In short
- Recognised refugee in Greece: you have 3 months after the decision to apply with simpler conditions.
- Subsidiary protection: family reunification in Greece is not possible according to UNHCR.
- Family in another EU country? Say it at registration of your asylum claim, with proof.
Bringing your family to Greece
Who can be included
- Your spouse over 18 (one spouse only).
- Your unmarried children under 18 (and your spouse’s children if you have custody).
- Unmarried adult children who cannot live alone because of their health.
- Your parents, if they lived with you and depended on you, with no other family support at home.
- A recognised unaccompanied child can apply for their parents (or a guardian/other family member if the parents cannot be found).
The steps
Book an appointment online
On the Ministry e-services (migration.gov.gr), choose “Asylum services” then “Schedule an appointment”.
Prepare the documents
Passport copies, a recent family status certificate, an exclusive custody document if needed. All certified by Greek authorities and translated.
Interview and decision
The Asylum Service invites you to an interview; your family may also be interviewed. The decision should come within 9 months.
Visa
After a positive decision, your family applies for a visa at the Greek consulate before travelling.
After the 3 months
If you apply later (and you are over 18), you must also prove suitable housing, enough income and health insurance for the family.
Joining family in another EU country
Since 12 June 2026, the Dublin III Regulation has been replaced by a new EU regulation on asylum and migration management. Family links remain an important criterion to decide which country examines your claim.
- Report your family in the EU at registration and bring proof (documents, photos, messages).
- For a child alone, having a parent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt or grandparent in an EU country matters a lot.
- These procedures are technical: get support from a specialised organisation.
- Refugee Legal Support (Athens) — family reunification specialist refugeelegalsupport.org
- Equal Rights Beyond Borders equal-rights.org
- Hellenic Red Cross — family tracing service redcross.gr
