This provision was abolished on 6 February 2026. However, an exception is provided for third-country nationals or stateless persons who entered Greece as unaccompanied minors and who, at the time of the entry into force of this law (06.02.2026), are enrolled in secondary general or vocational education. These persons may submit an application for a 10-year residence permit under the regime that was in force prior to the entry into force of this law, provided that they meet all the required criteria at the time of submission.
Applications submitted before the entry into force of this law that are still pending shall be examined in accordance with the legal framework in force at the time of their submission.
Find below the criteria and documents required for your application. It is advisable to seek professional legal assistance before submitting your application to ensure that your file is complete.
Criteria to apply
If you arrived in Greece as an unaccompanied child, you may qualify for this permit if you meet the following criteria:
- Completion of three years of secondary education by the age of 23.
- No absence from Greece for more than two consecutive years.
- Full health coverage.
Required documents
During your application process, you will be required to submit the following documents:
- Copy of passport or travel document
- Document proving that you have entered Greece as an unaccompanied minor. This document must be issued by competent authorities such as the Asylum Service, Reception and Identification Service, General Secretariat for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, or the relevant Greek Police department. (Indicatively: registration form, age assessment decision, police note, placement in a shelter or long-term accommodation facility for minors)
- A solemn declaration verifying that you have not been absent from Greece for over two consecutive years.
- Documentation proves that you have completed at least three years of secondary education before your 23rd birthday.
Important Note: Certificates of attendance will not be accepted. You must submit proof of successful completion of at least three (3) classes of secondary education in a Greek school before the age of 23, each of which must qualify you for promotion to the next class.
The Ten-year Residence Permit might be automatically converted into a long-term residence permit provided that you haven’t been absent from Greece for more than 6 consecutive months and 10 months in total in the period of the last 5 years before the expiration of the residence permit.
If you meet the above criteria and you are enrolled in school at the issuance of the new law (06 February 2026) you can submit your application for the issuance of a 10-year residence permit online via the Ministry's respective platform.
You can find the application form here by clicking on the category: "LONG TERM RESIDENCE PERMITS - TEN-YEAR RESIDENCE PERMIT"