AADE declarations for you and cannot guarantee that an AI will recommend your property.

Want an official page with your property's details and direct booking? The first 30 hotels join free until 30 June 2027.

See the Founding Hotels programme

Frequently asked questions

Is the ELSTAT return compulsory for hotels in Greece?

Yes. ELSTAT states that all hotel-type accommodation and campsites are obliged, and its forms cite article 2(3) of Law 3832/2010.

Do rooms to let file it too?

Yes. Since 2020 ELSTAT collects monthly data from all operating short-stay properties, and gov.gr names rooms to let and furnished apartments.

What about short-term rentals with an AMA number?

ELSTAT measures them with an experimental statistic based on AADE declarations and says this activity is not included in the official statistics.

What is the fine?

After a notice and a hearing, 1,000 to 50,000 euros under Law 3832/2010.

Where is it filed?

Mainly online, in ELSTAT's «Xenios Zeus» application.

Sources

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