Registration certificate at the immigration authority
Anyone who lives in Greece for more than three months must register with the local immigration police. This registration certificate is the official basis for your legal residence and is required for many other administrative procedures.
The reporting obligation in Greece
Swiss citizens can stay in Greece for up to three months without registering, thanks to the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU. However, if you stay for more than three months, you are required to report to the local immigration police (Υπηρεσία Αλλοδαπών).
Important: Persons who do not transfer their tax residence to Greece (i.e. without deregistration in Switzerland) must leave the country after 183 days and may only re-enter after another 6 months.
Login process
You have to go to the local immigration police in person - usually, but not always, by making an appointment in advance. Find out in advance by telephone or on your municipality's website whether an appointment is necessary.
Further information: EU citizen portal: Residence rights for pensioners
Required documents
You need the following documents to register with the immigration authorities:
- Valid passport in the original
- Proof of health/accident insurance – in English or with a certified translation into Greek. You can request that both the Swiss health insurance company and the AHV issue this certificate in English.
- Financial proof – AHV certificate, bank statement or proof of other income or assets that proves that you can support yourself financially.
- Proof of Greek residential address – rental or ownership agreement
The registration certificate (Βεβαίωση Εγγραφής)
After successful registration you will receive the registration certificate (Βεβαίωση Εγγραφής). This document is important for:
- Opening a bank account
- Exchanging your driving license
- Applying for the AMKA insurance number
- Further administrative procedures
Community websites as a source of information
Almost all municipal and city administrations in Greece have their own website where you can find information about local authorities. Search for your municipality's website (Δήμος) for specific local information.
Checklist: Registration certificate
- ☐ Have a valid passport ready
- ☐ Request proof of health insurance in English from the health insurance company
- ☐ Request AHV certificate in English
- ☐ Have rental agreement or proof of ownership ready
- ☐ Make an appointment with the local immigration police (if necessary)
- ☐ Appear in person at the immigration authorities
- ☐ Keep the registration certificate in a safe place (it will be required for further official procedures)