Status and rights of family members

Greece

Country Report: Status and rights of family members Last updated: 30/05/22

Author

Greek Council for Refugees Visit Website

According to Article 23 and Article 24 of IPA, family members of the beneficiary of international protection who do not individually qualify for such protection are entitled to a renewable residence permit, which must have the same duration as that of the beneficiary.

However, if the family has been formed after entry into Greece, the law requires the spouse to hold a valid residence permit at the time of entry into marriage in order to obtain a family member residence permit.[1]  This requirement is difficult to meet in practice and may undermine the right to family life, since one must already have a residence permit in order to qualify for a residence permit as a family member of a refugee. Moreover, after the implementation of the IPA, underage beneficiaries of international protection can no longer apply for the issuance of residence permit for their non-refugee parent.

[1] Article 24(4) IPA.

Table of contents

  • Statistics
  • Overview of the legal framework
  • Overview of the main changes since the previous report update
  • Asylum Procedure
  • Reception Conditions
  • Detention of Asylum Seekers
  • Content of International Protection
  • ANNEX I – Transposition of the CEAS in national legislation