From your arrival to your new life

Your path in Greece

Choose your situation. You will see the steps in order, with the right numbers and detailed guides.

Information checked on October 11, 2026

Choose your situation

A young man meeting two support workers

I am on my own

Adult man or woman who arrived without family.

Useful numbers

  • 112 Emergency
  • 197 Social line (shelter, crisis)
  • 10306 Psychological support

  1. First days: stay safe

    Keep your documents and a photo of them on your phone. In danger, call 112. For a place to sleep tonight, call 197 (EKKA).

  2. Apply for asylum

    Book an appointment on the official platform. It is free. Say everything at registration: health, fears, family in Europe.

  3. Your numbers

    After full registration: applicant card, PAAYPA (health) and AFM (tax). Renew your card on time.

  4. Health and wellbeing

    Public care is free with your PAAYPA. If you sleep badly or feel alone, call 10306.

  5. Learn and work

    Start Greek right away. You can work after the waiting period set by law; register with DYPA and ask for help with your CV.

  6. The decision

    Positive: apply for your permit and AMKA, and register with HELIOS+. Negative: appeal within the deadline, with free legal aid.

Choose another situation

A family in an activity room

I am with my family

Parents with children, couples, extended families.

Useful numbers

  • 166 Ambulance
  • 1056 Children at risk (24/7)
  • 10306 Psychological support (press 3: families)

  1. One claim for the family

    You can apply for asylum for family members who are with you: come together to the Asylum Service. Children aged 6 and over also give fingerprints.

  2. Report special needs

    Pregnancy, illness, disability, single parent, elderly person: say it at registration; it can change your reception and procedure.

  3. School for the children

    School is compulsory and free. Go to the nearest school with the vaccination booklet, your card and proof of address.

  4. Your family’s health

    Vaccines in public centres and at Doctors of the World or the Red Cross. A birth must be registered within 10 days.

  5. Housing and support

    During the claim: a place in a reception centre. After protection: minimum guaranteed income (up to €900 for a family) and HELIOS+ for rent.

  6. Family far away

    Recognised refugee: 3 months to apply for family reunification with simple conditions. Family in another EU country: report it from the start.

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Women gathered for a workshop

I am a woman alone (with or without children)

Your safety comes first. These services are free and confidential.

Useful numbers

  • 15900 SOS violence against women (24/7)
  • 100 Police
  • 1109 Human trafficking (24/7)

  1. Your safety first

    Violence, threats or fear: call 15900 (24/7) or 100/112. There are 45 counselling centres and 20 shelters for women and their children.

  2. After sexual violence

    Go to hospital within 72 hours if possible to receive treatment. It is not your fault.

  3. Your asylum claim

    You can ask for a female interpreter and a female officer for the interview. Gender-based violence can be a reason for protection: talk to a lawyer about it.

  4. A women’s network

    Melissa Network (Victoria Square, Athens) brings together migrant and refugee women: mutual support, classes, help. Diotima Centre helps women facing violence (legal and psychological).

  5. Your children

    School is compulsory and free; ask for a nursery or pre-school place. Single parent: report it, it is a vulnerable situation.

  6. Independence

    Greek classes, training, job support and a bank account in your name make you more independent.

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Children and young people in a drawing workshop

I am under 18 and alone

Child or young person without a parent in Greece. You have special rights.

Useful numbers

  • 15107 Children alone — NERM
  • 1056 The Smile of the Child (24/7)
  • 116111 European child helpline

  1. Call 15107

    National line for children alone: emergency accommodation, registration, medical, legal and psychological help. In Dari and Farsi. Mon–Fri 08:00–22:00, Sat 11:00–19:00; WhatsApp/Viber +30 694 277 3030.

  2. Tell your real age

    Say you are under 18 from the first contact. You must be housed with children, not adults. Keep any document that shows your age.

  3. A guardian and a lawyer

    Greece has a national guardianship system for children alone. Ask who your representative is and ask for free legal aid (for example GCR).

  4. Your family in Europe

    If you have a parent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt or grandparent in an EU country, say it right away: it can decide where your claim is examined.

  5. School is your right

    You can go to school and learn Greek for free. SolidarityNow also offers classes for ages 6–17 in Athens.

  6. If someone hurts you

    Call 1056 (24/7, Farsi interpreters) or 116111. Nobody has the right to make you work, hit you or touch you.

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A group of adults at an information meeting

I have received protection

Refugee status or subsidiary protection: life after the decision.

Useful numbers

  1. The first 30 days

    Accommodation in a state centre ends quickly. Start right away: residence permit, AMKA, bank account.

  2. HELIOS+

    Register within 24 months: rent support for up to 12 months, classes and job support.

  3. Social benefits

    Minimum guaranteed income at your municipality’s Community Centre or KEM. Some benefits require 5 years of residence.

  4. Work

    Same rights as Greek nationals, including self-employment. Register with DYPA and get your diplomas recognised.

  5. Family reunification

    Recognised refugees: 3 months after the decision to apply with simpler conditions.

  6. Travelling in Europe

    With a travel document you can travel, but you cannot settle or work in another EU country without permission.

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Can’t find your situation?

Write to us or see the list of organisations that can help you.

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