Greece (GR)

Valid passport required for all non-EU nationals. EU/EEA citizens may use their national ID card. Keep a certified copy separate from the original.

The Greek social insurance and healthcare number. Required for healthcare access, employment, tax registration, opening bank accounts, and virtually all public services. Apply at KEP or directly at EFKA offices. EU citizens apply with ID/passport; non-EU citizens need a residence permit first.

Greek tax identification number, issued by the AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue). Required for employment, banking, property transactions, and most legal/commercial activities. Apply online via myAADE or in person at a local tax office (DOY — Δημόσια Οικονομική Υπηρεσία).

EU/EEA citizens residing in Greece for more than 3 months must register at their local KEP (Citizen Service Centre) and obtain a certificate of registration under the EU Free Movement Directive. Required for AMKA and many services.

Non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit at the local Decentralised Administration (Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση). Different categories exist: employment, family reunion, study, Golden Visa (investment), digital nomad, etc. Required before applying for AMKA.

Required for family-related registrations, school enrolment, marriage, and citizenship applications. Foreign birth certificates must bear an Apostille and be officially translated into Greek by a certified translator or the Greek Embassy in the country of origin.

Required for family reunion permits, inheritance matters, and joint tax filing. Must bear an Apostille and be officially translated into Greek.

Required for residence permit applications, certain employment categories, adoption procedures, and citizenship applications. Foreign criminal record certificates must bear an Apostille and be translated into Greek.

Required for professional recognition (NARIC/DOATAP process) and some visa categories. Originals must bear an Apostille and be officially translated. Recognition of professional qualifications takes 3–6 months via DOATAP (Hellenic NARIC).

All employment contracts must be registered with the ERGANI electronic system (Ministry of Labour) by the employer before the employee starts work. Employees should request a copy of the registered contract (ΕΡΓΑΝΗ printout).

EU/EEA driving licences are fully valid in Greece. Non-EU licence holders may drive on their foreign licence for up to 1 year from residence registration, after which the licence must be exchanged at the local Regional Unit Transport Department (Υπηρεσία Μεταφορών). Greece has bilateral exchange agreements with some non-EU countries; nationals of other countries may be required to pass a Greek driving test. Carry your licence and IDP (for non-EU/EEA holders) at all times.

The AMKA serves as the healthcare insurance number. EU citizens with a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) can access public healthcare temporarily. Those registering for long-term residency must enrol in EOPYY (National Health Organisation). Private health insurance documentation may also be required for certain visa applications.