What is an AMA number?

An AMA number is a national insurance number. This insurance number gives foreign residents the right to work in Greece, and is usually provided by a Greek employer after receiving a job offer. After receiving an AMA number, you will be provided by a work contract so that your employer will be able to make national insurance contributions on your behalf that is by automatically deducted from your income.

How do I get an AMA number?

To get an AMA Number, you need to go in person to the EFKA office depending on your address and visit the Registry Department to ask for a "Mitrou Asfalismenon" (“Μητρώο Ασφαλισμένων”). You do not need an appointment.

You can find a list of EFKA offices (in Greek) here.

Here is the list of paperwork required:

• Your residence permit (and passport, if you have one)
• A copy of your AMKA document
• Your AFM (Greek tax number), which can also be obtained via our website.
• Your employer’s letter for a job offer («βεβαίωση πρόσληψης»)
• Proof of address (this is needed for the EFKA officer to check if you have gone to the competent EFKA office)
• Your IBAN (optional, they don't usually check but you may need this in case)

Tell the officer that you have a job offer and want to register for an AMA number.

What is the difference between an AMA and AMKA?

AMA is the national insurance number that is needed in order to pay social security contributions in Greece. The AMA number is the social security number required to make contributions to the pension fund EFKA and is usually provided by a Greek employer upon hiring a new employee. The AMA is different from AMKA, which is the general work and insurance ID of each employee in order to have a source income reported in Greece. Employers require the AMA number to issue a job contract to their workers, while the AMKA number is mandatory for medical appointments and doctor visits. In order to qualify for an AMA, you must obtain an AMKA beforehand.

To read about how to apply for an AMKA number, refer to our other blog post here.

How much time does it take to get an AMA?

The AMA number is issued on the same day of issuing an application.

Do I need an AMA for property registration?

There is a different number which also holds the same abbreviation as an AMA, and is called "Αριθμός Μητρώου Ακινήτου" in Greek, meaning property registry number. This is usually required when owning and leasing an Airbnb for short-term rentals.

If you want a speedy process and are working with urgent deadlines upon your arrival in Greece, contact our team by booking a consultation call or send us an email at info@mygreekexpatjourney.com for more help with your AMA application. Refer to our Services page for further information.

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FAQs

Q1: What is an AMA number?

‍An AMA number is Greece's national insurance number. It gives foreign residents the right to work in Greece and is typically provided by a Greek employer after a job offer. Once issued, it allows the employer to make national insurance contributions on the employee's behalf, automatically deducted from their income.

Q2: How do I apply for an AMA number?You need to visit the EFKA office in person based on your address and go to the Registry Department to request a "Mitrou Asfalismenon." No appointment is needed. Required documents include your residence permit and passport, a copy of your AMKA document, your AFM (Greek tax number), your employer's job offer letter, proof of address, and optionally your IBAN.

Q3: What is the difference between an AMA and an AMKA?The AMA is the social security number required to make contributions to the pension fund EFKA and is provided by an employer upon hiring. The AMKA, on the other hand, is the general work and insurance ID used to report income in Greece and is mandatory for medical appointments and doctor visits. You must obtain an AMKA before you can qualify for an AMA.

Q4: How long does it take to get an AMA number?The AMA number is issued on the same day you submit your application.

Q5: Is an AMA number the same as a property registry number?No, they are different. There is another number with the same abbreviation — "Αριθμός Μητρώου Ακινήτου" — which translates to property registry number. This is required specifically when owning and leasing a property for short-term rentals, such as on Airbnb.