Asylum in Greece offers individuals fleeing persecution, war, or human rights violations the opportunity to find safety. Greece is part of the EU and follows both European and national asylum laws to protect and grant residence to eligible applicants. Individuals seeking international protection due to threats based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a specific social group, or those fleeing war, torture, or inhumane treatment, can apply for asylum in Greece. According to Greek law, once you cross into Greece via land or sea, you must express your intent to apply for international protection as soon as possible.
This article provides a detailed overview of the application process, eligibility requirements, and the steps involved, helping individuals understand the procedures and rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Greece.
Conditions and Eligibility for Asylum
Anyone facing threats due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a specific social group may apply for asylum in Greece. Applicants must demonstrate that returning to their home country poses serious risks. Special consideration is given to minors, unaccompanied children, survivors of torture, and victims of trafficking. Eligibility depends on meeting these criteria and providing relevant supporting documentation.
Relevant Immigration Departments
In Greece, the Ministry of Asylum and Migration oversees asylum applications. The Asylum Service manages application intake and processing, while the Reception and Identification Service handles initial registration. Applicants can also seek assistance from UNHCR Greece, refugee.info, and various local NGOs, which provide legal aid, translation, and advocacy.
Whether you plan to stay in Greece or wish to reunite with family members in other EU countries through Family Reunification, you must register your application with the Greek Asylum Service. Under European legislation, the country through which you enter the EU is responsible for processing your international protection application. This means that, generally, if you apply for asylum in Greece, you cannot reapply in another EU Member State, as their authorities may return you to Greece.
If you don’t apply for asylum or possess any other legal document in Greece, you are considered illegally residing in the country and may face detention or deportation. However, if detained, you still have the right to apply for asylum. If released before applying, you will receive a police note with a deadline to leave Greece voluntarily. This note may also indicate the area where you are allowed to reside. Once released, you still have the right to apply for asylum.
How to Apply for Asylum
Step 1: Enter Greece and Initial Registration
Upon arrival in Greece, you must present yourself at one of the designated Reception and Identification Centers (RICs), typically located near border entry points or major cities. These centers verify your identity, register your intent to seek asylum, and provide temporary accommodation in a migrant reception camp. At this stage, officials gather basic information about you, including identity documents, fingerprints, and photographs. This registration allows you to stay temporarily in Greece while your application is processed. Asylum seekers are entitled to basic living conditions, including shelter, food, healthcare, and education.
Arriving on the Islands
If you arrive at Greece’s sea borders, there are Closed Controlled Access Centers (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Leros, and Kos) where you can apply for international protection. During the registration appointment, you will undergo reception and identification procedures, including a nationality check, medical test, and fingerprinting. Although the restriction of liberty within these centers should not exceed 25 days by law, all newcomers are subject to this restriction until registration is completed. During this time, you will not be allowed to leave the center.
Arriving on the Mainland
If you arrive via the mainland, the police may transfer you to the Reception and Identification Centre in Filakio (Evros region) to proceed with lodging your asylum application and completing reception and identification procedures. Newly arrived individuals who have not registered their applications for asylum can book an appointment via an application form provided by the Ministry of Asylum and Migration. This online form requires an email address to log in, submit personal details, and schedule an appointment for registration. You will be required to stay in the facility until the registration is completed, for a maximum of 25 days. You can reschedule your registration appointment up to two times. Make sure to keep any documents that prove you could not attend your appointment (e.g., medical certificates) and share them with the Greek authorities as soon as possible.
Step 2: Filing the Asylum Application
After initial registration, you must file an official asylum application at one of Greece’s asylum offices. You will be scheduled for an appointment with the Greek Asylum Service to complete your application. You will need to submit identification documents for yourself and any family members applying with you. If you have minor children, Greece may offer special assistance, as minors receive added protections. After submitting your application, you will be issued a six-month temporary residence document as proof of your pending asylum request.
Your asylum application will undergo the border procedure, an accelerated process applied on the islands. A geographical restriction will typically require you to remain on the island where you arrived. If no decision is made within 28 days, you should be allowed to enter the mainland for the application to be processed under the Regular Procedure. In practice, however, the Asylum Service may refer you to the Regular Procedure after 28 days without notifying you, and the geographical restriction may remain in place for a longer period until lifted by the Reception and Identification Service (RIS).
Unaccompanied minors under 15 and those who are victims of trafficking, torture, rape, or severe psychological or physical violence are exempt from the border procedure. However, if certain conditions apply (e.g., if their country of origin is designated as safe), their application may still undergo the border procedure. Vulnerable persons who cannot receive adequate support on the islands may also be exempted and referred to the regular procedure.
Advice for Asylum Applicants
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure you have all relevant documents, such as identification, proof of persecution, and any medical or legal records.
- Seek Legal Aid: Local NGOs and UNHCR offer legal assistance, which can help you understand the process and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
- Understand Your Rights: Asylum seekers in Greece are entitled to shelter, medical services, and legal protection. Knowing your rights will help you access necessary support.
- Stay Informed of Updates: Greek asylum procedures may change based on national or EU policy adjustments. Stay updated by checking official sources.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the asylum process in Greece, helping applicants navigate the complex system and secure their rights during the application process.
Step 3: Temporary Residence
Once your asylum application is registered, you are eligible for a temporary residence permit, which allows you to live, work, and access essential services in Greece. This permit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed. As an asylum seeker, you will have similar rights to Greek citizens, including access to healthcare, education, and social services. However, until your permanent status is confirmed, your ability to travel outside Greece or reunite with family members in other EU countries may be restricted.
After registration, you will receive an invitation with your interview date and asylum card. Please refer to the registration procedure in the Reception and Identification Centers (RIC) article for more details on what to expect during registration.
Asylum Card
The International Protection Applicant's Card issued after registering your asylum application is a smart card containing your case number, validity period, unique ID (UID), and PAAYPA number required for health insurance. You will also be informed about obtaining a Tax Identification Number (AFM). If your close family member legally resides in another European country, you may apply for family reunification. When contacting the Asylum Service, always reference your case number in the subject line of emails or documents. This number is necessary for all communications regarding your asylum process.
Social Insurance (PAAYPA to AMKA)
Your PAAYPA number will be provided on your asylum card. If granted refugee or subsidiary protection status, you must apply to the competent AMKA service (e-EFKA office or KEP) within one month of receiving your residence permit to change your Temporary Insurance and Health Care Number (PAAYPA) to AMKA.
File Separation
Applicants can file asylum applications for family members. Adult family members must provide written consent. However, you have the right to submit individual asylum applications. This applies to both adults and minors aged 15 and above, who can apply independently.
If you wish to separate your application from a family member (e.g., spouse, parent, or child), you can request to split the file due to reasons such as divorce, legal separation, or privacy concerns.
Age Assessment
If there is uncertainty about your age, the Asylum Service may refer you to age assessment procedures. This may include a medical examination by a general practitioner or pediatrician, psychological assessments, and X-rays if necessary. You will be informed about the procedures in a language you understand, and the results will be shared with you. If you disagree with the results, you can appeal within 15 days. It is recommended to consult a lawyer in such cases.
If your interview occurs before the age assessment is completed, inform the Asylum Service that the assessment is pending. The interview may proceed or be postponed based on this information.
Work Permit
After two months of registering your asylum application, you will be eligible to work and will need a tax number (AFM). You will be informed about the issuance of your AFM number after registration.
Step 4: Attend an Asylum Interview
After your asylum application is registered, you will receive an interview date with the Asylum Service. This may be an "admissibility interview" to determine if Greece will process your asylum claim or if you will be returned to Turkey.
During your interview, you must explain why you cannot return to your country of origin due to persecution or threats. Bring any supporting documents, such as medical reports or police certificates. Each adult family member must attend their own interview, and minors may have separate interviews.
If your asylum claim is accepted for review in Greece, your "eligibility interview" will follow.
What Happens If Your Case Is Closed?
The Asylum Service may close your case and discontinue its examination under the following circumstances:
- Refusing to provide required information.
- Missing your interview.
- Escaping from detention.
- Not complying with police-imposed obligations in place of detention.
- Leaving the camp without informing authorities.
- Departing the country without permission from the Asylum Service.
- Failing to notify the Asylum Service of any changes in contact information.
- Refusing to provide requested documents.
- Not renewing your applicant card on time.
- Failing to cooperate with authorities.
- Not complying with a transfer decision.
If your case is closed, you can request to continue the examination of your case within nine months. After this period, you may submit a new application, which will be considered a subsequent application.
Step 5: Decision on Asylum Application
After your interview, the Asylum Service will review all evidence, including your testimony and any supporting documents. They will assess your case in accordance with international law and Greece’s obligations under the Geneva Convention and the Dublin Regulation. If granted asylum or subsidiary protection, you will receive a one-year residence permit, which is renewable as long as your circumstances remain unchanged.
The Greek Asylum Service should contact you once a decision has been made regarding your asylum application. Ensure they have your up-to-date contact information. If you provided your email address during the interview for notification of the decision, check it regularly, including the spam folder. The decision may also be communicated to your authorized lawyer or to the Head of the Reception and Identification Centre if you are residing there.
You will be notified of the decision on your asylum application in one of the following ways:
- In-person at the Asylum Service.
- By post to your residence or work address, or to your lawyer or authorized advisor.
- To the email address provided to the First Reception Service or the Asylum Service, or to the email address given by your lawyer or authorized advisor. Ensure you check your email regularly, including the spam folder.
- Through an application managed by the Asylum Service, accessible via an online account.
The date you are notified of the decision is very important. In case of rejection, the deadline to appeal begins the day after the notification. If the notification is sent electronically, the appeal deadline starts 48 hours after the message is sent. If the decision is sent to the Head of the Reception and Identification Centre, a notice of receipt will be posted in visible areas of the premises, and the appeal deadline will begin three days after the notice of receipt is posted.
If you fail to submit an appeal within the deadline, your appeal will be rejected unless you can prove that the delay was caused by unforeseeable circumstances. If your appeal is rejected, you have the right to submit a new application, which will be considered a subsequent application.
What Happens If Your Case Is Rejected?
Appeal the Decision
If you receive a negative decision on your asylum application, you have the right to appeal within a specific time frame, as outlined in your decision. You must do this process with legal support. If you do not have legal support, you can request free legal aid, which the Greek state is required to provide through the Registry of Lawyers at the Asylum Service. You can request legal aid by completing this form online.
On mainland Greece, the deadline to appeal is typically 30 days from the date the Asylum Service notifies you of its decision if your file is processed through the normal procedure. If your file is processed through the fast-track procedure, the deadline is 20 days from the notification.
If you are on a Greek island, the deadline to appeal is usually 10 days after receiving a negative answer following an admissibility interview or an eligibility interview. The time frame may vary, so it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after receiving a negative decision. If you file an appeal, you will receive back your asylum seeker's card and a document specifying the date of your appeal examination before the Appeals Authority in Athens. Please note that filing an appeal does not always have a suspensive effect, meaning you may need to submit a separate request to remain in Greece while awaiting the second-instance decision.
Negative Decision on Your Appeal
If your appeal is rejected, you will be required to pay for a legal representative to appeal again within 30 days before the competent Administrative Court of First Instance.
You can submit a subsequent application for asylum under the following circumstances:
- If you have received a second-instance decision rejecting your appeal and do not wish to take your case to court.
- If you missed the deadline for submitting an annulment application to the court.
- If your annulment application was rejected.
- If the Asylum Service closed your file (for instance, due to failure to renew your asylum card or attend your asylum interview).
Important: Your subsequent application will only be accepted if you provide new and substantial evidence that has emerged after the examination of your initial application, or if there were elements that existed before but could not be invoked during the initial assessment.
Step 6: Pursue Permanent Residency
Once you receive the decision granting international protection, you will also receive the decision to issue a Residence Permit (ADET). In most cases, both decisions are made on the same day. If the asylum office publishes your decision on an island and you have relocated to the mainland, you will need to contact the nearest asylum office to request that the decision be transferred. It may take several months (up to 3 months or more) to receive your Residence Permit (ADET) card.
This status provides greater stability and rights, including the freedom of movement across the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but does not grant full citizenship.
Travel Documents
You can apply for travel documents as soon as you receive a positive decision on your asylum case, indicating that you have been granted refugee status. If you have been granted subsidiary protection, you may apply for travel documents, but not in all cases, depending on your nationality and whether it is possible for you to obtain a national passport.
To apply for a Travel Document (TDV or passport), you must make an appointment at the police station or a passport police station. Usually, you can apply for both ADET and TDV at the same time. You can choose to collect your travel document from the regional asylum office in Athens or the one in Thessaloniki. Travel documents are uploaded every Friday, and you can use your asylum case number to check if your documents are ready. If you miss the appointment, you can contact the asylum service for a new appointment.
Fingerprints
To apply for the issuance of a residence permit (ADET) and travel document (TDV), you must make an appointment at the police station for fingerprints and submit the necessary documents, including a valid international protection applicant’s card.
Apply for Your Family Members
As a recognized refugee, you have the right to bring your family from your country of origin. However, if you are a beneficiary of subsidiary protection (partial asylum), you cannot request family reunification in Greece.
Step 7: Apply for Greek Citizenship
Once you have legally resided in Greece for seven years and meet specific eligibility criteria, you can apply for Greek citizenship. These criteria generally include proficiency in the Greek language, knowledge of Greek history and culture, stable income, and good conduct. You will need to submit documentation, including proof of residency, employment records, and any educational or language certifications. If approved, you will be granted full citizenship rights, including the right to vote, work, and travel freely within the EU.
Residence Permit for Exceptional Reasons
A residence permit for exceptional reasons (Άδεια Διαμονής για εξαιρετικούς λόγους) can be granted to individuals residing in Greece without legal documents, provided they can prove residence in Greece for 7 consecutive years before applying with documents from a specific date. The residence permit is granted by a decision of the Secretary of the Decentralized Administration. It provides access to the labor market and is valid for 3 years, issued only once.
Important Note: According to the latest migration law, the period during which an individual has submitted an asylum application and is waiting for a decision is excluded from the 7-year residence requirement.
New Type of Residence Permit for Work
A residence permit for work may be granted to persons residing in Greece without a valid residence permit as of November 30, 2023, provided they can prove 3 consecutive years of residence and have a job offer from a Greek employer.
10-Year Residence Permit for Unaccompanied Minors
The Ministry of Asylum and Migration has introduced a 10-year residence permit for individuals who entered Greece as unaccompanied minors.
Deportation or Readmission
In the case of a second negative decision, you may be given a period to voluntarily return to your country of origin, or be detained for removal by Greek authorities (more commonly on the islands). After the deadline for voluntary return has passed, if you are checked by the police, you may be detained and deported.
Conclusion
Applying for asylum in Greece is a multi-step process requiring preparation, patience, and an understanding of your rights and responsibilities. Greece offers pathways to a new life, including eventual citizenship, for those seeking protection from persecution. By following the steps outlined in this guide, asylum seekers can better navigate the process and work toward securing safety and stability.
For dedicated support, please reach out to the Signpost instance called Refugee.info.
Further information regarding registration and applications is also available on the official website of the Greek government.
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For more information
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