Greece: Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Extended to 4 March 2027 — Permits Renewed Automatically

Greece has extended temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine until 4 March 2027. This follows a decision by the Council of the European Union, which applies to all member states, and is confirmed by the official page of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. For most Ukrainians in Greece this means one thing: your status and permit remain valid without any action on your part.

What exactly has changed

At EU level, the Council adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1460, which extended temporary protection for persons displaced from Ukraine by one more year — until 4 March 2027. The European Commission proposed this extension on 4 June 2025, member states endorsed it on 13 June 2025, and the Council formally adopted the decision on 15 July 2025 (published in the Official Journal of the EU on 24 July 2025).

Greece has implemented this decision at the national level. The basis is Decision No. 4507 of the Minister of Migration and Asylum dated 9 January 2026. According to information from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the validity of temporary protection residence permits has been automatically extended until 4 March 2027.

Who the automatic extension applies to

The extension applies automatically to permits whose validity expired on the following dates:

• 4 March 2023;
• 4 September 2023;
• 4 March 2024;
• 4 March 2025;
• 4 March 2026.

All these permits are considered valid until 4 March 2027 even without a new date being printed on the document itself. You do not need to contact the government authorities, submit an application or physically renew the document to keep your legal status.

What the temporary protection permit provides

According to the ministry's clarifications, a temporary protection residence permit issued in Greece simultaneously:

• is a legal basis for residence in the country;
• serves as a work permit;
• is a document that proves identity and confirms the status of a temporary protection beneficiary.

If you plan to travel abroad

The automatic extension applies within Greece without any additional steps. However, the physical card may still show the old expiry date, which complicates travel outside the country. Therefore, from 16 February 2026, those planning to travel abroad can renew their physical permit in person.

To do this, you need to contact an asylum office in one of the regions:

• Attica;
• Thessaloniki;
• Western Greece;
• Crete;
• Rhodes.

You should bring your travel tickets — in printed or electronic form. The renewal is carried out without a prior appointment, on working days during public reception hours.

Newcomers from Ukraine

Persons arriving in Greece from Ukraine for the first time continue to receive temporary protection under the standard procedure. The permits issued to them will be valid until 4 March 2027.

What happens after 4 March 2027

For now, temporary protection is guaranteed until 4 March 2027. At EU level, a coordinated transition strategy is being discussed: supporting the integration of those who remain, facilitating voluntary return to Ukraine, and the option to change residence status for those who work or study. Specific national rules for the period after March 2027 may still be clarified — follow updates from official sources.

Verify information only on official resources: the page of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum for displaced persons from Ukraine.