International protection (asylum) in Greece
Official name: Διεθνής προστασία
Greece's Asylum Service, under the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, examines claims for international protection. People who arrive on Kos, Leros, Lesvos, Samos, Chios or at Evros (Fylakio) apply at the Reception and Identification Centre on entry; others book an appointment online and apply at the Malakasa or Diavata centre. Access to the procedure is free.
Life in Greece
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
66
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
9–44%
Income tax (national)
VAT 24%
2026 scale for employment/pension/business income: 9%, 20%, 26%, 34%, 39% (EUR 40,000-60,000), 44% above EUR 60,000; lower rates for families and under-30s.
Living
1
Happiness
#83 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Greece who fear persecution or serious harm in their home country.
Eligibility
Where to apply
On arrival at the Reception and Identification Centre (RIC) on Kos, Leros, Lesvos, Samos, Chios or at Fylakio (Evros). If you did not apply on entry, book an appointment on the Asylum Service's electronic platform and apply at the RIC in Malakasa or Diavata.
Family members
Family members in Greece who want protection can be included in the application.
Interview
A personal interview with free interpretation; a lawyer, doctor, social worker or counsellor may attend.
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The full steps, your rights while you wait, and free legal help contacts are free for anyone with an e-Passage account. You can turn on sensitive mode for discreet emails.
- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
Other routes to Greece
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyNational long-stay visa (type D) for studies, followed by a residence permit for studies
- Work permitsEU Blue Card - residence permit for highly qualified employees
- 3 more routes with Premium
Asylum & protection in other countries
- Hong Kong SAR ChinaNon-refoulement claim (Unified Screening Mechanism), Hong Kong
- CroatiaInternational protection (asylum, subsidiary protection) and temporary protection
- HungaryAsylum through an embassy declaration of intent, and temporary protection for people from Ukraine
- IrelandInternational protection in Ireland
- IsraelAsylum (refugee status) application in Israel
- IcelandInternational protection (asylum) in Iceland
