Am I Eligible for the AMKA?

If you’re planning to move to Greece, one of the first bureaucratic questions you might come across is: Am I eligible for an AMKA? Unlike the AFM, or the Greek TIN, the AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is the Greek social security number, and it’s essential for anyone who works in Greece or participates in the national insurance system. But not everyone who moves to Greece qualifies for one.

In this guide, we’ll break down who is eligible for an AMKA, who isn’t, and what alternatives are available for expats holding residence permits such as the Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa, Golden Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa.

What Is the AMKA in Greece?

The AMKA (Greek social security number) serves as a unique identification number for the country’s national insurance and healthcare system. It’s used to access public healthcare, pension benefits, and employment-related services. Essentially, if you’re working or insured through the Greek social security system (EFKA), you’ll need an AMKA.

Without an AMKA, you generally cannot:

• Register for Greek public healthcare (EOPYY)
• Make social insurance contributions
• Access Greek pension benefits
• Be officially employed or self-employed in Greece

Who Is Eligible for an AMKA in Greece?

According to the current legal framework, the following individuals may qualify for an AMKA:

• Employees working for a Greek company (including part-time or full-time workers)
• Self-employed professionals or freelancers contributing to the Greek social insurance system (EFKA)
• EU or third-country citizens about to start employment in Greece (with an employer declaration or job offer)
• Indirectly insured individuals, such as minor children insured through their parents
• Local pensioners or individuals receiving Greek social benefits (e.g., unemployment or disability allowances)
• Refugees or beneficiaries of international protection under Greek law

If you fall into one of these categories, you’re typically eligible to apply for an AMKA. Our service fee to assist with the AMKA registration process is €285.

Who Is Not Eligible for an AMKA?

If you hold a residence permit in Greece that does not require or permit participation in the local labor and social insurance system, you are not eligible for an AMKA.

This applies to expats living in Greece under one of the following residence permits:

• Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa
• Golden Visa (Residency by Investment)
• Digital Nomad Visa

These permits are designed for individuals who earn their income abroad and are not employed in Greece. Because they are legally required to maintain private health insurance, holders of these visas are excluded from registration in the public insurance system—and therefore, from obtaining an AMKA.

In short, individuals holding a residence permit—such as the FIP, Golden Visa, or Nomad Visa—are not eligible for an AMKA unless they are actively working in Greece or are otherwise integrated into the national labor and social insurance system (for example, through a Greek pension or other employment-linked contributions).

Alternatives to the AMKA

If you’re not eligible for an AMKA, don’t worry—there are alternatives that allow you to live securely and legally in Greece.

• Private Health Insurance: All non-EU visa holders (including FIP, Golden Visa, and Nomad Visa residents) must maintain valid private health coverage. Many international insurance providers offer plans that meet Greek visa requirements and provide access to both private and public hospitals.
• Greek AFM (Tax Number): Even if you can’t get an AMKA, you will still need an AFM number for tax, property, and banking purposes in Greece.
• Greek ID or Residence Permit Card: Your residence permit remains your official proof of legal stay in Greece.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to work or retire in Greece with a local pension, you’ll likely need to register for an AMKA. However, if your Greek residence permit is based on foreign income or investment, you’ll remain covered under private health insurance and will not qualify for AMKA registration.

Need help confirming your eligibility or getting your AMKA number? Contact us — our team can guide you through the process and handle your application if you qualify.