What must one do to stay permanently in Greece?
The temporary protection status you will receive automatically, according to the required procedures, after entering Greece covers your legal residence in the country for at least one year. If you wish to stay longer in Greece, you can apply for a residence permit under the Migration Code, provided that you meet the requirements for the granting of a particular residence permit.
More specifically, as of 31st March 2024, beneficiaries of temporary protection may apply for one of the categories of residence permits under the Migration Code without a visa requirement, provided that they do so before 4 March 2025. The time limit may be extended accordingly based on a new decision of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Applying for the issuance of a residence permit under the Migration Code constitutes withdrawal from temporary protection, which takes effect from the date of the issuance of the residence permit. If the application for another residence permit is rejected, the applicant shall continue to benefit from the temporary protection provisions.
As the issuance of a Ministerial Circular that will provide more information on this procedure is still pending, the provision is not yet applicable. Still, the RI team will be closely monitoring updates on this subject.
On the Ministry of Migration and Asylum website you can find information on the categories of residence permits of third-country nationals, as well as the required documents.
The application and the relevant documents will be submitted online via the website of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
Please bear in mind that there are numerous categories of residence permits under the Migration Law. However, we cannot provide a comprehensive list as the relevant Migration Legislation is complex, and each category has different requirements. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult with a trusted legal advisor or an organization providing legal aid. They can help you navigate the complexities of the process and determine whether you could fall under any of these categories, providing you with the necessary support and guidance.