The Youth Pass has received a strong response from eligible young people, with 147,130 individuals aged 18 and 19 having submitted applications so far. Of these, 64,872 are beneficiaries who had applied in 2024 and will automatically receive an additional €150. The application platform at vouchers.gov.gr will remain open until 15 May 2025, while a dedicated marketplace—featuring businesses offering extra discounts and benefits to Youth Pass holders—is expected to launch later this month.
“There are only a few days left, until 15 May, for young people aged 18 and 19 to apply for the Youth Pass. It’s a socially oriented initiative that boosts young people’s participation in social life, as well as in domestic tourism and cultural activity. 147,000 young people have already submitted their applications,” said Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou in a statement to the Athens–Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).
He added, “It’s a simple and quick process through vouchers.gov.gr, taking just a few minutes. All beneficiaries receive a digital prepaid card, which can be used to book ferry tickets, attend concerts or theatre performances, stay in accommodation, and generally for services related to tourism, culture, and transport. Additionally, the marketplace will go live in May, allowing beneficiaries to enjoy further discounts from participating businesses.”
The Youth Pass Platform – What it is and who is eligible
The programme’s digital prepaid card aims to encourage young people to engage with cultural and tourism activities, support domestic sectors, and familiarise them with electronic transactions. In other words, it can be used for purchases or services from businesses active in culture, tourism, and transport. Examples include airlines, hotels, accommodation providers, sea transport, ferry companies, e-books, films, music, camping, cinemas, museums, and theatres.
Eligible for the Youth Pass each year are individuals who are tax residents of Greece and who, by 31 December of the year prior to applying, have turned 18 or 19 but not yet 20. Beneficiaries receive €150 in digital prepaid form during the year they apply, and—provided they continue to meet the criteria—an additional €150 the following year. The programme’s 2025 budget stands at €30 million, funded through the regular state budget. Applicants must first be registered in the National Communication Registry (E.M.Ep.) at emep.gov.gr.
It is also noted that since the platform opened on 1 April, more than 26,000 eligible young people received a push notification in their Gov.gr Wallet inviting them to apply for the Youth Pass.
Establishment of the promotional business registry (marketplace)
The Ministry of Digital Governance, in collaboration with the Ministries of National Economy & Finance and the Interior, has decided to create a Promotional Business Registry (marketplace) to support youth engagement in social and cultural life. The registry is managed by the Information Society S.A., an agency under the Ministry of Digital Governance, and will include businesses offering additional special discounts and privileges to Youth Pass holders. When a Youth Pass holder engages with a registered business, they will receive the business’s special discount, providing greater overall financial support.
The marketplace is expected to launch towards the end of May, right after the application period closes. Several businesses have already expressed interest in joining.
Participating businesses must be active in the tourism, culture, or transport sectors. Their participation requires offering discounts to Youth Pass holders for as long as their digital cards remain active, regardless of whether the purchase is made using the card or by other means.
The aim of the initiative is to provide real incentives and benefits to young people, helping them make the most of the Youth Pass Programme by enjoying more experiences, travel, and cultural activities. At the same time, business participation strengthens their public profile and community presence, contributing meaningfully to supporting the younger generation.
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Source: Giannis Chatzidopavlakis – ANA-MPA
