ASY — Application for international protection

The Greek authorities grant two forms of international protection: refugee status and subsidiary protection status.

Every third country citizen or stateless person who is at the official country entry points or within the Greek territory has the right to apply for international protection (asylum).

Refugee status is granted to any person who has been forced to leave his or her country of origin or, in the case of a stateless person, his or her country of former habitual residence, and who cannot or does not wish to return to it for fear of persecution on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

Subsidiary protection status is granted to any person who does not meet the above criteria for refugee status, but there are substantial grounds to believe that he or she runs a serious risk of suffering serious harm in his or her country of origin or former habitual residence, in particular because he or she would be in danger of facing the death penalty or execution, or of being subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment, or because his or her life or physical integrity would be threatened as a result of an international or internal armed conflict.

Third-country citizens or stateless persons who are transferred to Greece from a state that applies Regulation 604/2013 of the European Union (Dublin III) are also considered as applicants for international protection.

The application for international protection shall be lodged in person, by electronic registration.

You may lodge your initial application before the competent authorities, which are the Reception and Identification Centres on the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Leros and Kos, as well as in Evros (Fylakio) for those entering from these points. If you do not lodge your application at the above points, you can alternatively apply at the Reception and Identification Centres in Malakasa and Diavata  exclusively by e-appointment.

The competent authorities for receiving a subsequent application are the Regional Asylum Offices or the Asylum Units , only by appointment through the following online platform

The competent authorities for submitting applications for unaccompanied minors are the Regional Asylum Offices and the Asylum Units.

If you have entered Greece without the legal formalities, you will be transferred to a Reception and Identification Centre , and if you do not have a document from a public authority proving your citizenship and identity, you will go through reception and identification procedures. You will be required to remain on the premises of the Reception and Identification Centre for the duration of the processing of your application, provided that this period does not exceed twenty-five (25) days. In total, the processing of your application may take from twenty (20) days to six (6) months, depending on your case.

The full registration of your application includes your identity details, your country of origin, the name of your father, mother, spouse and children, your e-mail address if available, biometric identification, a full statement of the reasons why you are seeking international protection, your address of residence or stay, the language in which you wish your application to be examined and, if you wish, the appointment of an authorized representative.

You can also apply for your family members if they are with you in Greece and wish to do so.

The Asylum Service will set an interview date and you will receive an International Protection Applicant Card which can be valid for up to one (1) year . You must always carry this card on you. Along with the card, which has the format of a credit card, you will be issued a tax number (Tax Identification Number, AFM) and a Provisional Insurance and Health Care Number (PAAYPA). You may work sixty (60) days after the date of issue of the card.

Access to the asylum procedure is open and free of charge.

You may lodge your initial application before the competent authorities, which are the Reception and Identification Centres on the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Leros and Kos, as well as in Evros (Fylakio) for those entering from these points. If you do not lodge your application at the above points, you can alternatively apply at the Reception and Identification Centres in Malakasa and Diavata  exclusively by e-appointment.

The competent authorities for receiving a subsequent application are the Regional Asylum Offices or the Asylum Units , only by appointment through the following online platform .

You may request to contact the UNHCR or an Organisation providing legal, medical, and psychological assistance.

Those who express a wish to return are referred for further information to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) ; the IOM shall handle your return procedures.