Important information compiled by UNHCR for those who are in Ukraine can be found here.
Information regarding displaced persons from Ukraine to Greece is available in this website and on the following websites of other actors:
Dedicated webpage by the Greek Ministry for Migration and Asylum: English / Ukrainian / Greek
Ukrainian Embassy to Greece: English / Ukrainian / Greek
Refugee.Info website for asylum-seekers and refugees in Greece: English
European Commission’s information page for those fleeing the war in Ukraine: English / Ukrainian
Ukraine is Home, a portal with information about the rights and continued stay in host countries of Ukrainian refugees, addressing questions and explaining opportunities regarding voluntary return home, and promoting access to the support needed to recover and rebuild.
Useful Helplines and services in Greece for Ukrainian refugees: English, Ukrainian.
1. Entry and stay for displaced persons from Ukraine
As indicated by the Greek Ministry for Migration and Asylum (https://migration.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Information-for-Displaced-People-from-Ukraine.pdf), displaced persons from Ukraine may enter Greece through the following procedures:
1. Holders of a Ukrainian biometric passport may enter through all entry points (land and air) with a maximum stay of 90 days.
2. Holders of a Ukrainian passport without biometric features (old type) may enter from all entry points; a transit visa is required with a maximum stay of 90 days.
Attention: for the above cases, the Greek Police will stamp your passport with the date of entry
3. Ukrainian citizens who do not have travel documents may enter only from the Passport Control Department in Promachonas (tel. 0030 23230 41079) where you will be issued a document by the staff of the Ukrainian Embassy in Greece. This procedure allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days.
4. In case your children do not have travel documents, the Greek Police officials will note under the entry stamp on your own passport the number of minor children you are accompanying.
Attention: in this case, you will have to show a certificate of marital status or a birth certificate of your children. If you do not have either of these documents, you must complete and submit a solemn declaration stating the number of children, their first name, surname, gender and date of birth.
Ukrainian nationals exiting from Greece to Bulgaria will need to inquire beforehand with the Bulgarian Consulate about the entry requirements (entry visa), if they are not holders of a biometric passport.
2. Accommodation, health and education
The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum offers the possibility of short-term accommodation in the open structure of Sintiki for those who wish, until the process of issuing travel documents – where required – is completed.
Those who wish to be accommodated for a longer period of time may submit a request to: https://migration.gov.gr/accomodation-ukraine/
Ukrainian refugees are entitled to access for free the services of public hospitals and medical centers, including mental health and physical rehabilitation facilities, even if they have not yet been provided with a social security number (AMKA). If not yet provided with AMKA, Ukrainian refugees can access public health by showing their passport or, if they do not have it, a document issued by the police.
Those seeking health and mental health support in Athens and Thessaloniki can also approach the Multi-Functional Centers of the Hellenic Red Cross.
Ukrainian children can enroll in public schools. For support with this, see the dedicated webpage of the Greek Ministry of Education, containing a guide also in Ukrainian.
3. Temporary protection in Greece
According to a decision by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the Residence Permits of Temporary Protection that expire on 4 March 2025 are extended for one year, until 4 March 2026.
Unless you need to travel to another European Union Member State (see below point 4), you do not need to obtain a new residence permit card: the previous ones are still valid, despite indicating an older expiry date.
The following groups of persons who have been displaced to Greece from Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022 are eligible for temporary protection (as per Ministerial Decision 131035/04.03.2022):
- Ukrainian nationals who resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022.
- Stateless persons and nationals of third countries other than Ukraine who benefited from international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022.
- Family members of the persons referred to in the first two categories, even if they are not Ukrainian nationals, provided that the family existed and resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022. Family members are considered 1) the spouse or his or her unmarried partner in a stable relationship duly attested, 2) the minor unmarried children, 3) other close relatives of 1st and 2nd degree who lived with the beneficiary as a family unit.
- People in the above categories who fled Ukraine after 26 November 2021 as tensions increased or who found themselves in the territory of the EU (e.g. on holidays or for work reasons) and, as a result of the armed conflict, cannot return to Ukraine.
In Greece, the following categories are not eligible for temporary protection, but can apply for international protection (asylum):
- Anybody who fled Ukraine before 26 November 2021
- Third-country nationals or stateless persons residing in Ukraine with permanent residence permits before 24 February who cannot safely return to their country of origin.
Eligible persons applying for it will be granted Temporary Protection within 90 days from arrival, for an initial period of one (1)-year.
This status is provided by the Asylum Service of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and gives the right of access to the labor market and to medical care.
The temporary protection residence permit is cancelled before the expiration date in the following cases: 1) if the EU Council adopts the decision to end the temporary protection, 2) when a transfer of the beneficiary is made from one EU Member State to another, 3) when a transfer of the beneficiary is made from one EU Member State to another in case of maintaining family unity and 4) in case a residence permit is issued for the beneficiary by another EU Member State.
To submit an application for temporary protection, please visit the following pre-registration platform at the website of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum at this website: English / Ukrainian / Greek.
Once you have finalized your application, you will be given an appointment (date and time) at the location that you chose for your registration, and you will receive a receipt to the e-mail address you have provided. The appointment is the same for all members listed in the application. You will need to have with you your appointment number, your passport/identity documents/Police Note and any documents establishing the family links with the other members listed in the application.
The appointment will take place in one of the five relevant Regional Asylum Offices (RAO), located in Athens (Katechaki), Alimos, Thessaloniki, Patras and Heraklion (Crete).
If you wish to have more information on the procedure, please contact the Ministry of Migration and Asylum via email: [email protected]
New Residence Permits of Temporary Protection will continue to be issued to displaced people from Ukraine who enter Greece for the first time.
From the moment of registration and obtaining temporary protection status, you have following rights:
- residence and free movement in Greece
- to access labour market
- to access state medical services
- to access state education
For more information see: https://bit.ly/4jrOZ7E
4. Access to Employment
Do I have the right to work in Greece?
Yes. If you are a temporary protection status holder and you hold a valid residence permit, you have access under the same conditions as Greek nationals to:
- salaried employment;
- provision of services or work;
- exercise an independent economic activity.
Do I need a work permit?
No, you do not need an extra work permit.
Note that employers and accountants are not always aware of legal developments. You may need to clarify, refer to specific details of the existing legislative framework, or request assistance from an NGO in your location to discuss your case with employers and accountants.
What are the other requirements to work legally in Greece?
To work legally, you must have a tax registration number (AFM), a social security number (AMKA), and a national insurance number (AMA).
Please note that depending on the type of your employment, you might need to meet additional requirements as Greek nationals. For example, if you find employment in a restaurant, you need to undertake some medical exams and be issued with a health certificate.
How do I obtain a Tax Registration Number (AFM)?
Tax Registration Number (AFM) is issued to all adults by the Asylum Service during their registration as temporary protection status holders.
If, for some reason, you have not been issued with your Tax Registration Number by the Asylum Service, you need to book an appointment with the Tax Authorities and fill out an online application.
First, you need to fill out the online application (https://aade.gr/efarmogi/apodosi-afm-kai-kleidarithmoy-fysikoy-prosopoymyaadelive) attaching: a) a copy of your residence permit and b) a proof of your residence (lease agreement, Power or Water supply bill issued in your name, attestation by the reception facility manager, etc). Then you need to choose whether your identity’s verification will be done either by presenting yourself to a Tax Office with a scheduled appointment or through a video call (via my AADElive) by a staff member of the Tax Authorities. Note that the information in this link is in Greek and ‘AADE live’ does not have interpreters.
Note that the tax registration number is necessary for all transactions with public services, to rent/buy a house/apartment, to buy a car or a motorbike and in general, it facilitates all transactions with service providers.
How do I prove my place of residence?
If you live in a State Reception Facility, you need to request an attestation issued by the Management of the facility.
If you benefit from an accommodation scheme run by an NGO or Municipalit,y you need to request an attestation from that agency.
If you are hosted by a Greek person or any other migrant or refugee, the latter must have declared this to the Tax Authorities.
If you live in a shelter for homeless persons or victims of violence, you will need an attestation from those shelters.
In case of homelessness, you will need a relevant certificate from the Social Services of the Municipality.
Otherwise, you will need a lease agreement or a utility bill under your name.
Keep your details updated!
In case, after AFM has been issued, there has been a change in your personal information (e.g change of home address), you need to inform accordingly the Tax Authorities.
Υou need to fill out manually a form (https://www.aade.gr/sites/default/files/2021-09/D210.pdf) -available only in GR- and submit it to the competent Tax Office for the latter to update the data.
You may need to request assistance, so that you have the form ready to submit when you go to the tax office.
If you have “TAXISNET” codes, you can update your data online.
How do I obtain a Social Security Number (AMKA)?
You must have a Social Security Number (AMKA) in order to work legally in Greece. You also need an AMKA to be insured and benefit from the social security provisions for employment injury, maternity, sickness, disability, unemployment and family responsibilities. Your ΑΜΚΑ ensures your rights related to labour and a pension and also facilitates your access to hospital and pharmaceutical care.
AMKA is issued to all temporary protection status holders by the Asylum Service during your registration and the issuance of your residence permit.
How do I obtain a National Insurance Number (AMA)?
In order to be employed legally, you need to be issued with a National Insurance Number (AMA). You need to book an appointment with an EFKA office by calling 1555.
You need to present to the EFKA Office the following documents:
– Valid residence permit
– Tax registration number (AFM)
– Social Security Number (AMKA)
– Recruitment statement by the employer (Electronic solemn declaration through gov.gr).
What are my rights and obligations as an employee?
According to Greek law, temporary protection status holders have the same labour and insurance rights as Greek nationals. These refer to basic salary, family allowances, hours of work, overtime, annual leave, employment injury, minimum age of employment, apprenticeship and training, maternity, sickness, unemployment and pension.
Terms of employment: If you are hired, the employer is obliged to inform you in writing of the terms of the employment agreement. This agreement is shared with the authorities in the form of a “recruitment announcement”. Always ask for a copy of this. By signing the recruitment announcement, both the employee and the employer are bound to the terms stipulated and agreed upon therein. This document contains information on the type of your job, weekly working time, the duration of the employment, working hours, salary, and location of employment.
A written employment contract is preferable but not mandatory in Greece.
Salary (as of April 2024): For full-time jobs, the minimum monthly salary in Greece is 830 euros (gross) if you are not married and without any relevant working experience in Greece. For those working on a daily wage, the minimum is 37,7 euros gross, if you are not married and without any relevant working experience in Greece. The net salary (take-home pay) depends on the deductions for taxes, pension, health insurance, etc. You are also entitled to Christmas, Easter and summer allowances, the amount of which depends on your monthly/daily wage and the duration of your employment under the same employer.
Overtime: The working hours are 40 hours per week for 5-day work (8 hours/day) – usually from Monday to Friday. Many companies work 24/7, meaning that there are usually 2-3 8-hour shifts. For those working 6 days/week, it is 6 hours and 40 minutes/day. Overtime up to 1 hour per day and 5 hours per week, for a 5-day/week employment, and up to 1 hour and 20 minutes per day and 8 hours per week, for a 6-day/week employment. Overtimes are paid according to the hourly wage, plus 20%. There are special compensation provisions for work beyond 9 hours per day. Night work: from 22.00 – 6.00: hourly compensation of the night hours, plus 25%. Work on a Saturday or for a 6th day in a week: agreed daily wage paid, plus 30%. Work on Sundays and official holidays: 75% plus to the agreed daily wage.
Leave: Annual leave: for the 1st year of full-time employment, you are entitled to two days leave per month, (up to 20 days leave -for 5 days work- and 24 days leave -for 6 days work- for the first calendar year of work, 21 and 25 days respectively for the second year and 22 and 26 days for the third year onwards).
Sick leave: After 10 days of employment, you are entitled to up to 15 days of daily wage. After one year, you are entitled to a month’s wage when you are absent from work due to sickness, provided you submit all the relevant medical documents.
In specific sectors, such as the tourism sector, employment standards, including days off, may vary.
Do I need to pay tax if I work in Greece?
If you are employed in Greece, you must submit around late spring an annual income tax declaration, ‘dilosi eisodimatos’, for the previous calendar year. Income tax declarations are submitted online (https://www.aade.gr/dilosi-forologias-eisodimatos-fp-e1-e2-e3 ). Note that the submission of a tax declaration in Greek may require some assistance from someone familiar with the process, and you may consider seeking assistance from a Greek NGO or a professional accountant.
How do I open a bank account in Greece?
You will need a bank account for your salary payments. If you do not have one, you can open a bank account by presenting the following documentation at a bank.
- The original and a copy of your valid residence permit;
- Proof of your current address;
- Attestation by your employer.
- Document from the phone company establishing that the phone number is registered under your name.
Note that different banks may request additional documentation (e.g. a copy of your travel document) or set additional requirements, such as the presence of Greek speakers. Some banks are more helpful than others. You may consider seeking assistance from Greek friends or a Greek NGO.
Can I register as an unemployed person?
If you are unemployed and seeking employment, you have the right to be registered in the Registry of DYPA, the Public Employment Service of the Ministry of Labour. If you register, you may benefit from DYPA services, such as being referred to a job if there is a vacant position corresponding to your qualifications and interests and to receive an unemployment card, which is valid for three (3) months and can be renewed.. You may also access services and advice, including CV registration, preparation of an individual action plan, and opportunities to participate in employment or vocational training programs. You may also access other services, depending on your location. You can find more information in Greek https://www.dypa.gov.gr/faq
To register with DYPA, visit https://www.dypa.gov.gr/eggrafh-sto-mhtroo-anergon-deltia-anergias, available also in EN.
To register online, you will need your:
- valid residence permit;
- AMKA number;
- Tax registration number.
If I am a minor, do I have the right to legally work?
If you are aged 15 years or older, and you have the consent of your parents or the consent of your legal guardian, you may be legally employed in Greece.
In the absence of consent, Greek courts may decide to permit you to work, upon your request.
There are specific regulations for your protection as a minor. You can find more information about this in Greek here.
Employment for children under 15 years is prohibited with the exception of work on artistic or commercial activities such as in advertisement, theatre or cinema and is only possible under specific conditions.
Can I start my own business in Greece?
You have the right to establish commercial and industrial companies or work as a freelance professional. For every profession, there are specific requirements that you need to meet.
Note that you will need specific advice and guidance to do this. An NGO, a professional accountant or a lawyer can provide you with this assistance.
Can I make a complaint about my employer?
If you face problems in your workplace, or you want to be informed about your rights, or you want to submit a complaint against your employer and find a solution, you may contact the Labour Inspectorate (SEPE). SEPE is the public body responsible for monitoring the proper implementation of labour law in Greece. It is designed to safeguard labor rights and the safety and health of workers.
SEPE is able to investigate undeclared work and also has a role to inform, advise and prevent breaches of labour law throughout Greece.
You can find more information on how to contact SEPE here https://www.hli.gov.gr/epikoinonia/. Note that the information provided in the link is in Greek.
5. Can beneficiaries travel to other EU countries?
If you hold temporary protection status, you have the right to travel to other European Union Member States for 90 days within a 180-day period. For more information, please see section 2 (“Right to move freely”) at the following document:🔗https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52022XC0321(03)
❗As of 17 February 2025, temporary protection status holders in Greece who hold residence permits with expiration dates of 4 March 2023, 4 September 2023, or 4 March 2024 and wish to travel abroad have to visit the asylum offices of Attica, Thessaloniki, Western Greece (Patras), Crete or Rhodes at least 15 days before the departure date, in order to renew their residence permits so as 4 March 2026 to be reflected on it as expiry date. They need to have with them their tickets printed out or in electronic format.
Please note that the residence permit of temporary protection does not constitute a travel document. Thus, beneficiaries of temporary protection also need to hold valid national passports in order to travel.
6. Asylum application
Ukrainian nationals and third-country nationals or stateless persons who are not included in the categories listed above as eligible for temporary protection can apply for international protection (asylum) in Greece.
Beneficiaries of temporary protection can also apply for international protection at any point they wish to, without their residence permit of temporary protection being revoked.
7. Children traveling alone or separated from their parents
In the case of unaccompanied minors, the National Mechanism for the Identification and Protection of Unaccompanied Minors of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum is activated for the transfer of the children to special emergency accommodation facilities; thereafter, the relevant identification (if necessary) and guardianship procedure is followed.
All Ukrainian citizens residing in Greece who are going to receive and provide care for their minor relatives from Ukraine arriving in Greece are kindly requested to receive them from the entry points. Specifically, the adult relatives should be present at the entry points (e.g., Promachonas Border Station) during the minors’ arrival, holding the necessary legal documents that prove their family relationship. Additionally, they should also hold the documents that prove the consent of the minor’s parents concerning the assignment of custody to the adult relative in Greece. Upon assessment by the Greek authorities and the Implementing Partners of the National Emergency Response Mechanism for Unaccompanied Minors in precarious living conditions, the adult relatives will be able to undertake the care/ custody of their minor relative.
Contact Information:
Work Hours: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 22:00, Saturday 11:00 – 19:00
Telephones: 0030 2132128888, 0030 6942773030, via WhatsApp or Viber
Email: [email protected]
8. Risk of human trafficking
Criminals may attempt to exploit the vulnerability of refugees or lure them with promises of free transport, accommodation, employment or other forms of assistance. This exploitation of vulnerable people for their bodies and labor is called human trafficking.
If you believe that trafficking might be taking place, you can contact the dedicated helpline of A21 in Greece by calling the number 1109.
9. Referrals to enter Canada, the USA, and other non-EU countries
UNHCR in Greece does not conduct referrals for resettlement to third countries such as the USA, Canada or the United Kingdom. The decision on admission and entry to one of those countries is taken solely by the responsible national authority of the country of destination.
Please find information on options to go to Canada for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine on the Canadian Embassy’s website. For the United Kingdom’s visa support for Ukrainians, click here. For more information on opportunities to travel and reside outside of the European Union, see here.
10. Private support
If you wish to make a financial donation to support the humanitarian response to the Ukraine emergency, we encourage you to consider donating to UNHCR: English / Greek
11. Contacting UNHCR
To get in touch with UNHCR about your individual case, please click “Contact us” to the left (or at this link) to fill out the dedicated form.