Greece Introduces Digital Personal Number System

The news in Greek

1. εισάγω
   φέρνω ένα νέο σύστημα, προϊόν ή ιδέα σε χρήση ↩︎
2. αντικαθιστώ
   αντικαθιστώ κάτι παλιό με κάτι καινούριο ↩︎
3. απλοποιώ
   κάνω κάτι πιο απλό και εύκολο ↩︎
4. δήλωση  (f.)
   εκφώνηση με σκοπό την ενημέρωση ή δήλωση προθέσεων ↩︎
5. συναλλαγή  (f.)
   πράξεις ανταλλαγής προϊόντων ή υπηρεσιών ↩︎
6. τομέας  (m.)
   ένας ιδιαίτερος τομέας δραστηριότητας ή ενδιαφέροντος ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: When will people in Greece be able to apply for the new digital personal number?

Question 2: What will the new digital personal number system replace?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
εισάγω	introduce
αντικαθιστώ	replace
απλοποιώ	simplify
δήλωση  (f.)	declaration
συναλλαγή  (f.)	transaction
τομέας  (m.)	sector

Read the full story

Greece is on the brink of a significant digital transformation as it prepares to launch the Personal Identification Number (PIN) system. Beginning Tuesday, 3 June 2025, the platform MyInfo will begin accepting declarations for this unique identification number, which aims to streamline interactions between citizens and both the public and, eventually, private sectors.

This new system, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Governance led by Minister Dimitris Papastergiou, is designed to replace several existing identifiers such as the taxpayer identification number (AFM), the social security number (AMKA), and the national ID number. By consolidating these into a single identification, Greece intends to cut through the bureaucracy, allowing individuals to manage their affairs with one unified number.

The structure of the Personal Number is notable for its 12-digit format. It includes three alphanumeric components—two of these are chosen by the individual, with the third being a system-generated check digit—alongside the person’s current taxpayer number. This configuration is intended to ensure both security and individual participation in the PIN generation.

Citizens will access their Personal Number through the government platform gov.gr using MyInfo. However, to utilize this service, one must have Taxisnet login information and a registered mobile phone number in the National Communication Registry. Dual-factor authentication will be implemented to safeguard access and personal data.

The introduction of the Personal Number seeks to revolutionize governmental processes, acting as a digital key for all public services, and in time, private sectors such as banking and insurance. It will also be integrated into new identity cards and the digital identity wallet, marking it as the primary identifier in the digital realm.

Initially, the focus is on public sector transactions, but expansion plans include private transactions, simplifying processes and eliminating the need for various identification numbers. Existing identification documents are transitioning—older “blue” IDs will phase out by August 2026, per EU directives. Those with the new ID cards need not worry, as their current cards will merely have the Personal Number recorded for formal purposes.

For those yet to transfer to the new identification system, the process will involve updating their ID documents, requiring applications and appointments, sometimes involving fees. Currently, over 1.7 million new IDs have been issued in Greece, with 371 local offices accommodating these requests across the country. There are considerations to extend service hours, possibly including weekends, to manage demands.

As this initiative rolls out, data security is a priority. The system employs rigorous digital security measures, featuring Taxisnet verification and OTP codes for dual authentication. While sensitive personal data is deliberately left out of the Personal Number’s framework, this design choice aims to mitigate risks of data breaches.

Overall, the new Personal Identification Number not only symbolizes Greece stepping into a new era of digital governance but also promises to simplify citizen interactions with state and private entities alike, catering to both immediate public needs and future expansion into the private sector.

Info: “Greek Learner News” is a service from “Let’s Learn Greek”, providing updates and resources for individuals keen on deepening their understanding of the language. As a dedicated language school, we offer various online courses tailored to enhance your Greek proficiency. For more resources, visit our dedicated page on Greek learn.