Getting Your Local Tax Number (AFM)
The AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitrou) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number. It is the absolute master key to unlocking Greek bureaucracy; without it, you cannot legally sign a digital rental contract, register a lease, or fully activate a local bank account.
Under the modernized framework, physical applications at local tax offices (DOY) have been completely replaced. The process is now fully centralized and digital for all international students. By applying through the official Gov.gr Unified AFM Portal, you will receive your AFM certificate alongside your digital Taxisnet Credentials and an authentication pass key (Kleidarithmos) simultaneously.
The Digital Application Framework:
- EU Students: You can initiate the request entirely online before leaving your home country. You must complete the digital application on the official Gov.gr portal and upload a clear scan of your European National ID or passport, along with your official university enrollment letter. To verify your identity remotely, you will choose the video call option. You will book a live virtual appointment with a tax representative through the myAADElive application.
- Non-EU Students: Obtaining your AFM online is a strict pre-requisite before you arrive in Greece and attempt to secure long-term accommodation. You must submit your digital application through the specialized portal for foreign residents using your biometric passport and your valid National Student Visa (Type D). Identity verification is conducted via a scheduled remote video interview on the myAADElive platform.
Critical Contact & Technical Requirements (For All Nationalities):
- Phone Number Compatibility: When completing the online application form, you can register using your current phone number from your home country (e.g., a Romanian +40 number, or an international number from India, China, etc.). The system fully accepts foreign country codes for sending preliminary setup text messages and organizing the video call.
- The Taxisnet Activation Warning: During your remote videoconference, the AADE officer will verify your documents and issue your AFM certificate via an encrypted email file. However, to legally accept your housing lease later in the portal, your account profile must be authenticated. While a foreign phone number works to get the AFM, you must replace it with a local Greek number (+30) at Step 3. Greek government platforms and local banks will not transmit secure 2FA authentication codes to non-EU networks for high-level digital transactions.
