Frequent questions

No. The asylum procedure and the services of UNHCR and its partners are free. If someone asks you for money for an appointment or a document, it is fraud: report it to the police or UNHCR.

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum applies: screening on arrival (up to 7 days at the border), fingerprints from age 6, a 12-week border procedure for some people, and a new regulation that replaces Dublin III. See the guide Applying for asylum.

Book an appointment on the Ministry’s official platform (also in Farsi). Registration takes place at the Malakasa (Attica) or Diavata (Thessaloniki) centre. Asylum Service call centre: 210 698 8500; information in 10 languages: 210 698 8660.

Renew it before it expires. Without a valid card you cannot work legally and you may have problems with health care.

Appeal within the deadline written on the decision (regular procedure: 30 days; 20 days in detention). Ask for free legal aid before you submit the appeal.

Yes. With your PAAYPA (asylum seekers) or AMKA (refugees), public care is free. Without a number, contact a medical NGO (Doctors of the World, PRAKSIS, Red Cross).

Call 10306 (24/7, free, anonymous) or Babel (210 861 6280, also in Farsi). If you have suicidal thoughts: 1018 or 112.

Call the EKKA social emergency line on 197 (24/7). If you are under 18 and alone, call 15107.

Call 15900 (24/7) or 100. There are free counselling centres and shelters for women and their children.

Yes, school is compulsory and free for all children. Go to the nearest school with the vaccination booklet, your card and proof of address.

Asylum seeker: with a valid card, after the waiting period set by law (before June 2026: 60 days after full registration; EU maximum: 6 months). Refugee: right away, with a valid residence permit.

Since 1 April 2026: €920 gross per month full time. You have the same labour rights as Greek workers.

For protected people: minimum guaranteed income (up to €900 per family), HELIOS+ for rent. For asylum seekers in camps, NGOs reported in 2026 that the allowance was no longer paid regularly: ask about the current situation.

Family links can decide which country examines your claim. Say it at registration, with proof, and get help from Refugee Legal Support or another legal organisation.

Apply within 3 months of the decision for simpler conditions. Book through the Ministry e-services. Subsidiary protection does not allow family reunification according to UNHCR.

You can travel with a travel document, but you cannot settle or work in another country without that country’s permission. Leaving without permission can make you lose rights.

Register the birth at the municipality’s registry office within 10 days, with the hospital’s declaration and your cards. After 10 days a fine applies.

Our volunteers can explain the steps in Dari, Farsi and English, and guide you to the right organisation. For legal advice on your case, we refer you to a lawyer or a legal NGO.

Become a volunteer, suggest an activity or support our work. See the Volunteers & NGOs page.