The Joint Ministerial Decision (JMA) was signed a total of nine co-competent ministries which defines the new regime for granting a Social Security Registration Number (AMKA), as well as the conditions for its activation or deactivation.

In the KYA, the beneficiaries are clearly defined, the stage of the initial issuance of the AMKA is separated from the activation stage, and the treatment of circumvention phenomena is streamlined, through electronic crossings.

As stated in the relevant announcement, the main objectives of the reform, which is being attempted with the issuance of the KYA, are the following:

  • the modernization of the AMKA architecture with the introduction of distinct stages of its issuance and activation,
  • the digitization of AMKA and the interoperability of agencies upgrades the service to citizens and simplifies the cross-checking of data and
  • the limitation of circumvention phenomena, such as the issuance of AMKA by non-beneficiaries and the continuation of the use of the number by non-beneficiaries, for free medical care or receiving welfare benefits.

According to the decision, AMKA beneficiaries are:

  • (a) Greek citizens,
  • (b) citizens of member states of the European Union,
  • (c) third-country nationals or stateless persons and
  • (d) minors.

As the decision states, AMKAafter its issuance to the beneficiaries, remains inactive and is activated upon proof of legal residence and actual residence in the country.

The identity card or the Greek passport is considered as proof of legal residence.

The proof of tax residence or the employment certificate from an employer or the employment contract posted on the “ERGANI” Information System is considered as proof of actual residence.

The decision also separates the cases of AMKA issuance to Greek citizens, to citizens of EU countries and to citizens of third countries and stateless persons.

In more detail:

  • 1. For the issuance of AMKA to Greek citizens or expatriates

An identity card or Greek passport is required as proof of legal residence, access to the labor market and inclusion in the social security system.

  • 2. For the issuance of AMKA to citizens of member states of the European Union

A valid identity card or passport of a member state of the European Union is required as proof of legal residence, access to the labor market and inclusion in the social security system.

  • 3. For the issuance of AMKA to citizens of third countries and stateless persons

A valid third country passport or a valid international protection beneficiary travel document and a valid residence permit with the right to access the labor market are required as proof of legal residence, access to the labor market and inclusion in the social security system.

For those who objectively do not have a passport, the beneficiaries of international protection and the beneficiaries of temporary protection, the right to stay in the country, with the right to access the labor market in force, is sufficient.

In addition, it is clarified that, with the decision, special provision is made for vulnerable population groups, such as the homeless and asylum seekers.

For asylum seekers, with the international protection applicant card, a Temporary Foreigner’s Insurance and Health Care Number (PAAUPA) is automatically issued, which ensures the provision of health care. If the asylum application is accepted, the PAAUPA is converted into an AMKA, while, if the application is rejected, the PAAUPA is automatically deactivated.

For the homeless, provision has been made so that proof of residence is sufficient for a certificate of use of the services from a dormitory or a certificate from the social service of the municipality or from the Community Center.

As the Joint Ministerial Decision points out, AMKA is deactivated if any of the following criteria is not met:

  • (a) of legal residence or
  • (b) access to the labor market or
  • (c) of actual residence in the country, except for minor beneficiaries or
  • (d) if the AMKA of the directly insured is deactivated, in the case of indirectly insured adults or minors.

In case of deactivation of AMKA, holders have the option of temporarily activating it once for 30 days, within which they will have to provide the necessary supporting documents for its reactivation.

The Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security, Panos Tsakloglou, stated: “With the issuance of the KYA, the AMKA regime is reformed, with the central objective of checking the legality of every contact of citizens with the Greek social security system for access to the National Health System and all kinds of benefits, either as insured or uninsured.

With the new regulation, the process of activating and deactivating the number is introduced, in case the holder of the AMKA ceases to meet the conditions of the law and, above all, if he ceases to reside permanently and legally in our country.

Objective of the Ministry of Labour on the one hand, it is to better serve the citizens, and on the other hand, to avoid phenomena that were observed in previous years, i.e. the issuance of AMKA by non-beneficiaries, the presentation of false supporting documents or the continuation of the use of the number by non-beneficiaries, for free medical care or welfare benefits benefits”.