Moving to Greece is exciting, but once you’ve arrived, everyday administration can quickly take over.
Instead of exploring your new neighborhood or finding your favorite taverna, you may find yourself dealing with residence documents, tax numbers, bank appointments, phone contracts, utility accounts, health insurance, and forms filled with unfamiliar Greek vocabulary.
The good news is that you don’t need perfect Greek to get settled. Knowing which tasks to prioritize, which documents to keep ready, and which phrases to use can make each appointment much less stressful.
This guide walks you through eight important steps for settling into life in Greece, along with practical Greek you’ll actually hear and use.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:
- handle common immigration and residence procedures
- get an AFM and understand basic tax-registration vocabulary
- open a Greek bank account
- get a Greek phone number
- arrange utilities and internet
- deal with AMKA, healthcare, and social security
- understand the basics of Greek tax administration
- communicate more confidently during everyday appointments
Requirements vary according to your nationality, residence status, employment, and individual situation, so always check the current instructions for the procedure that applies to you.
Table of Contents
Why This Moving to Greece Checklist Is Different
Most moving guides tell you what to do. Get an AFM. Open a bank account. Arrange your utilities.
But once you’re actually standing at a counter or speaking to someone on the phone, another question becomes much more important:
“What do I actually say?”
That’s what makes this guide different.
For every major step, you’ll find:
- what the procedure generally involves
- which documents or information you may need
- practical Greek vocabulary
- useful phrases
- realistic dialogue examples
- common points that surprise new residents
Think of this as both a moving checklist and a practical survival Greek guide for your first weeks in Greece.
What Should You Do After Moving to Greece?
Quick Answer
Your priorities will depend on your circumstances, but many new residents should think about these eight areas:
- Complete the immigration or residence formalities that apply to you.
- Get an AFM and set up access to Greek tax services.
- Open a Greek bank account.
- Get a Greek phone number.
- Set up electricity, water, gas, and internet as needed.
- Arrange AMKA, healthcare, and social-security matters that apply to you.
- Understand your Greek tax obligations.
- Learn practical Greek for everyday life.
Some of these steps depend on one another. For example, an AFM is used in many financial and administrative procedures, while banks and service providers may also ask for identification, contact information, and proof of address.
Your First Month in Greece: A Practical Timeline
Not every task will be completed on the same schedule, and some procedures can take longer than a month. A useful approach is to start the highest-priority tasks early.
| Time | What to Do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First days | Move in and organize your important documents | You’ll need them repeatedly for later procedures. |
| First days/weeks | Complete any immigration or residence procedure that applies to you | Requirements depend on your nationality and residence status. |
| Week 1 | Get or confirm your AFM and tax-service access | An AFM is widely used in Greek administrative and financial life. |
| Week 1-2 | Start opening a Greek bank account | Useful for salary, rent, bills, and recurring payments. |
| Week 1-2 | Get a Greek phone number | Useful for account verification, appointments, and services. |
| Week 1-3 | Arrange electricity, water, gas, and internet if needed | Essential if services aren’t already active in your name. |
| First weeks | Handle AMKA and social-security procedures that apply to you | Important for work, insurance, and healthcare access. |
| Ongoing | Learn practical Greek | Makes appointments and daily interactions easier. |
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and third-country nationals follow different residence procedures. If you are an EU citizen staying in Greece for more than three months, registration requirements can apply depending on your circumstances. Third-country nationals use separate residence-permit procedures, many of which are handled electronically.
Documents You’ll Use Again and Again
Keeping your important documents together can save a lot of time.
Depending on your situation, useful documents may include:
- passport or national ID
- visa or residence permit, if applicable
- rental agreement (μισθωτήριο, misthotírio)
- proof of address
- AFM (ΑΦΜ, AFM)
- TAXISnet or myAADE access details
- AMKA (ΑΜΚΑ, AMKA), once issued
- Greek phone number
- employment or student documents
- bank details
- official translations, where required
Two abbreviations you’ll encounter often are:
ΑΦΜ
AFM
“Tax Identification Number”
ΑΜΚΑ
AMKA
“Social Security Registration Number”
Recognizing these two terms will make many forms and appointments easier to follow.
Step 1: Complete Your Immigration and Residence Procedures
Your first step depends heavily on your nationality and residence status.
You may need to:
- apply for an initial residence permit
- renew a residence permit
- submit supporting documents
- attend an appointment for biometric data
- report certain changes in your circumstances
- collect a residence document
For third-country nationals, initial residence-permit and renewal procedures can be submitted electronically, depending on the permit category. EU citizens follow a different system and may need to register if they stay in Greece for more than three months.
For more detailed immigration vocabulary and practical expressions, see Greek for the Immigration Office: 40 Visa Renewal Phrases You’ll Actually Need.
Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Θα ήθελα να κάνω αίτηση για άδεια διαμονής. | Tha íthela na káno étisi gia ádeia diamonís. | “I’d like to apply for a residence permit.” |
| Θέλω να ανανεώσω την άδεια διαμονής μου. | Thélo na ananeóso tin ádeia diamonís mou. | “I want to renew my residence permit.” |
| Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται; | Pia dikeologitiká chriázonte? | “Which supporting documents are required?” |
| Πού μπορώ να υποβάλω την αίτηση; | Poú boró na ypopálo tin étisi? | “Where can I submit the application?” |
| Έχω ραντεβού για τη λήψη βιομετρικών στοιχείων. | Écho rantevoú gia ti lípsi viometrikón stichíon. | “I have an appointment for biometric data collection.” |
| Η άδεια διαμονής μου λήγει σύντομα. | I ádeia diamonís mou lígi síndoma. | “My residence permit expires soon.” |
| Πρέπει να υπογράψω εδώ; | Prépi na ypográpso edó? | “Should I sign here?” |
| Δεν καταλαβαίνω. | Den katalavéno. | “I don’t understand.” |
| Μπορείτε να το επαναλάβετε, παρακαλώ; | Boríte na to epanalávete, parakaló? | “Could you repeat that, please?” |
| Μιλάτε αγγλικά; | Miláte angliká? | “Do you speak English?” |
Sample Dialogue
Employee:
Τι θα θέλατε;
Ti tha thélate?
“How can I help you?”
You:
Θέλω να ανανεώσω την άδεια διαμονής μου.
Thélo na ananeóso tin ádeia diamonís mou.
“I want to renew my residence permit.”
Employee:
Έχετε υποβάλει την αίτηση ηλεκτρονικά;
Échete ypopáli tin étisi ilektroniká?
“Have you submitted the application online?”
You:
Ναι. Έχω και τη βεβαίωση υποβολής.
Ne. Écho ke ti vevéosi ypopolís.
“Yes. I also have the proof of submission.”
Employee:
Ωραία. Έχετε το διαβατήριό σας;
Oréa. Échete to diavatírió sas?
“Good. Do you have your passport?”
You:
Ναι, ορίστε.
Ne, oríste.
“Yes, here you are.”
Step 2: Get an AFM and Set Up myAADE
One of the most useful numbers to have in Greece is your AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου), or Tax Identification Number.
You’ll encounter it in situations involving:
- employment
- banking
- rental agreements
- utilities
- tax administration
- many contracts and financial procedures
The Greek tax authority is AADE (ΑΑΔΕ), and many digital tax services are accessed through myAADE using TAXISnet credentials.
An AFM can be requested electronically, with identity verification completed through the available official process, which may include a video appointment or an in-person visit depending on the case.
Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ΑΦΜ. | Tha íthela na vgálo AFM. | “I’d like to get a Tax Identification Number.” |
| Πώς μπορώ να βγάλω ΑΦΜ; | Pós boró na vgálo AFM? | “How can I get an AFM?” |
| Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται; | Pia dikeologitiká chriázonte? | “Which supporting documents are required?” |
| Χρειάζεται ραντεβού; | Chriázete rantevoú? | “Is an appointment required?” |
| Μπορώ να κάνω τη διαδικασία ηλεκτρονικά; | Boró na káno ti diadikasía ilektroniká? | “Can I complete the procedure online?” |
| Πώς μπορώ να μπω στο myAADE; | Pós boró na bo sto myAADE? | “How can I log in to myAADE?” |
| Χρειάζομαι κλειδάριθμο; | Chriázome klidárithmo? | “Do I need an authentication key?” |
| Θέλω να αλλάξω τα στοιχεία μου. | Thélo na alláxo ta stichía mou. | “I want to update my details.” |
Sample Dialogue
Employee:
Έχετε ήδη ΑΦΜ;
Échete ídi AFM?
“Do you already have an AFM?”
You:
Όχι. Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ΑΦΜ.
Óchi. Tha íthela na vgálo AFM.
“No. I’d like to get an AFM.”
Employee:
Έχετε μαζί σας το διαβατήριό σας;
Échete mazí sas to diavatírió sas?
“Do you have your passport with you?”
You:
Ναι, το έχω μαζί μου.
Ne, to écho mazí mou.
“Yes, I have it with me.”
Useful Vocabulary
Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου
Arithmós Forologikoú Mitróou
“Tax Identification Number”
ΑΑΔΕ
AADE
“Independent Authority for Public Revenue”
κωδικοί TAXISnet
kodikoí TAXISnet
“TAXISnet login credentials”
κλειδάριθμος
klidárithmos
“authentication key”
φορολογικά στοιχεία
forologiká stichía
“tax details”
Step 3: Open a Greek Bank Account
A Greek bank account can make everyday life much easier.
You may use it for:
- receiving your salary
- paying rent
- paying utility bills
- setting up standing orders or direct debits
- receiving refunds or reimbursements
- handling recurring payments
Bank requirements vary, so check the specific bank’s document list before your appointment. Identification, an AFM, contact details, and proof of address are commonly relevant.
Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Θα ήθελα να ανοίξω τραπεζικό λογαριασμό. | Tha íthela na aníxo trapezikó logariasmó. | “I’d like to open a bank account.” |
| Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται; | Pia dikeologitiká chriázonte? | “Which supporting documents are required?” |
| Έχω ΑΦΜ. | Écho AFM. | “I have an AFM.” |
| Χρειάζεστε αποδεικτικό διεύθυνσης; | Chriázeste apodiktikó diéfthynsis? | “Do you need proof of address?” |
| Θα ήθελα χρεωστική κάρτα. | Tha íthela chreostikí kárta. | “I’d like a debit card.” |
| Πότε θα είναι έτοιμη η κάρτα; | Póte tha íne étimi i kárta? | “When will the card be ready?” |
| Υπάρχουν μηνιαίες χρεώσεις; | Ypárchoun miniees chreósis? | “Are there monthly fees?” |
| Μπορώ να χρησιμοποιώ το mobile banking; | Boró na chrisimopió to mobile banking? | “Can I use mobile banking?” |
Sample Dialogue
Bank Employee:
Καλημέρα. Πώς μπορώ να σας εξυπηρετήσω;
Kaliméra. Pós boró na sas exypiretíso?
“Good morning. How can I help you?”
You:
Θα ήθελα να ανοίξω τραπεζικό λογαριασμό.
Tha íthela na aníxo trapezikó logariasmó.
“I’d like to open a bank account.”
Employee:
Έχετε ΑΦΜ και αποδεικτικό διεύθυνσης;
Échete AFM ke apodiktikó diéfthynsis?
“Do you have an AFM and proof of address?”
You:
Ναι, τα έχω μαζί μου.
Ne, ta écho mazí mou.
“Yes, I have them with me.”
Useful Vocabulary
τραπεζικός λογαριασμός
trapezikós logariasmós
“bank account”
χρεωστική κάρτα
chreostikí kárta
“debit card”
IBAN
IBAN
“IBAN”
μεταφορά χρημάτων
metaforá chrimáton
“money transfer”
πάγια εντολή
págia entolí
“standing order / direct debit”
Step 4: Get a Greek Phone Number
A Greek phone number is useful for much more than making calls.
You may need one for:
- account verification
- banking
- deliveries
- appointments
- contacting employers or landlords
- government and private services
You can choose between prepaid and contract options depending on your needs.
Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ελληνικό αριθμό κινητού. | Tha íthela na vgálo ellinikó arithmó kinitoú. | “I’d like to get a Greek mobile number.” |
| Θα ήθελα μια κάρτα SIM. | Tha íthela mia kárta SIM. | “I’d like a SIM card.” |
| Θέλω καρτοκινητό. | Thélo kartokinitó. | “I’d like a prepaid mobile plan.” |
| Υπάρχει πρόγραμμα χωρίς συμβόλαιο; | Ypárchi prógramma chorís symvóleo? | “Is there a plan without a contract?” |
| Πόσο κοστίζει τον μήνα; | Póso kostízi ton mína? | “How much does it cost per month?” |
| Πόσα δεδομένα περιλαμβάνει; | Pósa dedoména perilamváni? | “How much data does it include?” |
| Χρειάζεστε το ΑΦΜ μου; | Chriázeste to AFM mou? | “Do you need my AFM?” |
| Πότε ενεργοποιείται η κάρτα SIM; | Póte energopiíte i kárta SIM? | “When is the SIM card activated?” |
Sample Dialogue
Employee:
Θέλετε καρτοκινητό ή συμβόλαιο;
Thélete kartokinitó í symvóleo?
“Would you like prepaid or a contract?”
You:
Καρτοκινητό, παρακαλώ.
Kartokinitó, parakaló.
“Prepaid, please.”
Employee:
Χρειάζομαι την ταυτότητα ή το διαβατήριό σας.
Chriázome tin taftótita í to diavatírió sas.
“I need your ID or passport.”
You:
Ορίστε.
Oríste.
“Here you are.”
Step 5: Set Up Electricity, Water, Gas, and Internet
When you move into a home in Greece, some services may already be active, while others may need to be transferred or opened in your name.
Depending on the property, you may need to arrange:
- electricity (ρεύμα, révma)
- water (νερό, neró)
- natural gas (φυσικό αέριο, fisikó aério) where available
- internet (ίντερνετ, ínternet)
The exact setup depends on the property, location, and provider.
Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Θα ήθελα να βάλω το ρεύμα στο όνομά μου. | Tha íthela na válo to révma sto ónomá mou. | “I’d like to put the electricity account in my name.” |
| Μόλις μετακόμισα. | Mólis metakómisa. | “I just moved in.” |
| Θέλω να κάνω σύνδεση ρεύματος. | Thélo na káno síndesi révmatos. | “I want to set up electricity service.” |
| Το νερό περιλαμβάνεται στα κοινόχρηστα; | To neró perilamvánete sta kinóchrista? | “Is water included in the building charges?” |
| Υπάρχει φυσικό αέριο στο κτίριο; | Ypárchi fisikó aério sto ktírio? | “Is natural gas available in the building?” |
| Θα ήθελα να βάλω ίντερνετ. | Tha íthela na válo ínternet. | “I’d like to get internet service.” |
| Πότε μπορεί να έρθει ο τεχνικός; | Póte borí na érthi o technikós? | “When can the technician come?” |
| Πόσο χρόνο χρειάζεται η ενεργοποίηση; | Póso chróno chriázete i energopoíisi? | “How long does activation take?” |
Sample Dialogue
Representative:
Έχετε ήδη μετακομίσει στο σπίτι;
Échete ídi metakomísi sto spíti?
“Have you already moved into the home?”
You:
Ναι, μόλις μετακόμισα.
Ne, mólis metakómisa.
“Yes, I just moved in.”
Representative:
Έχετε τον αριθμό παροχής;
Échete ton arithmó parochís?
“Do you have the supply number?”
You:
Ναι. Θα ήθελα να βάλω το ρεύμα στο όνομά μου.
Ne. Tha íthela na válo to révma sto ónomá mou.
“Yes. I’d like to put the electricity account in my name.”
Step 6: Arrange AMKA, Healthcare, and Social Security
If you live and work in Greece, you’ll probably encounter AMKA (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) and e-EFKA (e-ΕΦΚΑ).
AMKA is the Social Security Registration Number used in employment, social-security, and healthcare-related procedures. e-EFKA is Greece’s national social-security institution.
The procedure and documents you need depend on your nationality, residence status, employment, and insurance situation. Eligible applicants can handle AMKA issuance through the relevant official service points, including e-EFKA or KEP in applicable cases.
Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ΑΜΚΑ. | Tha íthela na vgálo AMKA. | “I’d like to get an AMKA.” |
| Χρειάζομαι ΑΜΚΑ. | Chriázome AMKA. | “I need an AMKA.” |
| Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται; | Pia dikeologitiká chriázonte? | “Which supporting documents are required?” |
| Μπορώ να βγάλω ΑΜΚΑ εδώ; | Boró na vgálo AMKA edó? | “Can I get an AMKA here?” |
| Έχω ήδη ΑΦΜ. | Écho ídi AFM. | “I already have an AFM.” |
| Πώς μπορώ να ασφαλιστώ; | Pós boró na asfalistó? | “How can I get insured?” |
| Χρειάζομαι πληροφορίες για την ασφάλισή μου στον e-ΕΦΚΑ. | Chriázome pliroforíes gia tin asfálisí mou ston e-EFKA. | “I need information about my social insurance with e-EFKA.” |
| Χρειάζεστε τον ΑΜΚΑ μου; | Chriázeste ton AMKA mou? | “Do you need my AMKA?” |
Sample Dialogue
Employee:
Έχετε ΑΜΚΑ;
Échete AMKA?
“Do you have an AMKA?”
You:
Όχι. Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ΑΜΚΑ.
Óchi. Tha íthela na vgálo AMKA.
“No. I’d like to get an AMKA.”
Employee:
Έχετε άδεια διαμονής και ΑΦΜ;
Échete ádeia diamonís ke AFM?
“Do you have a residence permit and AFM?”
You:
Ναι, τα έχω μαζί μου.
Ne, ta écho mazí mou.
“Yes, I have them with me.”
Useful Vocabulary
ΑΜΚΑ
AMKA
“Social Security Registration Number”
e-ΕΦΚΑ
e-EFKA
“Electronic National Social Security Entity”
ασφάλιση
asfálisi
“insurance / social insurance”
γιατρός
giatrós
“doctor”
φαρμακείο
farmakío
“pharmacy”
συνταγή
syntagí
“prescription”
Step 7: Understand Taxes in Greece
Taxes can be confusing when you’ve just moved because you’ll encounter new terminology, online systems, and filing rules.
Important terms include:
φορολογική δήλωση
forologikí dílosi
“tax return”
φορολογική κατοικία
forologikí katoikía
“tax residence”
εκκαθαριστικό
ekkatharistikó
“tax assessment notice”
ΑΑΔΕ
AADE
“Independent Authority for Public Revenue”
myAADE
myAADE
“AADE digital-services portal”
Whether you become a Greek tax resident depends on your circumstances. Among the official criteria, spending more than 183 days in Greece during a twelve-month period can make you a Greek tax resident, subject to specific exceptions. Greek tax residents are generally taxed on worldwide income, while tax treaties can affect how particular income is treated.
Essential Greek Phrases
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Πρέπει να κάνω φορολογική δήλωση; | Prépi na káno forologikí dílosi? | “Do I need to file a tax return?” |
| Πότε πρέπει να κάνω τη δήλωσή μου; | Póte prépi na káno ti dílosí mou? | “When do I need to file my return?” |
| Πού μπορώ να βρω το εκκαθαριστικό μου; | Poú boró na vro to ekkatharistikó mou? | “Where can I find my tax assessment notice?” |
| Πώς μπορώ να αλλάξω τη διεύθυνσή μου; | Pós boró na alláxo ti diéfthynsí mou? | “How can I change my address?” |
| Πώς μπορώ να μπω στο myAADE; | Pós boró na bo sto myAADE? | “How can I log in to myAADE?” |
| Μπορείτε να μου εξηγήσετε αυτό το έγγραφο; | Boríte na mou exigísete aftó to éngrafo? | “Could you explain this document to me?” |
Step 8: Learn Survival Greek for Daily Life
If there’s one skill that makes every other step easier, it’s practical Greek.
You don’t need to speak perfectly.
What matters most is being able to:
- explain why you’re there
- ask what documents are required
- say that you don’t understand
- ask someone to repeat
- ask someone to speak more slowly
- confirm what you need to do next
If you want focused practice with essential everyday expressions, the GreekPod101 Survival Phrases series covers useful Greek for common real-life situations.
Four Sentence Patterns You’ll Use Everywhere
Asking for Something
Θα ήθελα…
Tha íthela…
“I’d like…”
Examples:
Θα ήθελα να ανοίξω τραπεζικό λογαριασμό.
Tha íthela na aníxo trapezikó logariasmó.
“I’d like to open a bank account.”
Θα ήθελα να κλείσω ένα ραντεβού.
Tha íthela na klíso éna rantevoú.
“I’d like to make an appointment.”
Saying What You Need
Χρειάζομαι…
Chriázome…
“I need…”
Examples:
Χρειάζομαι ΑΜΚΑ.
Chriázome AMKA.
“I need an AMKA.”
Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια.
Chriázome voíthia.
“I need help.”
Asking for Clarification
Μπορείτε να το επαναλάβετε;
Boríte na to epanalávete?
“Could you repeat that?”
Μπορείτε να μιλήσετε πιο αργά;
Boríte na milísete pio argá?
“Could you speak more slowly?”
Saying You Don’t Understand
Δεν καταλαβαίνω.
Den katalavéno.
“I don’t understand.”
Μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά.
Miláo lígo elliniká.
“I speak a little Greek.”
These simple expressions can keep a conversation moving even when you don’t understand every word.
15 Survival Greek Phrases You’ll Use Everywhere
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| Καλημέρα. | Kaliméra. | “Good morning.” |
| Γεια σας. | Yia sas. | “Hello.” |
| Παρακαλώ. | Parakaló. | “Please / You’re welcome.” |
| Ευχαριστώ πολύ. | Efcharistó polí. | “Thank you very much.” |
| Συγγνώμη. | Signómi. | “Excuse me / I’m sorry.” |
| Δεν καταλαβαίνω. | Den katalavéno. | “I don’t understand.” |
| Μπορείτε να το επαναλάβετε; | Boríte na to epanalávete? | “Could you repeat that?” |
| Μπορείτε να μιλήσετε πιο αργά; | Boríte na milísete pio argá? | “Could you speak more slowly?” |
| Μιλάτε αγγλικά; | Miláte angliká? | “Do you speak English?” |
| Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια. | Chriázome voíthia. | “I need help.” |
| Πού πρέπει να πάω; | Poú prépi na páo? | “Where should I go?” |
| Τι πρέπει να κάνω; | Ti prépi na káno? | “What should I do?” |
| Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται; | Pia dikeologitiká chriázonte? | “Which supporting documents are required?” |
| Πού πρέπει να υπογράψω; | Poú prépi na ypográpso? | “Where should I sign?” |
| Θα ήθελα να κλείσω ένα ραντεβού. | Tha íthela na klíso éna rantevoú. | “I’d like to make an appointment.” |
If you can use these confidently, you’ll already be able to handle the basics of many everyday interactions.
Essential Moving to Greece Cheat Sheet
Most Useful Situational Phrases
| Situation | Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration | Θέλω να ανανεώσω την άδεια διαμονής μου. | Thélo na ananeóso tin ádeia diamonís mou. | “I want to renew my residence permit.” |
| AFM | Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ΑΦΜ. | Tha íthela na vgálo AFM. | “I’d like to get an AFM.” |
| Bank | Θα ήθελα να ανοίξω τραπεζικό λογαριασμό. | Tha íthela na aníxo trapezikó logariasmó. | “I’d like to open a bank account.” |
| Phone | Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ελληνικό αριθμό κινητού. | Tha íthela na vgálo ellinikó arithmó kinitoú. | “I’d like to get a Greek mobile number.” |
| Electricity | Θα ήθελα να βάλω το ρεύμα στο όνομά μου. | Tha íthela na válo to révma sto ónomá mou. | “I’d like to put the electricity account in my name.” |
| AMKA | Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ΑΜΚΑ. | Tha íthela na vgálo AMKA. | “I’d like to get an AMKA.” |
| Taxes | Πρέπει να κάνω φορολογική δήλωση; | Prépi na káno forologikí dílosi? | “Do I need to file a tax return?” |
| Clarification | Μπορείτε να το επαναλάβετε, παρακαλώ; | Boríte na to epanalávete, parakaló? | “Could you repeat that, please?” |
Administrative Vocabulary
| Greek | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| άδεια διαμονής | ádeia diamonís | “residence permit” |
| αίτηση | étisi | “application” |
| δικαιολογητικά | dikeologitiká | “supporting documents” |
| βεβαίωση | vevéosi | “certificate / confirmation” |
| ΑΦΜ | AFM | “Tax Identification Number” |
| ΑΜΚΑ | AMKA | “Social Security Registration Number” |
| μισθωτήριο | misthotírio | “rental agreement” |
| τραπεζικός λογαριασμός | trapezikós logariasmós | “bank account” |
| φορολογική δήλωση | forologikí dílosi | “tax return” |
| εκκαθαριστικό | ekkatharistikó | “tax assessment notice” |
| ΚΕΠ | KEP | “Citizens’ Service Centre” |
| ραντεβού | rantevoú | “appointment” |
How to Prepare Before You Move
The easiest way to reduce stress isn’t memorizing hundreds of isolated words. It’s practicing the conversations you’re actually likely to have.
Start with Real-Life Situations
Before moving, focus on conversations such as:
- immigration and residence permits
- getting an AFM
- opening a bank account
- getting a phone plan
- setting up utilities
- dealing with AMKA and social security
- healthcare
- asking for help
These situations can have a major impact during your first weeks in Greece.
Learn Complete Dialogues
Instead of memorizing only:
Θα ήθελα να ανοίξω τραπεζικό λογαριασμό.
Tha íthela na aníxo trapezikó logariasmó.
“I’d like to open a bank account.”
practice what may come next:
Έχετε ΑΦΜ;
Échete AFM?
“Do you have an AFM?”
Ναι, έχω.
Ne, écho.
“Yes, I do.”
Θα χρειαστώ και ένα αποδεικτικό διεύθυνσης.
Tha chriastó ke éna apodiktikó diéfthynsis.
“I’ll also need proof of address.”
Ορίστε.
Oríste.
“Here you are.”
Learning the whole exchange helps you prepare not just for what you’ll say, but also for what you’ll hear.
Listen Every Day
You don’t need a long study session.
Even a short daily routine can help:
- review useful vocabulary
- listen to one short dialogue
- repeat key lines aloud
- practice one situation you’re likely to encounter
Consistency matters more than trying to memorize everything at once. The GreekPod101 Absolute Beginner Lesson Library lets you choose audio and video lessons across practical beginner topics, so you can build listening and vocabulary practice into a short daily routine.
Learn Practical Greek with GreekPod101
Moving to Greece isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary. It’s about feeling comfortable enough to communicate when you actually need something.
Practical Greek can help with:
- immigration and administration
- banking
- healthcare
- housing
- phone and utility contracts
- shopping
- transportation
- work
- everyday conversations
Listening to realistic dialogues is especially useful because it prepares you for both sides of the conversation: what you need to say and what the other person may say back.
You can also practice vocabulary recall with Greek visual flashcards, which cover words across a range of everyday topics.
Whether you’re preparing before your move or you’ve already arrived in Greece, practicing these situations in advance can make daily life feel much less intimidating.
For a broader collection of practical Greek organized around real-life situations, read The Ultimate Greek Guide for Living in Greece: 160+ Essential Phrases for Visa, Immigration, Moving & Daily Life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a residence permit to live in Greece?
It depends on your nationality and circumstances.
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have free-movement rights but may need to complete registration procedures if they stay in Greece for more than three months. Third-country nationals generally follow the residence-permit rules that apply to their particular immigration category.
What is an AFM?
An AFM (ΑΦΜ) is your Greek Tax Identification Number.
You’ll encounter it in many administrative and financial situations, including tax matters, banking, employment, rental agreements, and contracts.
How do I get an AFM?
The official application process is available electronically, with identity verification completed through the available official procedure. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve a video appointment or an in-person visit.
What is AMKA?
AMKA (ΑΜΚΑ) is the Social Security Registration Number used in employment, social-security, and healthcare-related procedures.
Eligibility and required documents depend on your nationality and residence status.
Can I open a Greek bank account as a foreign resident?
Yes, but each bank determines the documentation it requires. Identification, an AFM, proof of address, and contact information are commonly relevant, so check the bank’s current requirements before your appointment.
Do I need Greek health insurance if I work in Greece?
Your coverage depends on your employment and insurance situation. If you’re employed and subject to Greek social-security contributions, your employer and e-EFKA procedures will normally be relevant. Other residents may follow different routes depending on their status.
When do I become a Greek tax resident?
Tax residence depends on several criteria. One important rule is that spending more than 183 days in Greece during a twelve-month period can make you a Greek tax resident, subject to specific exceptions and applicable tax-treaty rules.
What is myAADE?
myAADE is the Greek tax authority’s digital-services environment. You may use it for tax information, applications, declarations, personal details, and other tax-related services.
What is KEP?
KEP (Κέντρο Εξυπηρέτησης Πολιτών) means “Citizens’ Service Centre.” KEP offices handle or assist with a wide range of government procedures, although not every immigration, tax, or social-security process is handled there.
Can I live in Greece without speaking Greek?
It is possible to manage many situations with limited Greek, particularly when English-speaking help is available. However, practical Greek becomes much more useful when dealing with paperwork, healthcare, housing, repairs, local services, and appointments.
What’s the fastest way to improve my Greek after moving?
Practice the conversations you actually have.
Review the vocabulary you saw during an appointment, repeat useful questions aloud, and listen to realistic dialogues so those expressions become familiar before you need them again.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Greece comes with a long list of administrative tasks, but you don’t need to master all of them at once.
Start with the procedures that apply to your residence status and work situation. Get your important documents organized. Sort out your AFM, banking, phone service, utilities, and social-security procedures one step at a time.
And remember: you don’t need perfect Greek.
Being able to say Θα ήθελα… (Tha íthela…, “I’d like…”), ask Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται; (Pia dikeologitiká chriázonte?, “Which supporting documents are required?”), or simply say Δεν καταλαβαίνω. (Den katalavéno., “I don’t understand.”) can be enough to move a conversation forward.
Every appointment gives you another chance to recognize the vocabulary, ask a question, and become more comfortable handling everyday life in Greece.
When you’re ready to keep building practical Greek through dialogues, vocabulary, and listening practice, start learning real-life Greek with GreekPod101.
