If you are moving to Greece, your AFM and AMKA quickly become the administrative foundation of daily life. These two numbers unlock almost everything: banking, healthcare, rental contracts, utilities, employment, mobile phone contracts, and many digital government services.
In practice, many expats discover that settling into Greece becomes dramatically easier once these registrations are completed.
If you are still planning your relocation, our complete Moving to Greece in 2026: The Complete Expat Guide explains how AFM and AMKA fit into the wider relocation process, including residency permits, healthcare, housing, taxation, and the first 60 days of bureaucracy in Greece.
The process can initially feel confusing, especially because requirements sometimes vary slightly between offices. However, most expats find that once these two numbers are issued, many other parts of life in Greece begin falling into place.
What Is an AFM in Greece?
The AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is Greece’s Tax Identification Number. Think of it as the administrative key that connects you to the Greek tax and financial system.
You will usually need an AFM for:
• Opening a bank account
• Signing a rental contract
• Buying property or a vehicle
• Starting employment or freelance work
• Paying taxes
• Setting up utilities and internet services
• Accessing many online government services
In practical terms, most long term administrative procedures in Greece begin with the AFM.
What Is an AMKA?
The AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is Greece’s Social Security Registration Number.
You will generally need it for:
• Accessing the public healthcare system (ESY)
• Employment registration
• Prescriptions and pharmacy services
• Social insurance procedures
• Enrolling children in public schools
• Certain EFKA and healthcare related registrations
For many expats, the AMKA is the point where Greece starts feeling less transitional and more operational.
The Most Important Thing to Understand: Sequence Matters
One of the most common mistakes newcomers make is attempting Greek administrative procedures in the wrong order.
In Greece, bureaucracy is highly interconnected. Your AFM is often required before opening a bank account, while your bank account and proof of address may later support residency, healthcare, and utility procedures.
That is why most relocation professionals recommend treating your first weeks in Greece as a structured “setup phase” rather than trying to solve everything simultaneously.
Step 1: Get Your AFM First
For most expats, the AFM should be your first major administrative priority after obtaining a Greek mobile number.
Where to Apply
If you already live in Greece, you generally visit the local DOY (Tax Office) responsible for your area.
Non residents often use the:
DOY Katoikon Exoterikou
Metsovou 4, Athens 106 82
(near Omonoia)
Documents Commonly Requested
You will usually need:
• Valid passport or EU national ID
• Residence permit or visa (for non EU citizens where applicable)
• Proof of address
• Completed M1 application form
• In some cases, a tax representative declaration
Can You Apply Online?
Parts of the process can now begin through myAADE, Greece’s digital tax platform. However, many applicants still complete identity verification through a video appointment or in person visit.
Official AADE portal:
myAADE Official Platform
How Long Does It Take?
If your documents are accepted, many applicants receive their AFM on the same day, sometimes within an hour.
Step 2: Get Your AMKA
Once your AFM is active, the next step is obtaining your AMKA.
Where to Apply
Many expats apply through:
• KEP (Citizens’ Service Centres)
• EFKA (Greece’s national social insurance authority)
• Healthcare registration offices
Official KEP information:
KEP Citizen Service Centres
Documents Usually Required
• Passport or EU ID
• AFM number
• Residence permit or visa where applicable
• Proof of address
• Supporting civil documents in some cases
How Long Does It Take?
If documentation is complete, many applicants receive their AMKA on the same day, often within 30 minutes.
Important Note for Non EU Citizens
For non EU citizens, AMKA procedures can sometimes become more complicated depending on permit type and application stage.
Some applicants may initially receive a PAAYPA, which functions as a provisional healthcare and insurance number for third country nationals during transitional stages.
Requirements may vary between offices, particularly regarding translations and supporting documents.
Administrative Realities Expats Commonly Encounter
“They Told Me to Come Back Tomorrow”
System outages and temporary administrative delays are normal in Greece. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often calmer than Mondays and Fridays.
Translation Requirements Can Vary
Some offices may request certified Greek translations even when another office previously accepted English documents.
Official translation information:
Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs Translation Service
Proof of Address Can Be Flexible
If you do not yet have a utility bill, some offices may accept:
• A rental agreement
• A hosting declaration
• A hotel booking in early stages
• A signed declaration from your host together with their ID
Different Offices Sometimes Interpret Rules Differently
One office may request additional documents while another may not. This inconsistency is frustrating, but extremely common.
For many expats, patience and organisation matter more than perfection.
Practical Tips for Expats
• Keep printed and digital copies of everything
• Bring more photocopies than you think you need
• Save PDFs of all documents on your phone and laptop
• Use the same spelling of your name everywhere
• Link your registrations to a working Greek mobile number whenever possible
• Consider using an accountant or relocation specialist if your case is complex
Many expats also find that once their AFM is active, they can begin accessing TAXISnet and gov.gr services more easily.
Official gov.gr portal:
gov.gr Official Portal
What Happens After You Have Both Numbers?
For many expats, this is the moment Greece begins to feel operational rather than transitional.
Once your AFM and AMKA are in place, everyday life becomes significantly easier. You can usually:
• Open a Greek bank account
• Sign a rental contract
• Register utilities and internet
• Access healthcare services
• Begin employment procedures
• Use more digital government services
• Progress more smoothly through residency related bureaucracy
In practice, these two numbers become the administrative backbone of living in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an AFM before arriving in Greece?
In some cases, yes. Certain applicants use a tax representative such as a lawyer or accountant to begin the process remotely.
Is AFM the same as a VAT number?
Your AFM can also function as your VAT number if you later register a business activity. For EU VAT purposes, Greece uses the prefix “EL”.
Do I need to renew my AMKA?
No. Your AMKA is generally permanent, although you should update your information if your residency or insurance status changes.
Can I live in Greece without AFM or AMKA?
In practice, daily life becomes extremely difficult without them. Most administrative, banking, healthcare, and housing procedures eventually require one or both numbers.
📌 Administrative procedures referenced in this guide reflect information available as of May 2026. Requirements may vary by office, municipality, and residency category, so always confirm details directly with the relevant authority before attending appointments.
