One of the most important steps when deciding to expatriate to Greece is to apply for an AMKA social security number. This number is essential if you wish to work, subscribe to an insurance or to access Greek health services (access to free care and medicines). In order to apply for and obtain a Greek AMKA social security number, it is necessary to provide certain documents and follow certain steps. I’m Lisbob, the expats assistant, and I explain how to apply for and obtain an AMKA Greek social security number, step by step.
Preparing documents
The first step in obtaining your AMKA Greek social security number is to check all the documents and proofs you need to provide. Before you go to a KEP (Citizen Service Point) center, it is important to make sure you have everything you need.
Here are the documents and proofs to be provided
Identity card or passport (if European citizen)
Birth certificate (for minors who are not Greek citizens but were born in Greece)
Residence permit (non-European nationals)
You will know how to get an AMKA Greek Social security number
Going to a KEP center
The second step in obtaining an AMKA Greek Social Security Number is to apply in person by visiting a KEP Citizen Service Center. Phone or internet requests are not accepted.
One must go to the Citizen Service Center closest to one’s home, called a KEP ("ΚΕΠ" in Greek) center.
Generally, there is no need to make an appointment to apply for a Greek social security number, and most KEP offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You can find your nearest KEP Citizen Service Center on their website by clicking here (in English)
Receiving your AMKA social security number and your health booklet
Finally, the last step is to wait for the application to be processed and verified by the Greek social services. Once the application for an AMKA social security number has been accepted, a letter is sent to your home. This will include the AMKA number. It has 11 digits. The first 6 correspond to your date of birth, in this order: day, month, year.
One of the peculiarities of the Greek health system is that you will also receive a health booklet, which you will have to present at every medical consultation in Greece. It allows doctors and patients to have a follow-up and a health history.
For more information, visit the AMKA Greek website.
Please note:
Workers (under local contract) are automatically covered by the IKA (Greek social security). If this is your case, simply visit one of the IKA offices to finalize your registration.
