Frequently Asked Questions
The Greek states protects any alien or stateless individual who is in fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, participation in a particular social group or his/her political beliefs, or because he/she is in danger of suffering serious harm in his/her country of origin or country of previous residence, especially because he/she is in danger of facing the death penalty or execution, torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or his/her life or physical integrity is in danger due to war.
You can apply for international protection upon entry in the country in Reception and Identification Centers of the islands (Kos, Leros, Lesvos, Samos, and Chios) and of Evros (Fylakio).
If you don't submit an application upon entry in the country, you can submit an application in Reception and Identification Centers in Malakasa and Diavata, after booking an appointment. In order to book an appointment please visit the electronic platform here
No. Access to international protection (asylum) procedure system is free of charge.
You may also submit applications for your family members, provided that they are in Greece with you and they wish to do so. They will also have to come along with you to the Asylum Service.
The case-handler will make a decision upon your claim after taking into account your statements during your personal interview, the evidence you have submitted in order to justify you case, information in relevance with your country of origin and all the elements included in your administrative file.
No. In all your administrative transactions, interpretation will be provided in your native language or in a language you understand.
You (or your authorized lawyer) would have to visit the Asylum Service offices in person. Information is not provided on the phone. We advise you to visit the Asylum Service offices before your international protection applicant ‘s card expires. During this visit you can also ask about the status of your application. The Asylum Service also offers eServices.
Yes. The fact that you entered Greece without lawful procedures will not influence the decision on your application. In this case you are obliged to submit to the Reception and Identification Center
Yes. Your authorized lawyer, doctor, social worker or therapist/counsellor can be present in your personal interview to assist you.
Yes. As an applicant of international protection you can have access to health care by applying for a Provisional Insurance and Healthcare Number (PAAYPA)
Upon registration of your international protection application, you will receive an Applicant's Card, that is valid from thirty (30) up to one (1) year depending on your case.
The Applicant's Cardallows you to stay in Greece until the examination of your application is complete. If your application is rejected your applicant's card is no longer valid.
Your original applicant's card serves as your personal identification in Greece and you should always have it with you.
A Subsequent Application is an international protection application that is re-submitted after a final rejection was decided by the Police or the Asylum Service or the Appeals authority or after the withdrawal of your previous international protection application.
You will have to submit your subsequent application to the Regional Asylum Office or Autonomous Asylum Unit that is located nearest to your place of residence. The Asylum Service will examine whether the evidence you submitted is new and substantial for your international protection application. You will be issued an applicant's card only if your subsequent application is accepted by the Asylum Service.
The subsequent application is submitted in Regional Asylum Service Offices or Asylum Units.
You can book an appointment in order to submit a subsequent application here
Yes. If you are granted refugee status (international protection) you may apply for travel documents (TDV). You may travel to countries of the European Union for up to ninety (90) days. These travel documents last for five (5) years and may be renewed if certain conditions are met.
Yes. The Asylum Service is obliged to protect the confidentiality of your personal information and not to disclose any information regarding your application to the authorities of your country of origin.
The Greek legislation for international protection (laws: 4686/2020, 4636/2019, 4825/2021, 4939/2022) is available in the Greek Asylum website (Legislation)..
With your applicant’s card you will be granted some temporary rights and benefits until a decision on your application is made. Individuals who are granted refugee status (international protection) in Greece have similar rights to Greek citizens.
In total, the examination of your application may last from twenty (20) days to six (6) months, depending on your personal case.
