If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
According to the EU Directive on temporary protection in Greece, the following persons are subject to temporary protection:
- citizens of Ukraine who lived in Ukraine until February 24, 2022;
- persons who have a residence permit as refugees or who have the status of additional protection in Ukraine;
- family members (ie spouse, roommate, children under 18, or eligible parent of a child under 18) of any of the above;
- persons of the above categories who have not been in Ukraine since November 26, 2021.
To be covered by the directive, individuals must have left the country on or after February 24, 2022. A person who needs protection, but does not meet these requirements, can apply for international protection (asylum).
Greece: admission information
What documents do I need for entry?
Persons who have a passport of a citizen of Ukraine with or without biometric features can enter Greece through all points of entry (land and air). However, Ukrainian passport holders without biometric features additionally need a transit visa. In both cases, the National Police will stamp your passport with the date of entry into the country.
Citizens of Ukraine who do not have travel documents can enter only from the passport control department in Promakhonas, on the Greek-Bulgarian border. Upon arrival, the staff of the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece will issue you a document.
If your children do not have travel documents, National Police officials will note the number of minors you are accompanying under the entry stamp in your passport. In this case, you will have to show a certificate of marital status or the birth certificate of your children. If you do not have any of these documents, you must complete and make an official declaration of the number of children you are accompanying, their first and last names, as well as their gender and date of birth.
How can I enter the country if I do not have a biometric passport?
Persons who have a passport of a citizen of Ukraine without biometric data can enter Greece through all entry points, in which case a transit visa is required.
How long can I stay here?
Individuals who meet the above criteria are entitled to stay in Greece for 90 days from the date of their entry into Greece. Once you apply and receive temporary protection status, you will have the right to stay in Greece for 1 (one) year and will have access to work and medical care. This status can be renewed twice for a period of six (6) months each time, for a total of twelve (12) months.
Travel restrictions related to COVID-19 have been lifted in Greece. Proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or negative test results is not required.
It is important to regularly check the health and safety protocols issued by the Greek authorities as they are frequently updated. More information here .
Please note that you have the right to start or finish your vaccinations free of charge at any vaccination center in Greece after obtaining a special temporary protection card that will be issued to you by the Asylum Service and will include your AMKA (Social Insurance Number).
Where should I register for temporary protection?
To apply for temporary protection, you need to use the pre-registration platform on the website of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, available at https://migration.gov.gr/en/ukraine/ . You can include up to 10 members in your application.
Once you have completed your application, you will be given an appointment for your registration. One meeting is scheduled for all members included in your application and will take place in one of the four Regional Asylum Offices (RAOs) located in the cities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Heraklion (Crete). Please email any questions you may have about your appointment to tp-support@migration.gov.gr .
In order to obtain a residence permit under temporary protection, the beneficiary is provided with free translation services from the support service.
The procedure for granting temporary protection is free from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. In addition, the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport announced that Ukrainian refugees traveling to/from RAO will be entitled to free KTEL bus tickets.
For more detailed information on the procedure you must go through to register for temporary protection, please contact the relevant authorities by phone +30 213 1629600 or by e-mail at ukraine@migration.gov.gr
How long do you have to wait for temporary protection status?
Within 90 days of your arrival, the Asylum Service will grant you temporary protection status.
What rights do I have while waiting for temporary protection?
Health care. While you are waiting for temporary protection, you can have free access to the National Health System, and you are entitled to medical services and care. By presenting your passport or the document you received after your arrival in Greece, you have access to medical and nursing care in all public hospitals, nursing homes, municipal clinics, primary health care facilities, rehabilitation and social services. In these institutions, you can get prescriptions for medicines, undergo medical operations and diagnostic examinations.
Accommodation and food. You can take advantage of short-term accommodation in Sintiki’s open structure until the travel documents process is completed where necessary.
Those who wish to receive accommodation for a longer period of time can apply at https://migration.gov.gr/accomodation-ukraine/ . The Ministry of Migration and Asylum will provide you with accommodation and food directly in already existing accommodation facilities.
Education. Ukrainian children can enroll in public schools. On the website of the Ministry of Asylum and Migration, you will find detailed information about the Greek education system and how children coming from Ukraine can continue their education in Greece.
What documents are required to apply for temporary protection?
Applications for temporary protection are submitted electronically on the website of the Ministry of Asylum and Migration . You will need to provide a contact email address to apply.
As a first step, you will need to fill out the following information:
- date of entry into Greece;
- do you need accommodation;
- do you have a support network in Greece; if so, you must indicate the city where your support network is located;
- do you currently have housing;
- the place where you want to register and get a temporary protection recipient card.
You can include up to 10 participants in your application. For each of these you will need to fill in the following:
- complete demographic data;
- type and number of the identity document;
- educational level and the field in which you/they are professionally active.
What if I don’t have an identity document for me or my children?
Citizens of Ukraine who do not have travel documents can enter only through the passport control department in Promakhonas, on the Greek-Bulgarian border, where employees of the Ukrainian Embassy in Greece will issue you a document.
If your children do not have travel documents, the National Police officials will note the number of minor children you are accompanying under the entry stamp in your passport. In this case, you will have to show your children’s marital status certificate or birth certificate. If you do not have any of these documents, you must complete and make an official declaration of the number of children you are accompanying, their first and last names, as well as their gender and date of birth.
What document(s) will I receive after being granted temporary protection?
You will receive a temporary protection recipient card. The Asylum Service will not confiscate your passport when this card is issued, nor will they issue you with another travel document. This card also shows your identification number (AFM) and social insurance number (AMKA).
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I have to live here to get this right? What other eligibility criteria must be met?
If you have received international protection (asylum) in Greece, have lived continuously and legally in the country for at least 7 years, and meet the relevant social integration requirements as provided by law, you can apply for Greek citizenship (naturalization procedure).
If you have children born in Greece and they received their primary and/or secondary education in Greece, they can claim Greek citizenship in accordance with other applicable provisions of the relevant legislation. Learn more here .
Can I move freely within the country and the European Union under temporary protection?
If you have a passport, you can travel. You can also stay in any city in Greece for as long as your temporary protection status lasts. In addition, you can also return to Ukraine whenever you want, and you can return to Greece while your temporary protection document is still valid.
Can I apply for asylum under temporary protection?
Beneficiaries of temporary protection can also apply for international protection (asylum) at any time they wish without revoking their residence permit or temporary protection.
How to apply for asylum?
Access to the international protection procedure (asylum procedure) is unlimited and free of charge.
The application is submitted to regional asylum offices, autonomous asylum units and mobile asylum units. Applications are submitted by the applicant in person or online through the self-registration application. You can also apply for your family members, provided they are with you in Greece. They must also come with you to the asylum office.
In general, your application can take anywhere from twenty (20) days to six (6) months to process, depending on your individual case.
Step 1: Your registration
Competent authorities receiving your application will carry out a complete registration which includes your identification details, country of origin, names of your father and mother, names of your spouse and children, your email address, biometric identification details, a comprehensive list of reasons why you apply for international protection, your address of residence or stay, the language in which you want your application to be processed and, if you wish, the appointment of an authorized representative.
When you apply, an interpreter will be present to help you in a language you understand, so it will be easier for you to communicate with the asylum officers. Also, the procedure, your rights and obligations, as well as the terms that apply throughout the procedure will be briefly explained to you in a language you understand. You can find more detailed information about your rights here .
When you apply for international protection:
- you will be photographed and fingerprinted [if you are over fourteen (14) years of age];
- you will have to hand in your travel document or any other documents you have that are relevant to the examination;
- you may be searched and your belongings searched, and you may have to undergo a medical examination.
Step 2: Interview with the Asylum Service
The Asylum Service will set a date for your interview. During the interview, the Asylum Service officer will question you carefully about the information you provided in your application, details about your identity, how you came to Greece, the reasons why you left your country of origin, and the reasons why you cannot or do not want to return to this country. During the interview, you can add any additional information or evidence you deem necessary.
An interpreter will also be present during the interview. Interpretation is provided in a language you understand and is free of charge.
If you belong to a vulnerable category [1] and your interview is scheduled within fifteen days of submitting your application, you may be given additional time (which may not exceed three days) to properly prepare for the interview and receive counseling a lawyer or other adviser to help you during the procedure.
You can learn more about the interview here .
Step 3: Decision on your application
After the interview, the Asylum Service will decide whether you will be granted refugee status, subsidiary protection status, or whether your application will be rejected.
If your application has been rejected, or if you have been granted subsidiary protection status and you believe you are entitled to refugee status, you have the right to appeal to the Appeals Authority. You must submit your appeal to the Appeals Authority by the deadline specified in the decision you received. After submitting your appeal, you will receive a new international protection applicant card.
The Asylum Service has a register of lawyers who can support you free of charge during the submission and processing of your application.
If I have family members outside of Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If so, in what way?
If you have been granted refugee status, under certain conditions you have the right to family reunification with members of your immediate family who are in your country of origin or in a third country.
Family members include:
- husband/wife;
- unmarried minor children;
- unmarried adult children with serious health problems that make them unable to support themselves;
- parents, when the beneficiary officially declares that he or she lived with and cared for them before leaving their country of origin and that they no longer have other family members to care for and support them;
- unmarried partners with whom the applicant has a stable relationship, proven mainly by the presence of a child or previous cohabitation, or any other relevant evidence.
For more information, you can contact the National Dublin Unit by phone +30 2131629157 (every day from 10.00 to 12.00) or by e-mail at as.dpt.ndu@migration.gov.gr . Information is also available on the special website of the Ministry of Asylum and Immigration.
In practice, family reunification is an extremely difficult and lengthy procedure and requires constant legal assistance and support.
Greece: unaccompanied children
If you are under 18 and traveling alone, or if you are traveling with children who have been separated from their parents, or know of any child who is in such a situation, you can contact the National Emergency Response Mechanism for the Identification and Protection of Minors unaccompanied by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. This mechanism will transfer children to special emergency placement facilities and ensure appropriate identification, where necessary, and custody procedures.
Which governmental and non-governmental institutions can I turn to for additional information?
You can get more detailed information from the National Emergency Response Mechanism for the Identification and Protection of Unaccompanied Minors of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum by phone +30 2132128888, +30 2132128380, +30 2132128381, +30 2132128382 (24/7 lines) or by e-mail to ssuam.tracing@migration.gov.gr .
You can also contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece by phone +30 210 6800230 (Monday-Friday: 09.00-18.00), +30 6932765606 (for emergency situations) or by e-mail at ukrembingrc@gmail.com, emb_gr @ mfa . gov.ua. _
Non-governmental bodies:
- Refugee.Info! Learn more on their website or contact them with your questions via their Facebook page.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) . You can contact UNHCR with your questions through their dedicated website .
- Solidarity Now (SolidarityNow). Learn more on their website . You can also contact the organization ‘s Blue Center for Refugees in Thessaloniki at +30 2310555263 and +30 2310555264 or by email at thebluecenter@solidaritynow.org or their Athens Solidarity Center at +30 2108220883 or by email at athens @solidaritynow.org .
- Greek Refugee Council. Visit their website or contact the organization by phone +30 210 3800990, +30 210 3800991 (Athens) and +30 231 0250045, +30 2311 821677 (Thessaloniki) or by mail at gcr1@gcr.gr and pyxidaesp @gcr. Gr .
In the event that you are an unaccompanied minor, the competent authorities must immediately notify the competent juvenile prosecutor so that a guardian or representative can be appointed for you, or, if you are accompanied by an adult relative who does not have parental responsibility for you, – to transfer custody of you to your adult relative.
The Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, in cooperation with the competent prosecutor, will appoint a guardian or representative who will help you apply for international protection and take care of your accommodation and well-being. This person will have the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out their duties in a way that serves your best interests.
The Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors will try to locate your family members. If any of your family members are legally present in a Dublin III country, you will be transferred to that country in accordance with the relevant legal requirements so that your application can be processed there.
Greece: employment information
Do I need to apply for a permit to be able to work? If so, how to do it?
With the status of temporary protection , you have access to the labor market.
The same applies to your status as an applicant for international protection . In both cases, you have the same social security rights and obligations as any Greek citizen.
If you are granted refugee status , you have an additional right to start your own business.
In any of the above cases, the “work permit” is no longer a mandatory condition for access to the labor market in Greece. However, to work legally, you must have a tax number (AFM) and a social security number (AMKA). Once temporary protection is granted, AFM and AMKA are activated immediately.
Am I entitled to unemployment benefits? How and where can I apply?
The Greek Employment Agency, OAED , issues unemployment cards to fully registered asylum seekers and recognized refugees in Greece.
You can get an unemployment card if you:
- Fully registered asylum seeker, recognized refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection
- Age from 15 to 74 years
- Unemployed and actively looking for work
- Registered in the OAED register as unemployed (see how to register below)
- Not a student of any kind.
If you meet these criteria, contact the nearest OAED office where you live and bring:
- Your full registration card or residence permit
- A copy of your tax number or AFM
- A copy of your social security number or AMKA
- Proof of address (house contract or homeless certificate).
Learn more here .
Are there programs for the recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications? How and where can I apply?
If you are a recognized refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection, you are treated the same as Greek nationals in matters of recognition of foreign diplomas, certificates and proof of formal qualifications. This way, you can get your degree or certificate recognized, but you will need to meet additional requirements.
The Department for the Implementation of European Legislation is a (new) state body authorized to receive and consider applications for the recognition of professional qualifications, as well as for the recognition of professional equivalence of higher education diplomas. Find out more about the additional criteria set by Greek law and the documents you need to submit with your application here (available in Greek).
If you have academic or other qualifications but no documents to prove it, a pilot program can help. The Greek Ministry of Education and the Council of Europe are launching a pilot program to test a new document called the European Qualification Passport for Refugees . Learn more about the document and how to get it here .
Which government and non-government institutions can I turn to for additional information on employment?
Migrant integration centers organize activities that facilitate the access of third-country nationals to the labor market. Find out where your nearest KEM is, how you can contact them and what activities and programs they offer here .
Non-governmental bodies:
- Refugee.Info! Learn more on their website or contact them with your questions via their Facebook page.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) . You can contact UNHCR with your questions through their dedicated website .
- Greek Refugee Council. Visit their website or contact the organization by phone +30 210 3800990, +30 210 3800991 (Athens) and +30 231 0250045, +30 2311 821677 (Thessaloniki) or by mail at gcr1@gcr.gr and pyxidaesp @gcr. Gr .
Greece: information about housing
Upon arrival in Greece, you can benefit from short-term accommodation in the open structure of Sintiki until the process of issuing travel documents is completed, if necessary. Those who wish to receive accommodation for a longer period of time can apply at https://migration.gov.gr/accomodation-ukraine/ .
In addition, if you wish to apply for international protection (asylum), after submitting your application you will receive an international protection applicant card that will allow you to stay in Greece until your application is processed. As an applicant for international protection, you can apply for accommodation in hosting or other accommodation facilities (private accommodation or hotel). Your request will be accepted if there are available seats. You also have the right to live with your family.
How and where can I apply for public housing?
You can send a request to https://migration.gov.gr/accomodation-ukraine/ . You will be asked to enter some information and attach a photo of your document (passport pages with your details and Greece entry stamp pages).
If I am staying with friends or family for a long time, what documents do I need to fill out to make this stay official? How can I get proof of residency?
Your landlord must provide you with a photocopy of his/her housing contract along with an official statement that you are living in his/her home. You can find this official form here (in Greek only).
The person hosting you must do the following:
- If the person does not speak Greek or English, he should ask a Greek-speaking person to help him fill out the form.
- He/she should not sign the form yet!
- He/she must submit the completed form to the KEP (Citizen Service Centers) office or the police station to get his/her signature verified.
- He/she must sign the form only in the presence of an employee of the KEP or the police, who will certify the authenticity of this signature by affixing an official stamp.
Find your nearest KEP office here .
If I want to rent a property personally, what documents do I need?
When renting real estate in Greece, no specific documents are required. However, the landlord may require proof of income or a guarantor to jointly sign the contract. The landlord may also ask for your tax identification number (AFM). AFM is activated immediately after granting temporary protection.
For more information and tips to know before renting a house in Greece, see here _
Which government and non-government institutions can I turn to for more information about housing?
- Refugee.Info! Learn more on their website or contact them with your questions via their Facebook page.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) . You can contact UNHCR with your questions through their dedicated website .
- Solidarity Now (SolidarityNow). Learn more on their website . You can also contact the organization ‘s Blue Center for Refugees in Thessaloniki at +30 2310555263 and +30 2310555264 or by email at thebluecenter@solidaritynow.org or their Athens Solidarity Center at +30 2108220883 or by email at athens @solidaritynow.org .
- Greek Refugee Council. Visit their website or contact the organization by phone +30 210 3800990, +30 210 3800991 (Athens) and +30 231 0250045, +30 2311 821677 (Thessaloniki) or by mail at gcr1@gcr.gr and pyxidaesp @gcr. Gr .
Greece: education information
How to enroll children (or yourself) in school?
Your children have free access to public education. If you are an adult, you also have the right to access secondary education.
Currently, online courses for children of any age are available in Ukrainian. More detailed information about this, as well as a guide on the Greek education system in Ukrainian, can be found here . Depending on your specific circumstances, you will also find a list of documents that you will be asked to register you or your children for school.
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help to enroll them in a special school?
Some elementary schools have specialized staff and teachers for students with special needs. For admission to specialized educational institutions, the Centers for diagnosis, evaluation and support of persons with special needs issue the appropriate recommendation and referral.
Do universities introduce any schemes for the reception of Ukrainians or people fleeing from Ukraine? If so, can you give some examples?
It seems that there are no such schemes at the moment.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about education?
- Refugee.Info! Learn more on their website or contact them with your questions via their Facebook page.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) . You can contact UNHCR with your questions through their dedicated website .
- Solidarity Now (SolidarityNow). Learn more on their website . You can also contact the organization ‘s Blue Center for Refugees in Thessaloniki at +30 2310555263 and +30 2310555264 or by email at thebluecenter@solidaritynow.org or their Athens Solidarity Center at +30 2108220883 or by email at athens @solidaritynow.org .
- Greek Refugee Council. Visit their website or contact the organization by phone +30 210 3800990, +30 210 3800991 (Athens) and +30 231 0250045, +30 2311 821677 (Thessaloniki) or by mail at gcr1@gcr.gr and pyxidaesp @gcr. Gr .
Greece: information on child care
How can I enroll younger children in daycare?
In Greece, children between the ages of six months and five years can attend infant or child care centers run by municipalities or privately funded. From the age of four, children can attend preparatory school, which is compulsory after the age of five.
Currently, the Ministry of Education and Science has organized an online kindergarten with video activities for children aged 3 to 6 years. It can be found at this link: https://numo.mon.gov.ua . You can find more detailed information about this, as well as the documents you will need to register your child, here .
At the moment, there are no special financial payments from the Greek authorities.
However, as a recognized refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection, you must by law receive the necessary social assistance under the same conditions as Greek citizens. For more information on what benefits you are entitled to and help with applying, visit your nearest Migrant Integration Center (KEM). The following payments are currently available:
- Cash Assistance Program : All applicants for international protection who are accommodated in official accommodation facilities for asylum seekers recognized by the Greek authorities are eligible to receive cash assistance from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. More information here , here and here .
- Social Solidarity Income : Social Solidarity Income (KEA) is a social security payment paid by the Greek government to people living in extreme poverty. The amount you receive depends on the size of your family and your financial situation and is only available to recognized refugees. To know more about eligibility criteria, application procedure and required documents, visit this website .
Are there any benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
There are no special financial benefits from the Greek authorities.
However, Médecins du Monde (gynecologists) provide special care for pregnant women and mothers who have recently given birth. The organization also provides necessary items for the care of newborns. You can contact the organization by phone +30 210 3213485 or by e-mail at polyclinic@mdmgreece.gr . You can find more detailed information important for the life of a pregnant or breastfeeding woman in Greece here .
What government and non-government agencies can I contact for more information about the needs specific to young children?
- Refugee.Info! Learn more on their website or contact them with your questions via their Facebook page.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) . You can contact UNHCR with your questions through their dedicated website .
- Solidarity Now (SolidarityNow). Learn more on their website . You can also contact the organization ‘s Blue Center for Refugees in Thessaloniki at +30 2310555263 and +30 2310555264 or by email at thebluecenter@solidaritynow.org or their Athens Solidarity Center at +30 2108220883 or by email at athens @solidaritynow.org .
- Greek Refugee Council. Visit their website or contact the organization by phone +30 210 3800990, +30 210 3800991 (Athens) and +30 231 0250045, +30 2311 821677 (Thessaloniki) or by mail at gcr1@gcr.gr and pyxidaesp @gcr. Gr .
- Médecins du Monde . You can contact the organization by phone +30 210 3213485 or by e-mail at polyclinic@mdmgreece.gr.
Greece: health information
Can I use the public health care system?
– Upon arrival in Greece, even before you are granted temporary protection status, you will have free access to the National Health Care System and the right to medical services and assistance upon presentation of your passport or the document you received upon arrival in Greece
– Personal social insurance number (AMKA) is activated immediately after granting temporary protection. This gives you access to social assistance and medical care under the same rules as Greek citizens.
All state health departments are required by law to provide you with emergency medical care in an emergency, even if you do not have PAAYPA or a Social Security number. You have the right to any medical services or medicines you need free of charge at hospitals that are on duty every day.
Do I need to register to receive health care, and if so, how?
No, you do not need to register to receive medical care. See above.
What does the public health care system cover?
The state health care system covers:
- Access to private doctors connected to the National Insurance System (EOPYY). The EOPY web page provides a detailed list of medical specialties.
- 75% coverage of medical examinations in private diagnostic centers.
- Partial coverage of the cost of one pair of prescription glasses.
- Partial coverage of the cost of physiotherapy classes, occupational therapy sessions and speech therapy sessions.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to public health insurance?
No, you do not need additional private health insurance. However, if you wish, you can get private insurance in addition to your public health insurance.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for more information about access to medical care?
Non-governmental bodies:
- Refugee.Info! Learn more on their website or contact them with your questions via their Facebook page.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) . You can contact UNHCR with your questions through their dedicated website .
- Solidarity Now (SolidarityNow). Learn more on their website . You can also contact the organization ‘s Blue Center for Refugees in Thessaloniki at +30 2310555263 and +30 2310555264 or by email at thebluecenter@solidaritynow.org or their Athens Solidarity Center at +30 2108220883 or by email at athens @solidaritynow.org .
- Greek Refugee Council. Visit their website or contact the organization by phone +30 210 3800990, +30 210 3800991 (Athens) and +30 231 0250045, +30 2311 821677 (Thessaloniki) or by mail at gcr1@gcr.gr and pyxidaesp @gcr. Gr .
- Médecins du Monde . You can contact the organization by phone +30 210 3213485 or by e-mail at polyclinic@mdmgreece.gr.
Greece: mental health information
Can I get free mental health support from the public health system?
Ukrainian refugees have the right to free access to the services of public hospitals and medical centers, including mental health and physical rehabilitation facilities, even if they have not yet been issued a social security number (AMKA). At the same time, Ukrainian refugees must simply present their passport or, if they do not have one, a document issued by the police.
Mental health support is also provided in the following forms:
- Mental Health Helpline => Created by the Ministry of Health to offer mental health support and assistance to refugees from Ukraine. The service is provided by Ukrainian mental health specialists with special training. The helpline is free and open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dial 10306 and select 4.
- Mental health support services are also provided in some Migrant Integration Centers (KEM). KEM staff usually identify possible health problems and can refer you to specialist facilities, including mental health facilities. Find out where your nearest KEM is, how you can contact them and what mental health support services they offer here .
Do I need to go through any additional administrative procedures to access mental health support?
No. Ukrainian refugees have the right to free access to the services of mental health support institutions and physical rehabilitation. If you do not have a social security number (AMKA), it is enough to show your passport or, if you do not have one, a document issued by the police.
What government and non-government agencies can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
You can contact the nearest Migrant Integration Center (KEM) . Find out where your nearest KEM is, how you can contact them and what mental health support services they offer here .
Non-governmental bodies:
- Refugee.Info! Learn more on their website or contact them with your questions via their Facebook page.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) . You can contact UNHCR with your questions through their dedicated website .
- Solidarity Now (SolidarityNow). Learn more on their website . You can also contact the organization ‘s Blue Center for Refugees in Thessaloniki at +30 2310555263 and +30 2310555264 or by email at thebluecenter@solidaritynow.org or their Athens Solidarity Center at +30 2108220883 or by email at athens @solidaritynow.org .
- Greek Refugee Council. Visit their website or contact the organization by phone +30 210 3800990, +30 210 3800991 (Athens) and +30 231 0250045, +30 2311 821677 (Thessaloniki) or by mail at gcr1@gcr.gr and pyxidaesp @gcr. Gr .
- Médecins du Monde . You can contact the organization by phone +30 210 3213485 or by e-mail at polyclinic@mdmgreece.gr.
Greece: other services
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
Having the status of an applicant for international protection (asylum), you have the right to receive disability benefits if:
- you are a person with a disability percentage of 67% or more, and if
- your stay in the Accommodation Center is not possible.
In order to receive disability benefits, you must take the following steps.
Step 1: Submit your application.
You can submit your application online here (only available in Greek) or visit the Disability Accreditation Center (KE.PA) in your area (list of KE.PA offices in Greece here ). You can find more detailed information and instructions for submitting your application here .
Along with the application, you must also submit:
- A complete file from your doctor, signed and stamped, as well as certified by the doctor’s signature. The corresponding form is found here in Greek;
- Your residence permit or asylum seeker card;
- Your medical booklet, if you are insured;
- Your social security number (AMKA).
Step 2: Have an interview with the Health Care Committee
After submitting your application, you will be informed (usually by phone) about the appointment of your meeting with the Health Care Committee. After one or two months, you will be informed of the final decision and “disability rating”. In order to receive assistance, it is necessary to have a rating of 67% for persons with disabilities and 50% for HIV-positive persons. If you do not agree with the assessment and rating, you have the right to file an objection within 10 days of notification. Please note that you will need legal advice and support from a community organization in your area to lodge an objection.
Step 3: Apply for municipal services
Finally, you need to submit an application to the municipal services in your locality, attaching the following documents:
- Point of view or decision of KE.PA;
- Your valid residence permit or asylum seeker card;
- Certificate that you do not have tax debt (ekkatharistiko);
- Confirmation of your place of residence;
- Bank account details.
The amount of disability benefit varies depending on the type of disability, is periodically adjusted and is paid every two months.
You can also contact the National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities at the following contact details: + 30 210 9949837 or by e-mail refugees@esaea.gr .
Anyone with an AFM number , including refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, is required by Greek law to file an annual income tax return.
You must file a tax return every year, even if you have not earned any income. Tax declaration is crucial for receiving social benefits provided by the Greek state.
Read more about the procedure and submission deadlines here .
Can I get free legal advice? How and where can I get it?
The Greek government only provides you with free legal aid when you seek to challenge the Asylum Service’s decision on your application for international protection. In fact, the Asylum Service has a register of lawyers who can support you free of charge during the submission and review of your appeal at second instance. You can apply for legal assistance online . However, when you first apply for international protection (asylum), you have the right to request the assistance of a lawyer of your choice, but the lawyer’s fees and costs will be paid entirely at your own expense.
However, there are many organizations that provide free legal aid. For more information, see here and here . These organizations provide free legal aid services for asylum applications and in other circumstances (eg legal support for victims of gender-based violence).
Some Migrant Integration Centers can also provide legal advice. Find out where your nearest KEM is, how you can contact them and what legal services they offer here .
Can I take language courses or other integration activities?
Migrant integration centers offer the following activities:
- Greek language, history and culture lessons are offered to adults who are migrants or beneficiaries of international protection.
- Intercultural activities that contribute to the coexistence of children/youth from third countries and local children/youth.
- Activities that facilitate the access of citizens of third countries to the labor market.
In the Migrant Integration Centers you can also find information about adult courses offered in the municipality. Find out where your nearest Migrant Integration Center is, how you can contact them, and what courses and activities they offer here .
If you are in a dangerous situation, there are free emergency numbers in Greece that you can call and ask for help:
- Police – 100
- Ambulance – 166
- Fire station – 199
- The European emergency number is 112
If you are a victim of human trafficking or know a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1109 . The hotline is available to answer all urgent calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. If the subscriber wishes, he/she can request that he/she be called back free of charge. The 1109 hotline is also available via the e-mail address info@1109.gr or you can report some information on the 1109 website .
They provide information on how to get help, how a rescued victim in Greece can access immediate help, and information on recovery processes for survivors of human trafficking.
If you live in:
- refugee camps, you can ask for help from the camp security department and organizations that provide services.
- refugee accommodation, you can ask for help from a social worker, a psychologist or a trusted worker in the organization that provides you with services.
What protections can I access as an identified or potential victim of human trafficking? (housing, benefits, consultations, the principle of impunity, etc.)
If you are a victim, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1109. The hotline is also available via the e-mail address info@1109.gr or you can provide some information on the 1109 website . They provide information on how to get help, how a rescued victim in Greece can access immediate help, and information on recovery processes for survivors of human trafficking.
[1] Minors, unaccompanied or not; the closest relatives of victims of shipwrecks; persons with disabilities; elderly; pregnant women; single parents with minor children; victims of human trafficking; persons suffering from serious diseases; persons with mental or psychological disabilities and persons who have suffered torture, rape or any other serious form of mental, physical or sexual violence, such as victims of genital mutilation.
