Applying for asylum in Greece (2026 rules)

What changed in 2026

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum has applied since 12 June 2026. The Greek Parliament passed the law that implements it on 9 June 2026. These are the main changes set by the EU rules:

• “Screening”: on arrival, identity, health, vulnerability and security checks. It lasts up to 7 days at the border (3 days if you are already inside the country).
• Eurodac: fingerprints and a face photo are taken from the age of 6 (before: 14).
• Border procedure: for some people (for example nationalities with low recognition rates), the claim is examined at the border within 12 weeks at most, with restrictions on freedom of movement.
• Regular procedure: other claims follow the regular procedure (in principle 6 months for a first decision).
• The Dublin III Regulation is replaced by a new EU regulation. Family links in another EU country still matter: report them immediately.

The steps of your claim

1. Registration appointment

   If you are already on the mainland (for example in Athens), book an appointment on the official Ministry platform (in several languages, including Farsi). Registration takes place at the Reception and Identification Centre in Malakasa (Attica) or Diavata (Thessaloniki).

2. Screening and full registration

   Your fingerprints, photo and details are taken. Give correct information and bring all your documents. Say if you are under 18, pregnant, ill, disabled, or a survivor of violence, torture or trafficking.

3. Your applicant card

   After full registration you receive the international protection applicant card (often valid for 1 year, to be renewed). It also shows your PAAYPA number for health care. Adults receive a tax number (AFM).

4. The interview

   This is the most important moment. Explain in your own words, in order, why you cannot go back. Ask for an interpreter in your language (Dari, Farsi, Pashto…). The interview is confidential and recorded.

5. The decision

   You can receive refugee status, subsidiary protection, or a refusal. Read the decision with a support organisation: it states the deadline to appeal.

Your rights during the procedure

• Stay legally in Greece until the final decision, and not be sent back against your will during that time.
• Receive information in a language you understand, with an interpreter.
• Free public health care with your PAAYPA number, and school for children.
• A place in a state reception facility (you cannot choose the place).
• Work after a waiting period set by law. Before June 2026 it was 60 days after full registration; EU rules set a maximum of 6 months. Check the current rule with the Asylum Service or an organisation.

Your duties

• Cooperate with the authorities and attend your appointments.
• Tell the Asylum Service every time your address, email or phone number changes.
• Do not leave Greece for another country during the procedure.

If your claim is refused

1. Appeal to the Appeals Authority

   The deadline is written on the decision. In the regular procedure it was 30 days (20 days if you are detained). Do not miss this deadline.

2. Free legal aid

   For the appeal, state legal aid exists: you must request it before submitting the appeal. The organisations below can also help.

3. After a refusal on appeal

   An application for annulment to the administrative court is possible within 30 days, but it does not automatically stop removal. Talk to a lawyer immediately.

Who can help you for free

• Ministry — official phone list (Asylum Service: 210 698 8500; information in 10 languages: 210 698 8660) migration.gov.gr
• Greek Council for Refugees (GCR) — helpline, also in Dari and Pashto gcr.gr
• Equal Rights Beyond Borders — free legal aid equal-rights.org
• HIAS Greece — legal assistance hias.org
• UNHCR Help Greece — official information help.unhcr.org

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