Practical: care in Greece
AMKA in Greece: What It Is, How to Get One, and Seeing a Doctor Without It
What the Greek AMKA number is, where and how to apply, which documents you need, and how to see a doctor or get a prescription in Greece without one.
Short answer
The AMKA is the Greek social security number. It is issued by e-EFKA, the national social security fund, and gives access to health and employment services in Greece [1]. You apply in person at an e-EFKA office, with an appointment booked on 1555, or, for some categories, at a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) [1][2]. The documents depend on your status. You do not need an AMKA to see a private doctor, and since August 2024 a doctor can issue an e-prescription with your passport [3].
What the AMKA is used for
The AMKA identifies you in the Greek social security and health systems. It is used for work and insurance, for public health care and for e-prescriptions [1][4]. It is not the same as the AFM, the Greek tax number; for many applicants, an AFM is one of the documents needed to apply [1].
Inactive and active AMKA
An AMKA can exist but be inactive. International students, for example, often receive an inactive AMKA, which is activated later with proof of employment [1]. Health care paid by the national health fund (EOPYY) depends on your insurance, usually through work, and not on the number alone.
How to apply, step by step
Check your category. EU citizens, third-country nationals with a residence permit, students and family members need different documents [2].
Book an appointment. Call e-EFKA on 1555 to book at the office for your area [1]. Some categories can apply at a KEP [2].
Bring your documents. Typically: a valid passport or ID; a residence permit or EU registration certificate; a birth or family status certificate translated into Greek; your AFM; proof of address; and, if you work, an employment contract or employer’s declaration [1][2].
Keep your number. You can look up your AMKA later on amka.gr [5].
Requirements change, so ask e-EFKA for the current list before your appointment.
Seeing a doctor without an AMKA
You can see a private doctor without an AMKA. At this practice, foreign patients without an AMKA are seen in person or online, and receive an e-prescription with their passport if the doctor judges it appropriate [3]; the medicine is then paid in full at the pharmacy. Read more: Prescriptions in Greece without an AMKA.
EU visitors can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in the public system for care that cannot wait until they return home. The EHIC does not cover private care [6].
Uninsured people living in Greece have access to the public health system under Law 4368/2016, under certain conditions; ask at the social welfare office of your municipality [7].
New in Greece and not feeling well?
When you move to a new country, your mental health often comes last, after the visa, the tax number and the flat. When low mood, anxiety or sleep problems start to affect your days, then do not wait until the paperwork is finished, because help does not depend on an AMKA. Bring any previous medical records and a list of your medicines to the first appointment. Read more: Online psychiatrist in Greece.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AMKA the same as the AFM?
No. The AMKA is the social security number; the AFM is the tax number [1].
Do I need an AMKA at a pharmacy?
Not to buy products that do not need a prescription. For prescriptions, see above and our guide to pharmacies in Greece.
Can I see a psychiatrist in English without an AMKA?
Yes. Appointments are available in English and in Greek, with or without an AMKA.
Sources
[1] National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, International Students Support Unit: “AMKA (Social Security Number)”.
[2] Ministry of Labour circular on issuing AMKA through e-EFKA and KEP, summarised by Lawspot, 4 October 2019.
[3] Gov.gr (mitos.gov.gr): “Application of the e-prescription system (Σ.Η.Σ.) to third-country nationals and European citizens”. Ministerial Decision Δ3(α)/33959/28-6-2024, Government Gazette Β’ 3800/01.07.2024.
[4] Ministry of Labour (ypergasias.gov.gr): “ΑΜΚΑ”.
[5] amka.gr, Citizen Portal.
[6] European Commission, Your Europe: “Unplanned healthcare – temporary stays”. Last checked 16/09/2026.
[7] Ministry of Health circular of 15/07/2016 on Law 4368/2016, Article 33 (access of the uninsured to the public health system).
General information, not a substitute for medical advice. In an emergency call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Author: Dr. Georgios Mylonas, Psychiatrist – Psychotherapist. Last updated: 7 November 2026.
