Your first weeks working abroad – registration, tax, insurance

1. Registration certificate (βεβαίωση εγγραφής): if you stay longer than 3 months, apply within 3 months – at the Aliens’ Department of the police in Attica and Thessaloniki, elsewhere at the police security department or station dealing with foreigners. Bring the application form, your ID or passport, a hiring certificate from your employer, proof of your address, 3 colour photos (4 × 4 cm) and a police stamp of €0.50 (available as an e-paravolo). The certificate has no expiry date.
2. Tax number (ΑΦΜ, AFM): get it at the tax office (ΔΟΥ, DOY). You need it for work, renting and tax.
3. Social security number (ΑΜΚΑ, AMKA): get it at a citizens’ service centre (ΚΕΠ, KEP) or at the social insurance body e-EFKA.
4. Health insurance: as an employee you are insured with EFKA; until then your European Health Insurance Card from home covers necessary treatment.
5. Tax and contributions are deducted from your salary – that is why €920 gross becomes about €772 net for a single worker over 30 (Ministry of Labour, 2026).

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