Housing and daily life in Greece

In short

Asylum seeker: the state offers a place in a reception facility, without rent (you cannot choose the place).
After a positive decision you must leave the centre within 30 days: prepare as early as possible.
The HELIOS+ integration programme helps with rent: register within 24 months of your decision.

During the asylum procedure

You have the right to a place in a state reception facility. You do not have to live there if you have another solution.
Cash support: organisations reported in February 2026 that the allowance for asylum seekers in camps had not been paid regularly since 2024. Ask the camp management or an NGO about the current situation.

Register with HELIOS+
EU-funded integration programme: rent support (about €230 a month for one person, up to €800 for a large family, for up to 12 months), job support and classes. Conditions: be unemployed when you register and register within 24 months of the decision.
Apply for social benefits
At your municipality’s Community Centre or Migrant Integration Centre (KEM): minimum guaranteed income (up to €200 for the head of family + €100 per adult + €50 per child, maximum €900). Housing and child allowances require 5 years of legal residence.
“Kalypsi” programme
For people aged 25–39 receiving the minimum income: free housing for 3 years in some municipalities.

Are you homeless?

Call the EKKA social emergency line on 197 (24/7, free).
Child alone without shelter: call 15107.
Athens has public shelters, often full: also contact your municipality’s KEM and NGOs.

Bank: card or permit, proof of address, AFM, phone in your name, sometimes an employer’s attestation. Banks may ask for more.
Phone: the SIM card must be registered with your ID.
Transport: Athens metro, bus and tram with the ATH.ENA card; times and tickets on the OASA website.
Food: UNHCR publishes leaflets on food distribution and shelters in Athens (also in Farsi).
Taxes: if you work, file your yearly declaration online at aade.gr (in spring).