General information
This guide highlights the most important steps: from de-registration in Switzerland to administrative duties in Greece to practical aspects of your new life on the Aegean.
Authority procedures – digital and uncomplicated
The Greek administration has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years. The central platform gov.gr brings together a variety of government services in one place: applying for documents, submitting forms, making appointments - many things can now be done comfortably from home without having to appear in person at an authority.
Another Plus point: Most Greek online platforms offer a language change to English, which makes it much easier for Swiss abroad.
If a personal appearance is still required, the following generally applies: nothing works without an appointment. Registering in advance - online or by telephone - is usually not only recommended, but absolutely necessary. A spontaneous visit to the authorities often leads to long waiting times or is even rejected.
Recommendation: Before each visit to the authorities, check whether the desired service is already available on gov.gr - this saves time and unnecessary Ways.
Municipal and city administrations - local information online
Almost every Greek municipality and city administration has its own website. There you will find useful information about local authorities, responsibilities and local services.
Tip: Search online for the name of your municipality - in Greek Δήμος - followed by your town. This will take you directly to the official website of your local municipality.
“Siga-Siga” – this is an expression that is often used in everyday Greek life “slow-slow”. Anyone who emigrates to Greece should bring patience with them, but will be rewarded with an incomparable quality of life.
The be-all and end-all: good preparation
Preparation is everything - documents and translations
The most important principle when going to the authorities in Greece is: appear well prepared. Passport, residence documents and all other relevant documents should always be brought with you in full - in case of doubt, supplemented by one Notarized translation into Greek.
A note from practice
Although the legal requirements apply uniformly across the country, the interpretation can vary noticeably in individual cases depending on the clerk and authority. What is easily accepted at one counter can lead to inquiries elsewhere - and vice versa. Occasionally, an additional document is required that is not actually required, while in other cases English-language documents - without a Greek translation - are accepted, both by government authorities and banks.
Recommendation: Swiss authorities, social insurance companies and banking institutions often also deliver certificates and confirmations in English upon request. It is worth applying for this as a precaution - experience has shown that English-language documents are often easily accepted in Greece and save you the detour of a paid translation.
You have used 90% of your session limit
The inevitable "twins" of Greek bureaucracy
Without the "key pair" or documents, almost nothing works in Greece:
AFM Tax identification number
AMKA social security number Access to the Greek health system
Important basic rules for dealing with authorities
Enter all data in capital letters when registering on online platforms to avoid problems with umlauts and other characters. They should be absolutely identical to the information in the passport.
Avoid typos - incorrect data in official registers can lead to considerable effort when correcting them.
Get a Greek cell phone number early - many platforms require a Greek number for two-factor authentication.
Request documents from Swiss authorities and banks in English
Checklist: General preparation
☐ Check passport for validity (at least 1 year remaining term recommended)
☐ Copies of important documents and have the original ready
☐ Prepare certified translations of important documents into Greek
☐ Apply for a Greek prepaid SIM card before leaving the country if possible
☐ Install the Gov.gr Wallet app on your smartphone
☐ Tax advisor with knowledge of Swiss and Greek tax law consult
☐ Clarify health insurance for Swiss citizens abroad
☐ Arrange bank power of attorney, will, health care power of attorney and living will