R.1 — Refugee residence permit

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

(i) άδεια διαμονής πρόσφυγα (άδεια διαμονής τύπου «Ρ.1»),

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.

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

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.

If you have been granted refugee status by the Hellenic Republic you can obtain a residence permit, which will be valid for three (3) years. In order to renew your residence permit, you must apply by e-mail no later than thirty (30) calendar days before its expiry date

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

If your application is rejected, or if you are granted subsidiary protection status and you consider that you are entitled to refugee status, you have the right to appeal before the Appeals Authority (second instance).