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First IDs you need in Greece — and the exact order to get them

In Greece money cannot move until the right IDs exist, and they must be obtained in a strict order. The whole chain is free by law. This is the single biggest practical hurdle for newcomers — and the moment people overpay “fixers” for things the state gives away. Here is the sequence.

The dependency chain, in one line

If you are a NON-EU national settling to live or work

  • 1. Entry route first. Secure the visa or residence permit for your purpose (work, family, study, investor). Non-EU AMKA and many tax-office AFM checks depend on proof of legal stay.
  • 2. AFM (tax number). Apply online via myAADE, verify by myAADElive video (EL/EN, no interpreter) or in person at your tax office (ΔΟΥ); if you have no Greek address, use the Tax Office for Foreign Residents. Free. You receive your AFM + κλειδάριθμος.
  • 3. Activate TaxisNet with the κλειδάριθμος, and register your mobile in the ΕΜΕπ registry. This unlocks gov.gr and EFKA.
  • 4. AMKA (social-security number). Go to a KEP / KEM / EFKA office with passport, residence permit, AFM and proof of address. Free.
  • 5. Bank account — needs AFM, ID and proof of address (often AMKA / tax-residence details too).
  • 6. Employment registration — your employer enrols you in EFKA using your AMKA/AFM.
  • 7. Personal Number (Π.Α.) via pa.gov.gr if entitled, and the Gov.gr Wallet once you hold a Greek driving licence (the digital ID card itself is citizens-only).

If you are an EU/EEA citizen

  • 1. AFM — at any tax office or via myAADElive (lighter documents; no residence permit needed).
  • 2. TaxisNet activation.
  • 3. Registration certificate (βεβαίωση εγγραφής) for stays over three months.
  • 4. AMKA — at a KEP/EFKA (no residence permit required for EU citizens).
  • 5. Bank account → employment/EFKA → Π.Α. / Wallet as above.

If you are a non-resident (buying property or investing remotely):

  • 1. Appoint a tax representative (apostilled power of attorney).
  • 2. They obtain your AFM (passport-based, often same-day in person) — no residence permit and no AMKA needed for a pure property or financial transaction.

Budget realistic time, not a single day

the AFM can be same-day, but the AMKA loop (especially the non-EU “permit first” rule) can take one to four weeks. Do not commit to a job start date assuming every ID is instant.

How not to get cheated

every step above is free. Agencies routinely charge €100–€300+ to “arrange” an AFM or AMKA that the state issues at no cost. Paying a representative for genuine work — appearing on your behalf when you cannot — is legitimate; paying a fee for the number itself is not. And remember the AFM video check is EL/EN only, by design, with no interpreter.

Related

AFM · AMKA · TaxisNet / κλειδάριθμος · residence permit as ID · Personal Number

This is general information, not immigration, legal or tax advice. Procedures and office practice vary and change — confirm your own case with AADE (aade.gr), gov.gr and the Ministry of Migration & Asylum (migration.gov.gr). WTP Finance is informational only.

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