Greece (GR)

Obtain your AMKA (Social Insurance Number)

The AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is your social insurance and healthcare number — the most critical first step in Greece. Without it, you cannot access healthcare, open a bank account, get an AFM, start work, or use any public service. Apply in person at any KEP or EFKA office.

Set up Taxisnet (Greek digital identity)

Taxisnet is the Greek government digital authentication system used for accessing myAADE (tax), EOPYY, e-EFKA, OPEKA (child benefits), and virtually all public digital services. Register after you have your AFM. An activation code is sent by post to your Greek address.

Obtain your AFM (Greek Tax Number)

The AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is your Greek tax identification number. Required for employment, banking, property transactions, contracts, vehicle registration, and practically all financial activities. Apply at your local DOY (Δημόσια Οικονομική Υπηρεσία — tax office) or via the myAADE portal for EU citizens.

Open a Greek bank account

A Greek bank account is needed to receive salary, pay rent, and set up utility direct debits. Revolut provides the fastest option (no branch visit needed, GR IBAN available). For a traditional Greek bank, you need AFM and AMKA.

Register a Personal Physician (Προσωπικός Γιατρός)

Since 2022, all EOPYY-insured persons must register a Personal Physician (Προσωπικός Γιατρός) as their GP via the EOPYY portal. This is mandatory to access specialist referrals through the public system. Register online via eopyy.gov.gr once your AMKA and EFKA enrollment are active.

Register your rental contract with AADE (myAADE)

Both landlord and tenant must register the rental contract (Δήλωση Μισθωτηρίου Συμβολαίου) with AADE via the myAADE portal within 1 month of signing. Required for the address to be valid for official purposes and for the landlord to legally declare rental income.

File or update E9 property declaration (for property owners)

If you own or purchase property in Greece, file or update the E9 declaration on myAADE within 30 days. The E9 is the annual declaration of all owned real estate and is used to calculate your annual ENFIA (property tax).

Register EU residence at KEP

EU/EEA citizens residing in Greece for more than 3 months must register at a KEP and obtain a Certificate of Registration (Βεβαίωση Εγγραφής Πολίτη ΕΕ). This is required before applying for AMKA and is the formal establishment of your EU residence rights in Greece.

Verify your ERGANI employment contract registration

Every employment contract in Greece must be registered with the ERGANI electronic system before the employee starts work. Request confirmation of your contract registration from your employer (Εκτύπωση Ε3 ή Ε4 ΕΡΓΑΝΗ). This protects your employment rights.

Register with ΕΦΚΑ (e-ΕΦΚΑ) for public health insurance (ΕΟΠΥΥ coverage)

ΕΦΚΑ is Greece's unified social security fund. Employed: employer registers you automatically. Self-employed: register at efka.gov.gr and pay monthly contributions (€186/month minimum 2026). This grants access to ΕΟΠΥΥ public healthcare network.

Find and rent an apartment

Finding accommodation is the first practical challenge. Athens rental market has tightened significantly since 2021. Start searching before arriving if possible. You will typically need AFM, AMKA, and proof of income.

Set up electricity and utilities in your name

Transfer electricity (and gas if applicable) into your name. In Greece, electricity is typically a tenant responsibility. Contact DEI or the electricity supplier listed on the meter. You need your AFM for all utility registrations.

Get mandatory Greek motor insurance (TPMA)

Third-party motor liability insurance (ΤΠΜΑ — Τρίτου Προσωπική και Μηδαμινή Ασφάλεια) is mandatory for all vehicles in Greece. Must be arranged before driving or registering a vehicle. Driving without insurance: fine of €1,000+ and vehicle confiscation.

Register your pet in the National Animal Registry (ΕΣΥΖΩΠ)

Greece requires all dogs and cats to be microchipped and registered in the National Animal Registry (ΕΣΥΖΩΠ) through an accredited veterinarian. In 2026, unregistered dogs risk €300 fines. Stray dogs are a known issue in Greece — neutered and chipped strays get orange collars. EU pet passport required for animals from abroad. Municipal dog licenses are also required in most municipalities.

File your annual Greek income tax return

File your annual income tax return (Φορολογική Δήλωση — E1/E2/E3 forms) via the myAADE portal by June 30 of the following year. Pre-filled data from employer and bank is available. Review and submit, correcting any discrepancies.

Register at DYPA (Public Employment Service)

Register as a job seeker at DYPA to access job listings, career counselling, training programmes, and — if previously employed in Greece — unemployment benefit. Register within 30 days of becoming unemployed to preserve benefit rights.

Consider private health insurance

The Greek public healthcare system (EOPYY/ESY) works but has long waiting times for specialists. Private health insurance gives faster access to specialists, better facilities, and English-speaking doctors. Essential for families.

Register your pet with a local vet and Greek Pet Registry

Register your pet with a local Greek vet, transfer microchip registration to the Greek National Pet Registry (microchip.gr), and register with your local municipality (Δήμος) as required by Greek animal welfare law.

Visit KEP (Citizens Service Centre) for document certification and administrative tasks

Greek Citizens Service Centres (KEP) handle over 1,400 administrative procedures including document certification, application submissions for AMKA, AFM, residence permits, and social benefits. Every municipality has at least one KEP. KEP services are free and staff assist with all form-filling. Find your nearest KEP at kep.gov.gr.

Get a Greek SIM card

A Greek mobile phone number is required for two-factor authentication on Greek government portals (Taxisnet), banking apps, and receiving important notifications. Get a SIM card in the first day or two.

Register a Greek SIM card (Cosmote/Vodafone GR/Wind) with AMKA/AFM

Greek SIM cards require registration with AMKA or AFM number (law since 2020). Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, Nova. Prepaid starter: €10 with €5 credit. Monthly plans €10–25.

Get a Greek SIM card and set up an Ermis digital government account

Purchase a SIM from Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, or Wind with passport and AFM. Monthly plans from ~€10. Register for Ermis (mitos.minedu.gov.gr) — Greece's digital government portal for online services. Set up e-banking with a Greek bank. Supermarkets: AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, Lidl. Learn Greek waste bins: blue (recyclables), green (general), brown (organic), yellow (glass in some areas).

Enroll in Greek language courses (ελληνικά) at KEK or municipal language schools

State language schools (φροντιστήριο ελληνικής γλώσσας) charge €100–200/month. Free courses via ΕΚΕΠΙΣ-accredited Κέντρα Δια Βίου Μάθησης (ΚΔΒΜ) for residence applicants. A2 Greek needed for permanent residence.

Apply for child benefit (Επίδομα Παιδιού — A21)

Apply for the A21 child benefit at OPEKA as soon as possible after arriving with children. Payments are not backdated beyond the application date — every month of delay is money lost.

Apply for birth benefit (Επίδομα Γέννησης)

All mothers of children born in Greece (or to Greek residents) are entitled to a birth benefit from OPEKA: €2,400 (1st child), €2,700 (2nd child), €3,000 (3rd child), €3,500 (4th+ child). Paid in two equal instalments. Apply within 2 years of the birth at opeka.gr.

Obtain EFKA pension contribution certificate before leaving Greece

If leaving Greece, request an official certificate of your Greek EFKA contribution history (Ατομικός Λογαριασμός Ασφάλισης). EU citizens: this proves your contribution years for pension totalization in your next EU country. Non-EU citizens: required for pension refund application (if eligible).

Open a Greek savings account (ταμιευτήριο) for emergency fund

Greek bank savings: Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, NBG. Interest rates 2026: 1.5–2.5% for 12-month fixed deposits. HFDGC deposit guarantee €100,000. All interest income taxed at 15% withholding.

Book specialist appointment through e-referral (παραπεμπτικό) via efka.gov.gr

ΕΦΚΑ/ΕΟΠΥΥ beneficiaries get free or low-cost specialist appointments via e-referral system. Book at govgr or ΕΟΠΥΥ portal. Co-payment: €5 specialist visit. Dentist: €10. Prescriptions: 10–25% co-pay.

Get earthquake insurance for your property

Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in Europe. Earthquake insurance is NOT automatically included in standard property insurance — it must be added as a separate product or explicit add-on. This is critical for all property owners.

Start learning Greek

Even basic Greek dramatically improves your daily life, professional opportunities, and relationships with Greeks. B1 Greek is required for naturalisation. Start with the alphabet (1–2 weeks) then basic conversational phrases.

Register with your home country's embassy

Register with your home country's embassy or consulate in Athens or Thessaloniki. Ensures you receive emergency assistance, travel warnings, voting information, and official notifications from home.

Get Athens OASA e-ticket monthly pass or Thessaloniki OASTH card

Athens OASA monthly pass: €30/month (all modes — metro, bus, tram, ISAP, suburban rail). Thessaloniki OASTH: €28/month. Purchase at transit kiosks or papaki.gov.gr. Student/senior discounts.