Greece is set to embark on a new digital journey with the launch of the Personal Identification Number (P.A.). This single identification number aims to streamline transactions between citizens and the public sector, eventually extending to the private sector as well. Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, announced that the MyInfo platform for registering the P.A. will be available starting Tuesday, June 3, 2025, heralding a significant transformation in how citizens interact with the government.
What is the Personal Number and its significance?
The Personal Number is a unique identifier for each citizen, intended to replace the various identification numbers currently in use, such as the Tax Identification Number (TIN), Social Security Number (SSN), and ID number. This initiative aims to simplify administrative processes and reduce bureaucracy, enabling citizens to recall just one number for all transactions.
How will the Personal Number operate?
The Personal Number will be generated through the new myInfo application on gov.gr. Citizens will have the opportunity to customize their number by choosing two out of three alphanumeric elements preceding their VAT number, with the third element automatically generated by the system as a check digit.
The structure of the Personal Number will consist of 12 digits:
– 3 alphanumeric characters (2 selected by the citizen)
– The citizen’s VAT number
– 1 system-generated check digit
What changes will citizens experience?
The primary change is the simplification of administrative tasks. Citizens will only have to remember their Personal Number, which will serve as a “digital key” for accessing all government services, and, in the future, private services as well.
The Ministry of Digital Governance emphasizes that the Personal Number will be permanent, unique, and unchangeable throughout a citizen’s life, regardless of changes in identity or residence.
Conditions and issuance process
To obtain a Personal Number via the myInfo application, citizens will need Taxisnet codes and a registered mobile phone number in the National Communication Register (NCR) to ensure secure access to the application and protect personal data.
The issuance process includes:
– Login to myInfo:
Citizens log in with their Taxisnet codes.
– Dual identification for secure access: This will include OTP verification to protect personal data.
– Review of data in government registers: Citizens can view their data as listed in state records.
– Data confirmation or correction: Citizens can confirm the accuracy of their information or request corrections for any inaccuracies.
Uses of the Personal Identification Number
The Personal Number will appear on the new ID cards (on the reverse side) and on the digital identity in the gov.gr wallet, serving as the unique identifier in the digital realm. Initially, it will facilitate transactions with public services, with plans for its use in private sector transactions, such as with banks and insurance companies.
What will happen to existing ID cards?
The old “blue” ID cards will be phased out as per European directives (set to expire in August 2026, unless otherwise extended). Issuing a new ID card will be mandatory and will coincide with receiving a Personal Identification Number. Those already with new ID cards do not need to get an additional one since the P.A. will be included primarily for record-keeping and easy retrieval of the number.
However, if citizens with a new ID card wish to obtain one with the Personal Number embedded, they can apply for a replacement following the standard procedure.
To date, over 1.7 million new ID cards have been issued. Citizens can obtain a new ID card from any of the 371 service centers across Greece, regardless of their residence.
What if a citizen prefers not to have an ID card with a P.A.?
As stipulated in the relevant provisions, “the personal number (P.A.) is indicated on the ID card of Greek citizens and stored in the integrated electronic medium of the ID card to facilitate government services and transactions between the state and citizens.”
From the delivery of the EIS and for 30 days thereafter, if the applicant has an ID card, it will be included; if not, the card can be issued without it, remaining valid. After this period, having an ID card becomes mandatory for issuance, regardless of personal preference.
Handling issues during the process
The introduction of the Personal Number aims to rectify many issues prevalent in official records. It’s anticipated that over 2 million citizens may see at least one correction to their data, overcoming instances of individuals having multiple entries in the same register.
Through the myInfo application, citizens can verify their personal information and request corrections for inaccuracies in registers.
Impact on AMKA and VAT numbers
The Personal Number does not abolish the AMKA and TIN directly. Initially, it will complement current registers and transactions without invalidating them. However, it is anticipated that it will eventually replace the need for these other identifiers.
Special Cases
Specific procedures exist for various groups of citizens regarding the Personal Number issuance:
Children: Issuance must be done through a parent/guardian (myInfo or KEP).
Citizens without Taxisnet or a mobile phone: Issuance must occur via in-person visits to a KEP or Consular Authority.
Judicial representatives: Presence and verification through court order are required.
Data Security
The Personal Number is built with high digital security standards, linked to Taxisnet and employing dual-factor (OTP) authentication. Furthermore, it does not contain sensitive personal data, minimizing the risk of data breaches.
Expansion to the Private Sector
While its primary application will be in the public sector initially, plans are in place to extend the Personal Number to engagements with private sector entities like banks and insurance companies, thereby simplifying processes and minimizing the cognitive load of multiple identification numbers.
What to do if there are errors in your details?
If citizens discover discrepancies during the Personal Identification Number issuance, they can request corrections via the myInfo platform or reach out to relevant services (e.g., municipality, AADE, EDIKA).
For more information regarding the Personal Number, citizens can consult the website of the Ministry of Digital Governance and connect with Citizen Service Centers (KEP) for further assistance and guidance.
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