Last updated: March 2026 | Sources: gov.gr, kepoli.gr, migration.gov.gr
Greek bureaucracy has a reputation, but with the right knowledge, it becomes manageable. This survival guide walks you through every essential procedure step-by-step.
The Big Three: AFM, AMKA, KEP
These three acronyms will become your best friends in Greece.
1. AFM (ΑΦΜ) – Tax Identification Number
What it is: Your Greek tax number, required for EVERYTHING (bank account, property, utilities, contracts)
Where to get it:
- Local DOY (tax office) – Δ.Ο.Υ.
- KEP (Citizen Service Center) – Κ.Ε.Π.
- Online via gov.gr (for some cases)
Required documents:
- Passport or ID card (original + copy)
- Residency permit (non-EU) or proof of address
- Completed form M1 (available at office)
Timeline: Same day (issued immediately)
Cost: Free
Format: 9 digits (e.g., 123456789)
Source: aade.gr
2. AMKA (ΑΜΚΑ) – Social Security Number
What it is: Required for healthcare, employment, social services
Where to get it:
- KEP (Citizen Service Center) – easiest option
- EFKA office (social security)
- Some municipalities
Required documents:
- Passport or ID card
- AFM (tax number)
- Residency permit (non-EU)
- Completed application form (at KEP)
Timeline: Same day or 1-2 weeks (temporary number issued immediately)
Cost: Free
Format: 11 digits (e.g., 01019012345)
Source: efka.gov.gr
3. KEP (Κ.Ε.Π.) – Citizen Service Centers
What it is: One-stop shops for all public services. YOUR FIRST STOP for most procedures.
Services available:
- AFM and AMKA applications
- Residency permit submissions
- Criminal record requests
- Certified copies
- Document translations
- Utility connections
- And 500+ other services
How to use:
- Find your nearest KEP: kepoli.gr
- Call for appointment (recommended) or walk in
- Bring ALL required documents (originals + copies)
- Take a number and wait
- Submit your request
- Receive tracking number (πρωτόκολλο)
Hours: Typically Monday-Friday 8:00-14:00 (some have afternoon hours)
Pro tip: Go early (7:30-8:00) for walk-in appointments
Essential Documents Always Carry
Keep these copies with you at all times:
- ✅ Passport/ID (original + 2 copies)
- ✅ AFM card/printout (original + 2 copies)
- ✅ AMKA card (original + 2 copies)
- ✅ Residency permit (if non-EU)
- ✅ Proof of address (utility bill or rental contract)
Greek phrase to know: “Χρειάζομαι ένα αντίγραφο” (I need a copy)
Step-by-Step: Common Procedures
Procedure 1: Residency Permit Application
For: Non-EU citizens staying >90 days
Where: Decentralized Administration (Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση) or local police station
Documents required:
- Application form (available at office)
- Passport (original + copies of all pages)
- 4 passport photos
- AFM (tax number)
- AMKA (social security number)
- Health insurance proof
- Proof of income/financial means
- Rental contract or property deed
- Application fee receipt (€150-€300)
- Criminal record from home country (apostilled)
Process:
- Book appointment (online or by phone)
- Submit documents in person
- Receive “blue paper” (temporary permit while waiting)
- Wait 2-6 months
- Return to collect biometric residence card
Timeline: 2-6 months for approval
Cost: €150-€300 depending on permit type
Source: migration.gov.gr
Procedure 2: Utility Connection (Electricity)
Where: ΔΕΗ (Public Power Corporation) or private provider
Documents required:
- AFM (tax number)
- AMKA (social security number)
- Passport/ID
- Rental contract or property deed
- Recent E9 form (property declaration)
- Bank account details (for direct debit)
Process:
- Visit ΔΕΗ office or apply online at dei.gr
- Submit documents
- Pay connection fee (€30-€100)
- Meter reading scheduled (1-3 days)
- Electricity activated
Timeline: 3-5 business days
Cost: €30-€100 connection fee
Procedure 3: Opening a Bank Account
Where: Any Greek bank (Eurobank, NBG, Alpha, Piraeus)
Documents required:
- Passport/ID
- AFM (tax number)
- AMKA (social security number)
- Residency permit (non-EU)
- Proof of address (Greek or foreign)
- Proof of income (employment contract, bank statements)
- Greek phone number (sometimes required)
Process:
- Choose bank and book appointment
- Submit documents
- Initial deposit (€50-€500)
- Receive debit card (5-10 days by mail)
- Activate online banking
Timeline: Account opened same day, card arrives in 5-10 days
Cost: €3-€10/month maintenance (varies by bank)
gov.gr: Digital Public Services
Greece has modernized significantly. Many services are now online.
What You Can Do on gov.gr:
- ✅ Apply for AFM (some cases)
- ✅ Request criminal record certificate
- ✅ Submit tax returns (E1, E2, E3)
- ✅ Check property ownership (E9)
- ✅ Apply for parking permits
- ✅ Request birth/marriage certificates
- ✅ Submit residency permit applications (some types)
- ✅ Book KEP appointments
How to Register:
- Visit gov.gr
- Click “Είσοδος” (Login)
- Choose “Taxisnet codes” (if you have them) or “Create account”
- Enter AFM and follow verification process
- Receive codes via email/SMS
Pro tip: Taxisnet codes are issued when you get your AFM. Ask for them!
Common Bureaucratic Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
Pitfall 1: Not Having Copies
Problem: Greek bureaucracy runs on paper copies. Lots of them.
Solution: Always bring 3-5 copies of EVERY document. Keep a folder with organized copies.
Pitfall 2: Wrong Office Hours
Problem: Many public offices close at 14:00 or have limited hours.
Solution: Check hours online before visiting. Arrive early (8:00-9:00).
Pitfall 3: Missing One Document
Problem: One missing document = entire application rejected.
Solution: Call ahead to confirm exact requirements. Bring MORE than asked for.
Pitfall 4: No Greek Language
Problem: Many officials speak limited English.
Solution: Learn key phrases or bring a Greek-speaking friend. Google Translate helps.
Essential phrases:
- “Καλημέρα” (Good morning)
- “Θα ήθελα…” (I would like…)
- “Δεν καταλαβαίνω” (I don’t understand)
- “Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;” (Do you speak English?)
- “Ευχαριστώ” (Thank you)
Pitfall 5: Not Getting a Protocol Number
Problem: Without πρωτόκολλο (protocol number), you can’t track your application.
Solution: ALWAYS ask for the protocol number. Write it down. Keep all receipts.
Realistic Timeline Expectations
| Procedure | Official Timeline | Realistic Timeline | Buffer to Add |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFM (Tax Number) | Same day | Same day | None |
| AMKA (Social Security) | Same day | 1-7 days | 1 week |
| Residency Permit | 2-3 months | 3-6 months | +100% |
| Bank Account | Same day | Same day + 1 week for card | 1 week |
| Utility Connection | 3-5 days | 5-10 days | +100% |
| Driver’s License Exchange | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks | +100% |
| Criminal Record Certificate | 1-3 days | 3-7 days | +100% |
Golden rule: Multiply official timelines by 2 for realistic planning.
Certified Copies & Translations
Certified Copies (Επικυρωμένα Αντίγραφα)
Where: KEP, municipalities, notaries
Cost: €1.50-€5 per copy
Required for: Official submissions (residency, bank accounts, etc.)
Official Translations
Where: Ministry of Foreign Affairs certified translators
Cost: €30-€80 per document
Required for: Foreign documents (birth certificates, diplomas, criminal records)
Tip: Some KEP offices offer translation services
Apostille & Legalization
What it is: International certification of document authenticity
Required for: Foreign official documents used in Greece
Where to get: In your home country (varies by country)
Hague Convention countries: Apostille is sufficient
Non-Hague countries: Full legalization through Greek consulate required
Common documents needing apostille:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Criminal background checks
- University diplomas
Useful Resources
- gov.gr – Digital public services portal
- kepoli.gr – KEP locator and services
- aade.gr – Tax authority (AFM, tax returns)
- efka.gov.gr – Social security (AMKA)
- migration.gov.gr – Migration and asylum
Need Help with Greek Bureaucracy?
OptimaStay provides bureaucratic support services:
- Document checklist preparation
- KEP appointment booking
- Translation service referrals
- Application submission assistance
- Follow-up and tracking
- Problem resolution
Book a consultation for bureaucratic support
Disclaimer: Procedures and requirements can change. Always verify current information with official sources. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Related: Opening a Bank Account in Greece | Greek Residency Permit Types
