MP Özgür Ferhat raises “No ID, no AFM – No AFM, no ID” bureaucratic deadlock in Parliament
At the heart of the issue is the rigid procedure for obtaining a tax identification number (AFM). Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) requires applicants to present a valid ID card or passport to receive an AFM, refusing alternative documents such as birth certificates, family status certificates, or expired official IDs.
However, in order to apply for a new ID card, citizens must first possess an AFM and Taxisnet codes. This creates a vicious circle for citizens—particularly children living abroad—who have no valid identification.
Parliamentary Questions to the Finance Ministry
In his parliamentary question to the Minister of Finance, Ferhat asked:
- Will the government consider allowing citizens without valid IDs to obtain an AFM using alternative official documents?
- What urgent measures will AADE take to resolve this bureaucratic deadlock, especially for children affected by it?
Ferhat emphasized that the state has an obligation to ensure equal administrative access for all citizens, regardless of where they live. He argued that solving this problem is not merely a technical adjustment but a matter of justice, equality, and citizenship rights.
Thousands of Greeks abroad are awaiting clarity on how the government plans to address the issue in the coming days.
