Asylum Seekers' Right to Work

Applicants for international protection gain access to the labour market 60 days after their application is registered, provided no first-instance decision has been issued and the delay is not their fault. No separate permit is needed: access lasts as long as the applicant card is valid; every job or start of self-employment must be reported to the reception authority. There is no access (or it is withdrawn) when the application is examined under the accelerated procedure or the border procedure, and it ends when a rejection without suspensive effect is served. Hiring may depend on whether the post can be filled by Greeks, EU citizens or legal residents. Beneficiaries of international protection (recognised refugees and holders of subsidiary protection) have full access to the labour market without waiting, except for posts that involve the exercise of public authority (Article 171 of Law 5307/2026).