How Do I Get an AMKA in Greece?

To get an AMKA, you apply in person with your passport, your AFM and proof of a Greek address such as a lease. It's only available if you work in Greece or are otherwise in the social security system. My Greek Expat Journey handles the application in 3–4 business days for €285.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the AMKA application process, eligibility requirements, and everything else you need to know to get your AMKA number smoothly.

What is AMKA?

AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is the Greek Social Security Number, composed of 11 digits. The first six digits represent your date of birth, and the remaining numbers are unique to you. The AMKA number is essential for accessing local employment, healthcare, pensions, and other social benefits in Greece.

You will also need an AMKA to issue or renew your health booklet, which you will present during every medical consultation in Greece. The health booklet is an official document that allows doctors to access your medical history.

Why Do I Need an AMKA?

If you plan on staying in Greece for an extended period, securing an AMKA number is essential for accessing a wide range of services:

• Booking Appointments: You'll need an AMKA number to book appointments with your local hospital or GP. This includes routine medical visits and vaccinations, such as those required during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Freelancing: If you're registering as a freelancer in Greece, you’ll need an AMKA to pay your insurance contributions to EFKA (Greece’s main insurance fund). See more on how to register as a freelancer here.
• Employment: Employers use your AMKA number to provide work insurance and register your contributions to social security.
• Pensions: If you plan to retire in Greece, your AMKA will be required to apply for a pension.

Do not confuse the AMKA with the AMA number, which is the national insurance registration a Greek employer arranges for you at EFKA once you have a job offer.

AMKA Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an AMKA, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:

• AFM (Greek Tax Identification Number): You must have an AFM number, which is required for most official activities in Greece, including obtaining an AMKA.
• Proof of Address in Greece: You’ll need to provide proof of a Greek address. Acceptable documents include:
  • A lease agreement,
  • A hospitality declaration (if staying with a host),
  • Or an E9 document (if you own property in Greece).

For non-EU citizens or third-country nationals, obtaining an AMKA is only possible if you obtain a work permit or are sponsored through an employer. On the other hand, EU citizens are not required to present a residence permit to obtain an AMKA.

Who Is Not Eligible for an AMKA?

If you hold a Greek residence permit that does not allow you to participate in the Greek employment and social insurance system, you generally cannot obtain an AMKA.

This includes holders of the Financially Independent Person (FIP) permit, Golden Visa, and Digital Nomad Visa, who are required to maintain private health insurance rather than being registered with the Greek public insurance system.

However, this can change if you later work in Greece or otherwise become integrated into the Greek social insurance system, such as through Greek employment, contributions, or a Greek pension.

Your residence permit status therefore matters when determining AMKA eligibility, even if you already have an AFM, Greek address, or residence card.

How do I get an AMKA?

1. Gather Required Documents

To apply for an AMKA, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Identity Card or Passport (for EU citizens)
• Birth Certificate (for non-Greek minors born in Greece) – must be translated into Greek
• Residence Permit (for non-EU nationals)
• AFM (Greek Tax Identification Number) To apply for an AMKA, you must get your AFM number first. Please refer to this article, How Do I Get a TIN (AFM) in Greece?‍ or contact our team by filling out a request form.
• Proof of your Greek Address

2. Visit a KEP or Other Official Offices

You can apply for your AMKA at the following locations:

• KEP (Citizens Service Center)
• KEM (Center for Migrant Integration)
• EFKA/IKA (national health insurance body) office

No appointment is necessary, but be sure to arrive during operating hours, typically from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Read our guide on how you can find a Citizen's Service Center (KEP).

3. Submit Your Application

Once at the office, submit your documents, and your AMKA application will be processed. You will receive confirmation of your application, and a letter will be sent to your registered Greek address with your AMKA number.

What Happens Next?

After successfully applying, your AMKA number will be issued, allowing you to access a wide range of public services in Greece, including healthcare, social security, and pension benefits. Ensure you keep your AMKA number handy, as it will be required for various legal and official transactions during your stay in Greece.

Need Help Applying for AMKA?

If you encounter any issues during the AMKA application process or have difficulty with the documentation at the KEP office, our team of experts is available to assist you. We can handle the entire process on your behalf to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Feel free to get in touch by filling out a contact form on our Services page.

Conclusion

Securing your AMKA is a vital step for anyone planning to live, work, or retire in Greece. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your AMKA number and gaining access to the healthcare, employment, and social benefits available in Greece.

For more detailed information or assistance, feel free to reach out to our team, or visit your nearest KEP Citizens Service Center. You can also explore the official EFKA website for additional resources.

Need help? We assist in gathering the necessary documentation for EU citizens to obtain their AMKA. Book a 15-minute discovery call to learn more about our services. 

FAQs

What is an AMKA number in Greece?

‍AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is the Greek Social Security Number, made up of 11 digits. The first six digits represent your date of birth, and the remaining digits are unique to you. It is essential for any transactions related to employment, healthcare, pensions, and social benefits in Greece.

‍Anyone planning to live, work, or retire in Greece needs an AMKA. It is required for booking medical appointments, registering as a freelancer and paying insurance contributions to EFKA, having an employer register your social security contributions, and applying for a pension.

What are the eligibility requirements for getting an AMKA?

‍To qualify for an AMKA, you need an AFM (Greek Tax Identification Number) and proof of a Greek address, such as a lease agreement, a hospitality declaration, or an E9 document. Non-EU citizens must also have a temporary residence permit, while EU citizens are not required to present one.

What documents do I need to apply for an AMKA?

‍You will need an identity card or passport (for EU citizens), a residence permit (for non-EU nationals), your AFM (Greek Tax Identification Number), proof of your Greek address, and a birth certificate translated into Greek if applying for a non-Greek minor born in Greece.

Where and how do I apply for an AMKA?

‍You can apply at a KEP (Citizens Service Center), a KEM (Center for Migrant Integration), or an EFKA/IKA office. No appointment is needed, but you should arrive during operating hours, typically 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. After submitting your documents, a letter with your AMKA number will be sent to your registered Greek address.

Get a Straight Answer on Your Own Case

Every relocation turns on the details, and the wrong permit or tax status can cost you months. Before you file anything, book a free 15-minute discovery call and we will go through your situation and tell you plainly what you need, what it costs and how long it takes.

Written by Chloe Mason, founder of My Greek Expat Journey. Chloe has lived in seven countries and has personally guided 300+ people through Greek residency, tax, property and bureaucracy. More articles by Chloe.