Identification for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals residing in Greece are required to hold valid identification documents that confirm their legal status. The type of identification depends primarily on the individual's country of origin and the duration of their stay.
EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens
Citizens of European Union (EU) member states, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not require a residence permit. However, if staying longer than 90 days, they must apply for a Registration Certificate (Bebaiosi Eggrafis), often referred to as the "Blue Paper." This document is issued by the local Aliens Police department or a police station with an aliens department. It does not expire and is free of charge, though a small administrative fee for the card's physical production may apply, typically around 16 EUR ($17.30 USD, Jan 2026).
Non-EU Citizens (Third-Country Nationals)
Non-EU citizens must hold a valid passport and a specific Residence Permit (Adeia Diamonis). As of 2025, most permits are issued in a biometric card format. The application process is generally initiated through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The administrative fee (e-paravolo) for a standard residence permit for work or family reunification is typically 150 EUR ($162 USD, Jan 2026), plus a 16 EUR ($17.30 USD, Jan 2026) fee for the printing of the biometric card.
The Tax Identification Number (AFM)
The AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou) is a nine-digit unique tax identification number. It is mandatory for all individuals performing transactions with legal significance in Greece, including opening a bank account, renting or buying property, signing an employment contract, or setting up utility bills.
How to Obtain an AFM
The process for obtaining an AFM is handled by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). There are two primary routes:
- Digital Application: Through the myAADE Live service, where applicants can schedule a video call with a tax officer.
- Physical Application: At a local Tax Office (DOY). Foreigners without a permanent residence in Greece must often appoint a tax representative (a Greek resident who acts as a point of contact for the tax authorities).
Required Documentation
To apply for an AFM, an applicant typically needs:
- A valid passport or national ID (for EU citizens).
- A valid visa or residence permit (for non-EU citizens).
- Proof of address (such as a lease agreement or a utility bill).
- The M1 and M7 application forms (available at the DOY or online).
The AFM is issued once and remains valid for the individual's lifetime. There is no fee to obtain an AFM.
The Unified Personal Number
Starting in late 2024 and fully integrating throughout 2025 and 2026, the Greek government has introduced the Personal Number (Prosopikos Arithmos). This number is designed to consolidate various administrative identifiers into one.
Integration of AFM and AMKA
The Personal Number is based on the individual's existing AFM plus three additional alphanumeric characters. It is intended to replace the need to provide separate numbers for:
- Taxation (AFM).
- Social Security and Healthcare (AMKA).
- National Identification.
Foreigners arriving in 2026 will likely be issued this unified number upon their first registration with the Greek authorities. For those already residing in Greece with an existing AFM, the transition involves an automatic update through the Gov.gr portal using TaxisNet credentials. If an individual does not have an AFM, the issuance of the Personal Number will follow the same procedural requirements as the standard tax number application.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Temporary visitors or tourists do not require an AFM or Personal Number unless they intend to engage in financial activities (e.g., purchasing a vehicle or real estate). For those working remotely as "Digital Nomads," the AFM remains a prerequisite for local contracts, though tax liability depends on the specific tax treaty between Greece and the individual’s home country.