Refugee and Subsidiary Protection

Eligibility Quiz

Are you currently outside your country of origin or habitual residence?

Overview

Refugee and Subsidiary Protection are the two primary forms of international protection offered by Greece to individuals fleeing danger in their home countries. While both statuses allow you to live and work legally in Greece, they are based on different legal grounds and offer different levels of long-term benefits.

This pathway is governed by Law 4939/2022, known as the "Code of Legislation on the Reception, International Protection of Third-Country Nationals and Stateless Persons." It is important to note that the Greek asylum system is currently undergoing significant changes. As of June 2026, new European Union regulations (Regulation EU 2024/1348) will further standardize how Greece processes these applications, particularly at border points.

Rights as a Beneficiary of International Protection

Once you are granted status, you will receive an Adeia Diamonis Eniaiou Typou (ADET), which is your residence permit. Your specific rights depend on which status you receive:

Right to Stay: Refugees receive a permit valid for 3 years. Those under Subsidiary Protection receive a permit valid for 1 year (renewable for 2-year increments).
Right to Work: Both statuses grant you full access to the Greek labor market. You have the right to work as an employee or start a business under the same conditions as Greek citizens.
Travel Rights: Refugees can apply for a "Blue" Travel Document (Geneva Convention). Those under Subsidiary Protection may apply for an "Alien’s Passport" only if they can prove they are unable to obtain a passport from their national embassy.
Family Reunification: This is a major difference. Refugees have the right to bring immediate family members to Greece, provided they apply within 3 months of receiving status. Beneficiaries of Subsidiary Protection are generally excluded from family reunification rights under current Greek law.
Access to Services: You gain access to the Greek national healthcare system (ESY), public education, and social security benefits.
Path to Citizenship: Both refugees and those with subsidiary protection can apply for Greek naturalization (citizenship) after 7 years of continuous legal residence.
Freedom of Movement: You have the right to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, though you do not have the right to move your permanent residence to another EU country without a separate visa.

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Refugee and Subsidiary Protection

Eligibility Quiz

Are you currently outside your country of origin or habitual residence?

Overview

Rights as a Beneficiary of International Protection

Once you are granted status, you will receive an Adeia Diamonis Eniaiou Typou (ADET), which is your residence permit. Your specific rights depend on which status you receive:

Right to Stay: Refugees receive a permit valid for 3 years. Those under Subsidiary Protection receive a permit valid for 1 year (renewable for 2-year increments).
Right to Work: Both statuses grant you full access to the Greek labor market. You have the right to work as an employee or start a business under the same conditions as Greek citizens.
Travel Rights: Refugees can apply for a "Blue" Travel Document (Geneva Convention). Those under Subsidiary Protection may apply for an "Alien’s Passport" only if they can prove they are unable to obtain a passport from their national embassy.
Family Reunification: This is a major difference. Refugees have the right to bring immediate family members to Greece, provided they apply within 3 months of receiving status. Beneficiaries of Subsidiary Protection are generally excluded from family reunification rights under current Greek law.
Access to Services: You gain access to the Greek national healthcare system (ESY), public education, and social security benefits.
Path to Citizenship: Both refugees and those with subsidiary protection can apply for Greek naturalization (citizenship) after 7 years of continuous legal residence.
Freedom of Movement: You have the right to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, though you do not have the right to move your permanent residence to another EU country without a separate visa.