A Social Security Registration Number (AMKA) has been mandatory since 2009 for those who work or are insured or intend to work within Greek borders. In essence, the AMKA replaces the old registration numbers of the numerous former insurance funds that have now been incorporated into the National Insurance Agency e-EFKA. An AMKA can be issued at any Citizens’ Service Centres (KEP) in Greece or the branches of e-EFKA by presenting the necessary supporting documents.
The basic legal and administrative regulations are as follows:
- Pursuant to Article 153 paragraphs 1 and 2 of Law 3655/2008 (Government Gazette, Series I, No 58), the AMKA was compulsorily established as an employment and insurance identification number for all Greek citizens as of 1 June 2009.
- Joint Ministerial Decision No οικ.7791/245/Φ80321/2009 (Government Gazette, Series II, No 596) sets out the procedure for the issue of AMKA by the KEPs and the e-EFKA.
- Circular No Φ80320/1516/39/Δ.18 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs specified the situation in relation to beneficiaries obtaining an AMKA and the necessary conditions for obtaining an AMKA.
- Articles 53 and 55 of Law 4636/2019 ‘On International Protection and other provisions’ (Government Gazette, Series I, No 169) regulated access of applicants for international protection to health services, the labour market and social security with the granting of a. Temporary Insurance and Healthcare Number for Foreigners (PAAYPA).
- Joint Ministerial Decision No 717/28-1-2020 entitled ‘Arrangements for ensuring the access of applicants for international protection to health services, health care, social security and the labour market – Issue of PAAYPA’ (Government Gazette, Series II, No 199) specified the terms of granting a PAAYPA number to applicants for international protection, as well as the conditions for their access to the labour market and social security.
- Circular No Φ80320/4382/225/13-2-2020 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs specified the issues concerning the PAAYPA number.
