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If you are granted refugee or subsidiary protection status in Greece:
- You will receive a residence permit that is valid for three years under refugee status and one plus two years under subsidiary protection status. Residence permits may be renewed.
- You can apply for a travel document that allows you to visit other European countries as a tourist. You cannot stay in another European country for more than 90 calendar days within six months. If you want to visit a country outside the EU, you need to contact the Embassy of that country and be informed of any additional traveling requirements, such as a visa. Beneficiaries of the subsidiary protection can apply for a travel document if they cannot issue a national passport.
- You will have access to a full range of educational services including schools, universities, and vocational training programmes on the same terms and conditions as Greek citizens.
- You have the right to work or open your own business provided you fulfill the additional requirements in place for the exercise of each separate profession.
- You have access to welfare benefits given that you meet all relevant requirements provided by the law.
- If you are a recognised refugee, you have the right to be reunited with your family members who are in your country of origin or in another third country. If you are a subsidiary protection beneficiary, you do not have this right.
- You can apply for a long-term residence permit after you complete 5 years οf legal and continuous stay in the country and if you meet all additional requirements provided by the law.
- If you have been granted international protection in Greece, you have lived continuously and legally in the country for at least 7 years and you meet relevant social integration requirements as provided by the law, you can apply for Greek citizenship (naturalization procedure). If you have children born in Greece and having completed primary/and or secondary education in Greece, they may qualify for Greek citizenship under other applicable provision of relevant legislation.
The Ministry of Migration and Asylum provides detailed information about international protection in Greece here.
Last update: 23/06/2025