The change, part of a broader digital governance and data transformation bill, aims to modernize how citizens are identified across public services and digital platforms.
Until now, Greek citizens were required to use a range of different identification numbers depending on the service—one for taxes (AFM), another for healthcare and social security (AMKA), and others for civil registries and police records. This fragmented system often led to inconsistencies between databases, making administrative processes cumbersome and prone to errors. The introduction of the Personal Number is designed to unify these systems, giving each citizen a single, unique identifier to be used in all interactions with the state.
Under the new regulation, the Personal Number will be issued automatically when a citizen applies for a new ID card. It will appear both physically on the card and be digitally embedded in its chip. The number will be retrieved from a centralized national registry maintained by the General Secretariat for Information Systems and Digital Governance, and the information will also be recorded in the Hellenic Police's identity database.
For citizens, this means greater convenience and faster access to services. For example, when applying for a government benefit online or visiting a doctor, individuals will no longer need to provide different sets of data or worry about discrepancies between records. All information will be linked through the Personal Number, allowing for quick and accurate identification by public authorities.
This new requirement applies to all Greek nationals who apply for an ID card after the law comes into effect. ID cards already in circulation without the Personal Number will remain valid until they expire or are replaced—so long as they were issued before or up to 30 days after the publication of a forthcoming ministerial decision outlining the technical specifications of the new cards.
The change is not just technical. It represents a significant shift in how Greek citizens will interact with the state. From filing taxes and enrolling in universities to completing hospital admissions and digital applications, the Personal Number is set to become the backbone of identity verification in Greece. Authorities believe it will significantly reduce bureaucratic friction, improve data accuracy, and help prevent fraud.
The amendment also provides for rare exceptions: in cases where technical issues prevent the generation of a Personal Number, the requirement to include it on the ID card will be waived. A joint decision by the ministers of Digital Governance and National Economy will establish the specific guidelines for implementation, including how the number is displayed and stored.
