Greece's unified social insurance organisation — administering all Greek social security contributions and benefits for employees, self-employed workers, and freelancers.
EFKA — Ηλεκτρονικός Φορέας Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης, the e-National Social Insurance Organisation — is Greece's unified social security authority, established in 2017 by merging previous Greek social insurance bodies (IKA, OAEE, OGA, ETAA, and others). EFKA administers collection of social security contributions and grants pensions, sickness benefits, maternity pay, and other benefits for all insured persons: employees, self-employed workers, and farmers.
For employed workers, EFKA contributions are shared between employer and employee. The combined rate is approximately 39.43% of gross salary — 24.33% employer, 15.10% employee deduction. These cover main pension, supplementary pension, healthcare (EOPYY), and unemployment insurance. The employer registers employees with EFKA and handles contribution calculations and remittances.
For self-employed professionals (eleftheria epangelmatia), EFKA contributions are paid directly by the individual based on declared income. Self-employed pay both employer and employee portions — the combined total can reach 26.95%+ of net professional income, subject to minimum and maximum contribution bases. New self-employed registrants may qualify for a reduced introductory rate in their first years.
EFKA administers the AMKA number (Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) — Greece's social security registration number, separate from the AFM tax number. Every person living and working in Greece, including foreign nationals, needs an AMKA to access Greek public healthcare through EOPYY and to register contributions with EFKA. AMKA is obtained at KEP citizen service centres with proof of identity and Greek address.
EU citizens exercising free movement register with EFKA upon starting employment or self-employment in Greece. EU Regulation 883/2004 coordinates social security for EU/EEA citizens, allowing periods of insurance in other member states to be aggregated for pension and benefit qualification. You cannot be simultaneously required to contribute to both Greek and another EU state's system for the same employment.
AMKA is your Greek social security registration number — different from the AFM (tax number). Required to access Greek public healthcare through EOPYY, receive prescriptions, and register for EFKA contributions. Obtain it at a KEP centre with your passport and Greek address proof.
Yes. EU citizens employed or self-employed in Greece pay Greek social security contributions through EFKA like Greek nationals. EU Regulation 883/2004 ensures you cannot be required to contribute to both Greek and another EU member state's system simultaneously for the same employment.
Access requires either AMKA linked to active contributions, or EU health coverage (EHIC/S1 certificate for EU pensioners). Some categories of non-working residents (retired EU nationals, Golden Visa holders) may access healthcare via specific registration routes. Confirm with EFKA and EOPYY the applicable route for your residency status.
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