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Greece's registration system is built around two numbers: the AFM (Tax Identification Number), a nine-digit number issued by the tax office and required for almost any contract or transaction, and the AMKA (Social Security Registration Number), an eleven-digit number needed for healthcare and employment. The AFM comes first and can even be obtained by non-residents without a Greek residence permit; the AMKA depends on having an AFM and, for non-EU citizens, a temporary residence permit. EU citizens do not need a residence permit to get either number, but staying longer than 3 months still requires registering for an EU registration certificate (the 'EU card').
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Moving to Greece: Expat Registration Guide

Flag of Greece

Greece

Capital: Athens

Last verified: June 2026

Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate and may change. Always verify with official sources before acting.

📋10 registration steps covered in this guide. Expand each card for full details, timelines and costs.

For most newcomers, the order is: AFM first (works for both EU and non-EU citizens, and can even be obtained before arrival via a tax representative), then AMKA (EU citizens can apply immediately; non-EU citizens need a temporary residence permit first), then bank account, EU registration certificate or residence permit, and health insurance. Processes can vary slightly between local tax offices (DOY) and Citizens Service Centres (KEP), so confirm specific document requirements with your local office before your visit.

Key Registrations & Procedures

Deadline: Obtain before signing any lease, opening a bank account, or starting employment, in practice this is the very first registration step for most newcomers.
Processing Time: Once the appropriate documentation and completed application have been submitted, the AFM is generally issued immediately at the tax office.
💰Fees: Free.
📅Appointment: Most DOY offices accept walk-ins, though some require online appointment booking depending on the office.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport or national ID card
  • Completed application form (M1, 'Statement of Registration')
  • Proof of address abroad (for non-residents) or in Greece (for residents)
  • Appointment of a Tax Representative (a Greek tax resident), required for non-residents without a Greek residence permit
  • Power of attorney, if applying through a lawyer or agent
Where to Do It:

Any local Tax Office (DOY), or via a lawyer/accountant under power of attorney without needing to visit in person.

If You Don't Do It: Without an AFM you cannot own property, work, open a bank account, sign a lease, or access most administrative and digital government services in Greece, it is the foundational number for nearly everything.
💡 Practical Tip: If you are not yet a Greek resident, you can still obtain an AFM as a non-resident by appointing a Tax Representative (often your lawyer or accountant), this lets you set up property purchases or bank accounts before you actually relocate.
Regional Variations: Requirements can vary slightly between local DOY offices, confirm the specific document list with your chosen office before your visit, especially regarding proof-of-address documentation.
🩺 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency account accepted for tax refunds and salary payments across the EU.
  • Translayte: Certified document translations accepted by EU authorities. Fast turnaround, available online.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Tax Identification Number (AFM) in Greece?
Obtain before signing any lease, opening a bank account, or starting employment, in practice this is the very first registration step for most newcomers.
How much does Tax Identification Number (AFM) cost in Greece?
Free.
What happens if I skip Tax Identification Number (AFM) in Greece?
Without an AFM you cannot own property, work, open a bank account, sign a lease, or access most administrative and digital government services in Greece, it is the foundational number for nearly everything.
Deadline: Within 3 months of arrival if staying longer than 3 months.
Processing Time: Processing times vary by region but the EU card is generally issued within a few weeks once the application and supporting documents are accepted.
💰Fees: Modest administrative fee applies (a small e-paravolo electronic fee stamp).
📅Appointment: Appointment booking requirements vary by region, some Aliens and Immigration Departments accept walk-ins while others require online booking.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport or EU/EEA national ID card
  • Proof of the basis for residence: employment contract or payslips (workers), enrolment certificate (students), or proof of sufficient funds and comprehensive health insurance (self-sufficient persons)
  • Proof of address in Greece (rental contract, property ownership, or hospitality declaration)
  • Passport-style photos
  • AFM, if already obtained
Where to Do It:

Local Aliens and Immigration Department office or KEP (Citizens Service Centre) covering your address.

If You Don't Do It: There is no immediate fine for most EU citizens for late registration, but without the EU registration certificate you may face difficulties proving long-term residence status for purposes such as permanent residence applications or certain benefit claims.
💡 Practical Tip: Get your AFM before applying for the EU registration certificate, having it ready speeds up the application and you will need it anyway for banking and tax purposes.
Regional Variations: Processes and appointment systems vary noticeably between regions, island and rural Aliens and Immigration Departments may have different procedures than those in Athens or Thessaloniki.
📋 Useful Services
  • Translayte: Certified translations of passports, birth certificates, and supporting documents for residence permit applications.
  • RushTranslate: Fast certified translations of official documents. Accepted by government offices across Europe.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for EU Registration Certificate (EU Card) in Greece?
Within 3 months of arrival if staying longer than 3 months.
How much does EU Registration Certificate (EU Card) cost in Greece?
Modest administrative fee applies (a small e-paravolo electronic fee stamp).
What happens if I skip EU Registration Certificate (EU Card) in Greece?
There is no immediate fine for most EU citizens for late registration, but without the EU registration certificate you may face difficulties proving long-term residence status for purposes such as permanent residence applications or certain benefit claims.
Deadline: Apply for the Type D visa before travelling to Greece; submit the residence permit application within the timeframe specified after entry, typically before the visa expires.
Processing Time: On average, residence permit applications take about 4 months from submission, though Digital Nomad and FIP permits are often processed faster while investment, family, and employment permits may take longer.
💰Fees: Fees vary by category; FIP and Digital Nomad permits typically involve consular visa fees plus a residence permit issuance fee (an e-paravolo electronic fee stamp).
📅Appointment: Required at the Greek consulate for the Type D visa (appointment only), and for biometric data collection as part of the residence permit application in Greece.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
  • Type D visa
  • Category-specific documents: for FIP, proof of sufficient passive income (pension statements, bank balances, investment income); for Digital Nomad, proof of remote employment or freelance contracts and minimum monthly income (around EUR 3,500+); for employment permits, an employment contract
  • Private health insurance covering basic healthcare in Greece
  • Clean criminal record certificate
  • Proof of accommodation in Greece
  • Passport-style photos
Where to Do It:

Greek consulate or embassy abroad for the Type D visa; Decentralised Administration office in Greece for the residence permit application.

If You Don't Do It: Remaining in Greece beyond the validity of your Type D visa without submitting a residence permit application is an immigration violation that can result in fines, an entry ban, and removal from the country.
💡 Practical Tip: FIP permit holders must reside in Greece for at least 183 days per year to be eligible for renewal (unlike the Golden Visa, which has no continuous-residence requirement), factor this into your planning if you intend to split time between Greece and another country.
Regional Variations: Processing times can vary significantly between local immigration offices, Athens and Thessaloniki offices may have different queue lengths than island or smaller regional offices.
📋 Useful Services
  • Translayte: Certified translations of passports, birth certificates, and supporting documents for residence permit applications.
  • RushTranslate: Fast certified translations of official documents. Accepted by government offices across Europe.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Residence Permit (Non-EU Citizens) in Greece?
Apply for the Type D visa before travelling to Greece; submit the residence permit application within the timeframe specified after entry, typically before the visa expires.
How much does Residence Permit (Non-EU Citizens) cost in Greece?
Fees vary by category; FIP and Digital Nomad permits typically involve consular visa fees plus a residence permit issuance fee (an e-paravolo electronic fee stamp).
What happens if I skip Residence Permit (Non-EU Citizens) in Greece?
Remaining in Greece beyond the validity of your Type D visa without submitting a residence permit application is an immigration violation that can result in fines, an entry ban, and removal from the country.
Deadline: Obtain as soon as you have your AFM and proof of address (and, for non-EU citizens, your temporary residence permit), generally the next step after the AFM.
Processing Time: AMKA is usually issued on the same day, unless additional paperwork is requested.
💰Fees: Free.
📅Appointment: No appointment is necessary at most KEP offices, but arrive during operating hours (typically 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM).
Required Documents:
  • AFM (Tax Identification Number)
  • Valid passport or national ID card (EU citizens) or residence permit (non-EU citizens)
  • Proof of address in Greece: lease agreement, hospitality declaration (host's signed statement), or E9 property tax document (for owners)
  • Birth certificate translated into Greek, if applying for a non-Greek minor born in Greece
Where to Do It:

Any KEP (Citizens Service Centre), KEM (Centre for Migrant Integration), or EFKA/IKA office.

If You Don't Do It: Without an AMKA you cannot access public healthcare, enrol in EFKA, sign an employment contract in most cases, or complete certain residence permit submissions, though some categories of residence permit (such as the Golden Visa) do not strictly require one.
💡 Practical Tip: Your AMKA can become inactive if you do not use the healthcare system or are uninsured for an extended period, if this happens, you can have it reactivated, typically by visiting EFKA or with the help of a local accountant or lawyer.
Regional Variations: Application is available nationwide at KEP offices in every municipality; requirements can vary slightly between offices, so confirm proof-of-address documentation in advance.
🩺 Useful Services
  • SafetyWing: Interim health and travel cover for expats. Useful before local social security enrollment is active.
  • Wise: Multi-currency account with mid-market exchange rates. Widely used by expats for receiving salary and making international transfers.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Social Security Registration Number (AMKA) in Greece?
Obtain as soon as you have your AFM and proof of address (and, for non-EU citizens, your temporary residence permit), generally the next step after the AFM.
How much does Social Security Registration Number (AMKA) cost in Greece?
Free.
What happens if I skip Social Security Registration Number (AMKA) in Greece?
Without an AMKA you cannot access public healthcare, enrol in EFKA, sign an employment contract in most cases, or complete certain residence permit submissions, though some categories of residence permit (such as the Golden Visa) do not strictly require one.
Deadline: Employees: enrolled by the employer at the start of employment using the AMKA. FIP, Digital Nomad, and Golden Visa holders: private health insurance must be in place before and throughout the residence permit's validity.
Processing Time: Employer enrolment with EFKA is processed alongside the employment contract registration. Private insurance policies meeting Greek visa requirements can typically be set up within days.
💰Fees: Employees: contributions are a percentage of salary, split between employer and employee. Self-employed: contributions are based on declared income brackets set annually by EFKA. Private insurance costs vary by provider and coverage level.
📅Appointment: Not required for employer-based EFKA enrolment; private insurance can be arranged online.
Required Documents:
  • AMKA (for EFKA enrolment)
  • AFM
  • Employment contract (for employer-based enrolment) or residence permit category requiring private insurance
  • Private health insurance policy documents meeting the minimum coverage required for your visa category, if applicable
Where to Do It:

EFKA enrolment is handled by employers electronically; self-employed individuals register directly with EFKA. Private insurance is arranged with any insurer offering Greek visa-compliant policies.

If You Don't Do It: FIP, Digital Nomad, and Golden Visa holders who let their private health insurance lapse risk non-renewal of their residence permit, since proof of valid coverage is typically required at each renewal.
💡 Practical Tip: If you are not eligible for an AMKA under your residence permit category (for example, certain Golden Visa holders), confirm with your insurer that the policy explicitly meets Greek visa requirements, generic travel insurance is often insufficient for residence permit purposes.
Regional Variations: EFKA operates as a unified national fund with regional offices; private insurance providers operate nationwide regardless of location.
🩺 Useful Services
  • SafetyWing: Interim health and travel cover for expats. Useful before local social security enrollment is active.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Health Insurance Enrolment (EFKA) in Greece?
Employees: enrolled by the employer at the start of employment using the AMKA. FIP, Digital Nomad, and Golden Visa holders: private health insurance must be in place before and throughout the residence permit's validity.
How much does Health Insurance Enrolment (EFKA) cost in Greece?
Employees: contributions are a percentage of salary, split between employer and employee. Self-employed: contributions are based on declared income brackets set annually by EFKA. Private insurance costs vary by provider and coverage level.
What happens if I skip Health Insurance Enrolment (EFKA) in Greece?
FIP, Digital Nomad, and Golden Visa holders who let their private health insurance lapse risk non-renewal of their residence permit, since proof of valid coverage is typically required at each renewal.
Deadline: Before issuing any invoice or receiving any income from self-employed activity.
Processing Time: The 'enarxi' (commencement of activity) declaration is typically processed within a few business days at the DOY, often the same day.
💰Fees: Free to declare activity. EFKA self-employed contributions are based on income brackets set annually, verify the current 2026 bracket amounts with EFKA.
📅Appointment: May require an in-person visit to the DOY depending on the office, though some declarations can be filed via TAXISnet.
Required Documents:
  • AFM
  • AMKA
  • Description of the activity and its KAD (business activity classification code)
  • Proof of address for the declared place of business (can be a home address for many freelance activities)
Where to Do It:

Local Tax Office (DOY), or online via TAXISnet for some activity types.

If You Don't Do It: Invoicing or receiving payment for self-employed work without declaring 'enarxi' is treated as unregistered economic activity, which can result in back taxes and EFKA contribution arrears once identified.
💡 Practical Tip: Choose your KAD (business activity code) carefully when declaring, it affects which EFKA contribution category you fall into and can be relevant for any tax incentives applicable to specific professions or new businesses.
Regional Variations: DOY offices exist in every region; the underlying TAXISnet system and EFKA contribution brackets are uniform nationally.
🩺 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency business account with low fees. Widely used by freelancers and self-employed expats.
  • Translayte: Certified document translations accepted by EU authorities. Fast turnaround, available online.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Self-Employed Activity Registration in Greece?
Before issuing any invoice or receiving any income from self-employed activity.
How much does Self-Employed Activity Registration cost in Greece?
Free to declare activity. EFKA self-employed contributions are based on income brackets set annually, verify the current 2026 bracket amounts with EFKA.
What happens if I skip Self-Employed Activity Registration in Greece?
Invoicing or receiving payment for self-employed work without declaring 'enarxi' is treated as unregistered economic activity, which can result in back taxes and EFKA contribution arrears once identified.
Deadline: No formal deadline, but open as soon as possible since an AFM-linked Greek IBAN is commonly required for salary payments, leases, and residence permit proof of funds.
Processing Time: Account opening at a branch typically takes a single visit once you have your AFM and proof of address; online banks and e-money institutions can issue a SEPA IBAN within a few days using just a passport.
💰Fees: Account opening is generally free; monthly maintenance fees vary by bank and account type.
📅Appointment: Most traditional banks require an in-branch appointment with identity verification; digital providers complete identification remotely.
Required Documents:
  • AFM (Tax Identification Number), required by all Greek banks
  • Valid passport or national ID card
  • Proof of address in Greece (lease agreement or utility bill)
  • Proof of income or employment, for some account types
Where to Do It:

Bank branches in any Greek city or town, or online via SEPA-compatible providers.

If You Don't Do It: Without a Greek or SEPA IBAN, salary payments and residence permit financial documentation can be delayed, since most Greek employers and many landlords expect a local or SEPA account.
💡 Practical Tip: If you need to open a bank account before relocating (for example, to demonstrate proof of funds for an FIP or Digital Nomad visa application), get your AFM first via a Tax Representative, this is the single prerequisite every Greek bank will ask for.
Regional Variations: Major Greek banks have branches in all cities and most islands; smaller island branches may have more limited services or hours outside peak tourist season.
💳 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency account with mid-market exchange rates. Widely used by expats for receiving salary and making international transfers.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Bank Account (Trapezikos Logariasmos) in Greece?
No formal deadline, but open as soon as possible since an AFM-linked Greek IBAN is commonly required for salary payments, leases, and residence permit proof of funds.
How much does Bank Account (Trapezikos Logariasmos) cost in Greece?
Account opening is generally free; monthly maintenance fees vary by bank and account type.
What happens if I skip Bank Account (Trapezikos Logariasmos) in Greece?
Without a Greek or SEPA IBAN, salary payments and residence permit financial documentation can be delayed, since most Greek employers and many landlords expect a local or SEPA account.
Deadline: File the E9 declaration within 30 days of acquiring or changing rights over real estate in Greece.
Processing Time: Filed electronically via TAXISnet, typically processed and reflected in your tax record promptly once submitted with correct property details.
💰Fees: Free to file; the declaration feeds into ENFIA (the annual property tax), which is a separate ongoing cost based on property value and location.
📅Appointment: Not required, filed online via TAXISnet using your AFM credentials.
Required Documents:
  • AFM (required for TAXISnet access)
  • Property purchase contract or notarial deed
  • Property details: location, size, year of construction, and use
Where to Do It:

Online via TAXISnet (AADE's e-services portal).

If You Don't Do It: Failing to file or update the E9 declaration when property holdings change can result in incorrect ENFIA property tax assessments and complications when using the property as proof of address for other registrations.
💡 Practical Tip: If you bought property partly to support a Golden Visa application, keep your E9 declaration up to date, it is commonly requested as supporting documentation for both the initial application and subsequent renewals.
Regional Variations: TAXISnet is a single national online system; ENFIA property tax rates vary by location, size, and characteristics of the property rather than by administrative region.
🩺 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency account accepted for tax refunds and salary payments across the EU.
  • Translayte: Certified document translations accepted by EU authorities. Fast turnaround, available online.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Property Tax Registration (E9 Declaration) in Greece?
File the E9 declaration within 30 days of acquiring or changing rights over real estate in Greece.
How much does Property Tax Registration (E9 Declaration) cost in Greece?
Free to file; the declaration feeds into ENFIA (the annual property tax), which is a separate ongoing cost based on property value and location.
What happens if I skip Property Tax Registration (E9 Declaration) in Greece?
Failing to file or update the E9 declaration when property holdings change can result in incorrect ENFIA property tax assessments and complications when using the property as proof of address for other registrations.
Deadline: No strict deadline, but required to access all Greek e-government services. Set up as soon as you have your AFM (tax number) and a Greek mobile phone number.
Processing Time: Immediate online once Taxisnet is active.
💰Fees: Free.
📅Appointment: No appointment. Register at taxisnet.gr with your AFM and mobile number.
Required Documents:
  • AFM (Tax Identification Number)
  • Registered Greek mobile number (EMEP)
  • Valid identity document
  • Email address for Taxisnet account
Official Link:
Where to Do It:

Register online at taxisnet.aade.gr for the initial account, then activate the Gov.gr Wallet via the Gov.gr app (iOS and Android) using your Taxisnet credentials.

If You Don't Do It: Without a Taxisnet account and Gov.gr Wallet, you cannot access online tax services or submit declarations electronically. All interactions must be done in person at government offices.
💡 Practical Tip: The Gov.gr Wallet stores your digital ID, driving licence, and other official documents on your smartphone. It is accepted as valid identification at many public and private services.
🩺 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency account compatible with digital identity platforms. Useful for online government services.
Gov.gr: Greek Digital Government Portal
FAQWhat is the deadline for Gov.gr Wallet and Digital Identity (Taxisnet) in Greece?
No strict deadline, but required to access all Greek e-government services.
How much does Gov.gr Wallet and Digital Identity (Taxisnet) cost in Greece?
Free.
What happens if I skip Gov.gr Wallet and Digital Identity (Taxisnet) in Greece?
Without a Taxisnet account and Gov.gr Wallet, you cannot access online tax services or submit declarations electronically.
Deadline: Within 30 days of job loss to preserve full benefit eligibility.
Processing Time: Digital card issued immediately. Benefit assessment: 2-4 weeks.
💰Fees: Free to register.
📅Appointment: Online at dypa.gov.gr using Taxisnet credentials, or in person at a DYPA KPA2 office.
Required Documents:
  • AFM and AMKA
  • Taxisnet login
  • Termination letter
  • IBAN for payments
Official Link:
Where to Do It:

At your local DYPA (Public Employment Service) office, or online via the DYPA portal (dypa.gov.gr) using your Taxisnet credentials.

If You Don't Do It: Without DYPA registration, you are not entitled to unemployment benefit (epidoma anergias). You also lose access to free job placement services and subsidised training programmes.
💡 Practical Tip: Register with DYPA within 30 days of becoming unemployed to preserve your benefit entitlement from the first day. Benefit payment starts after a 30-day waiting period from registration.
🩺 Useful Services
  • Wise: Multi-currency business account with low fees. Widely used by freelancers and self-employed expats.
  • Translayte: Certified document translations accepted by EU authorities. Fast turnaround, available online.
DYPA: Greek Public Employment Service
FAQWhat is the deadline for Unemployment Registration (DYPA) in Greece?
Within 30 days of job loss to preserve full benefit eligibility.
How much does Unemployment Registration (DYPA) cost in Greece?
Free to register.
What happens if I skip Unemployment Registration (DYPA) in Greece?
Without DYPA registration, you are not entitled to unemployment benefit (epidoma anergias).
Deadline: Non-EU/EEA licence holders: exchange is generally required within a set period (commonly within 6 months to 1 year) of obtaining a residence permit, confirm the current deadline with your regional transport department, as it depends on your country of origin.
Processing Time: Exchange of licences from countries with a recognition agreement is typically processed within a few weeks; licences from countries without an agreement may require theory and/or practical tests.
💰Fees: Standard exchange and administrative fees apply (e-paravolo electronic fee stamps); additional costs apply if a driving test is required.
📅Appointment: Required at the regional transport department; appointment systems vary by region.
Required Documents:
  • Valid foreign driving licence
  • Valid passport or national ID and AFM
  • Residence permit or EU registration certificate
  • Certified Greek translation of the foreign licence
  • Medical certificates from an ophthalmologist and pathologist/cardiologist, as required for Greek licences
  • Passport-style photos
Where to Do It:

Regional Transport Department (Dievthynsi Metaforon) covering your registered address.

If You Don't Do It: Driving on a non-EU/EEA licence after the exchange deadline has passed is treated as driving without a valid licence, which can result in fines and complications with motor insurance claims.
💡 Practical Tip: Check the Greek Ministry of Transport's published list of countries with recognised licence exchange agreements before your appointment, licences from agreement countries can usually be exchanged directly without any test, saving significant time and cost.
Regional Variations: Procedures and appointment availability vary noticeably between regional transport departments, particularly between Athens, Thessaloniki, and island or rural offices.
📋 Useful Services
  • Translayte: Certified translation of your driving licence and supporting documents for the exchange process.
  • RushTranslate: Fast certified translation of driving licence documents.
  • My Baggage: Affordable door-to-door shipping when moving to Europe. Book online, tracked delivery.
  • ParcelABC: Compare shipping prices across carriers for moving your belongings to Europe.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Driving Licence Exchange (Antallagi Adeias Odigisis) in Greece?
Non-EU/EEA licence holders: exchange is generally required within a set period (commonly within 6 months to 1 year) of obtaining a residence permit, confirm the current deadline with your regional transport department.
How much does Driving Licence Exchange (Antallagi Adeias Odigisis) cost in Greece?
Standard exchange and administrative fees apply (e-paravolo electronic fee stamps); additional costs apply if a driving test is required.
What happens if I skip Driving Licence Exchange (Antallagi Adeias Odigisis) in Greece?
Driving on a non-EU/EEA licence after the exchange deadline has passed is treated as driving without a valid licence, which can result in fines and complications with motor insurance claims.
Deadline: Vehicles brought into Greece by new residents should be registered promptly after obtaining an AFM and before regular road use.
Processing Time: Registration can typically be completed within a few weeks once all required documents, customs clearance (for vehicles from outside the EU), and any technical inspection (KTEO) are in order.
💰Fees: Registration tax varies by engine size, emissions, and vehicle value; annual circulation fees (telli kykloforias) are also based on these factors. Compulsory motor insurance and KTEO inspection fees will also apply.
📅Appointment: Required at the regional transport department; appointment systems vary by region.
Required Documents:
  • AFM
  • Valid passport or national ID and residence permit or EU registration certificate
  • Foreign vehicle registration document (original)
  • Customs clearance documentation, for vehicles imported from outside the EU
  • Valid KTEO (roadworthiness) inspection certificate, for vehicles above the inspection-exempt age
  • Compulsory motor insurance certificate
Where to Do It:

Regional Transport Department (Dievthynsi Metaforon) covering your registered address.

If You Don't Do It: Driving an unregistered vehicle, or one still carrying foreign plates after establishing residence, can result in fines and the vehicle being prohibited from further use until properly registered.
💡 Practical Tip: Calculate the registration tax and annual circulation fees before shipping a vehicle to Greece, for vehicles with larger engines, these costs can be substantial, and it may be more economical to purchase a vehicle already registered in Greece.
Regional Variations: Regional transport departments operate across Greece, including on the islands; customs clearance for vehicles from outside the EU is handled at the port or border of entry.
📦 Useful Services
  • My Baggage: Affordable door-to-door shipping when moving to Europe. Book online, tracked delivery.
  • ParcelABC: Compare shipping prices across carriers for moving your belongings to Europe.
  • Sirelo: Compare international removal companies. Get quotes for moving your belongings to Europe.
Visit Official Website
FAQWhat is the deadline for Vehicle Registration (Adeia Kykloforias) in Greece?
Vehicles brought into Greece by new residents should be registered promptly after obtaining an AFM and before regular road use.
How much does Vehicle Registration (Adeia Kykloforias) cost in Greece?
Registration tax varies by engine size, emissions, and vehicle value; annual circulation fees (telli kykloforias) are also based on these factors.
What happens if I skip Vehicle Registration (Adeia Kykloforias) in Greece?
Driving an unregistered vehicle, or one still carrying foreign plates after establishing residence, can result in fines and the vehicle being prohibited from further use until properly registered.

Insider Tips for Newcomers

AFM First, AMKA Second, Everything Else Follows

The AFM (tax number) and AMKA (social security number) are Greece's two master identifiers. Nothing, bank accounts, health insurance, employment contracts, works without them. Go to your local Tax Office (DOY, Dimosies Oikonomikes Ypiresies) for the AFM first, then to a Citizens Service Centre (KEP, Kentra Exipiretisis Politon) for the AMKA.

Gov.gr Wallet Stores Multiple Documents Digitally

Install the Gov.gr Wallet app once your Taxisnet is active. It stores your digital ID, AMKA card, EHIC, and driving licence. Many pharmacies and doctors accept the digital AMKA directly from the app.

Greek Bureaucracy Rewards Patience and Early Appointments

Tax office appointments in Athens and Thessaloniki fill weeks ahead. Citizens Service Centres (KEP) are significantly faster than individual ministry offices for standard services such as certified document copies and attestations.

Private Health Insurance Is Strongly Recommended

Public EOPYY coverage works but specialist wait times and equipment quality vary widely. Many expats combine EOPYY with private insurance for dental, specialist, and hospital access.

Property Owners Must File an E9 Declaration

Any property ownership in Greece requires filing an E9 declaration with AADE. Failure to file results in substantial fines. File online via your Taxisnet account.

Islands Have More Relaxed Admin Pace Than Athens

Administrative processes on Greek islands are often faster and more personal than in Athens. Scheduling appointments outside the July-August peak season also helps significantly.

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