The Registration Card is also called the "International protection applicant card". It is the document that proves that a person is an asylum seeker with a case number in Greece (either waiting for their main asylum interview or waiting for the decision on their asylum application). People also referred to it as Asylum card, White card, Tri-fold, or Ausweis (svais).
Please note:
- If a first-instance negative decision is issued on your asylum application, your asylum card will be deactivated. You will be issued a new International Protection Applicant Card upon lodging an appeal. However, in some cases, the lodging of the appeal doesn’t have a suspensive effect, and you will not be given an asylum card upon appeal. This means that in some cases -e.g. when your application is rejected under the accelerated procedure or is rejected as inadmissible- you need to submit a separate application before the Appeals Committee, requesting to allow your stay in Greece until the second-instance decision is issued. It is advised to consult a trusted lawyer or a legal NGO.
- When you submit a subsequent application, you will only be given an asylum card if the authorities consider your application admissible upon the completion of the preliminary procedure. Please check our relevant article about subsequent applications.
Since 2021, the Greek Government has started the process to replace the old format of the asylum seekers cards with the new ones that will be like the picture below and called "smart Cards" or in Greek ", Δ.Α.Δ.Π".
It is reminded that the new Ιnternational Protection Applicant's Card, in the form of a smart card that will replace the old ones (triptychs), is issued with a built-in microprocessor and with electronic registration and renewal. They also include a unique number (UID), which is not modifiable and is related to a fingerprint. At the same time, the competent authorities of issuance and issuance will keep an electronic file.
Asylum seeker’s card / Smart Card (Δ.Α.Δ.Π)
The following information shall be indicated in your asylum seeker’s card:
- A case number. This number will be requested every time you wish to contact the Asylum Service and know details about your case.
- The folder ID, which is your personal file number (ΧΧ/XXXXXXXXX). Any time you wish to file an application via the Online Platform of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, you will need to fill in your case number and your personal file.
- The duration of the validity of your card (indicated in the "Issue Validity" box) so as to know when you will need to renew it.
- Social Security and Medical Care Number (ΠΑΑΥΠΑ)
Important Notes:
- During the registration of your asylum application, you will receive a separate document that indicates the date of your asylum interview.
- The cards indicate whether the cardholder has a geographical restriction at the bottom. For example, if you are on Lesvos and have geographical restriction, the word “Lesvos" will be mentioned in the section "Geographical restriction".
- The "Issue-Validity" section indicates how long your card is valid. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS WHEN THE CARD NEEDS TO BE RENEWED!
- Renewal every "number of months": every 6 months and sometimes every 1 month, every 3 or even every 12 months. This is mentioned on the asylum card and starts in advance the renewal application. However, in case a negative decision is issued on your asylum application, your asylum card might be deactivated before the expiry date.
Your rights with Asylum Seeker’s smart card
- Stay legally in Greece until you get a final decision on your asylum application. Move freely throughout the country unless you have a “restriction of movement” stamp on your card.
- Get Housing
- Get cash assistance. Get healthcare
- Send your children to Greek public schools or attend a public evening school.
- Access free legal aid, usually provided by NGOs. No state-funded free legal aid is provided at first instance. Free state-funded legal aid is provided only for the appeal procedure.
- Find a job and work. You are allowed to legally work in Greece two months after the registration of your asylum application.
- Get a PAAYPA (Provisional Social Security and Health Care Number).
- Get a tax number (AFM).
Your asylum seeker’s card/smart card does not give you the right to:
- Travel outside Greece
- Bring family members to Greece
After your Registration appointment, you must stay in Greece. You must carry your asylum seeker’s card with you at all times.
Ask a legal aid organisation for advice if you have questions about your specific case. The interview is a lengthy and complicated process determining whether you will be given international protection (refugee or subsidiary protection status), so a legal professional can help you be better prepared.
During the interview:
Do not withhold any information or documents. At any other interviews you have, the information you provide at the Full Registration interview will be available to the person in charge of your file.