Greece: immigration

How many people seek asylum in Greece?

55,380 people applied for asylum in Greece for the first time in 2025, down from 68,995 in 2024, according to Eurostat. There were 57,900 in 2023 and 29,135 in 2022.

First-time applicants are counted once, so repeat applications are excluded. Applications are a count of claims, not of decisions; many applicants are refused or move on to other countries. The Ministry of Migration and Asylum publishes national figures on arrivals, applications and decisions.

Official sources: Eurostat: Asylum applicants by citizenship (migr_asyappctza) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum

How many refugees live in Greece?

Greece hosted 134,563 refugees and 31,928 asylum seekers in 2025, according to the UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. The refugee count was 116,450 in 2024.

UNHCR's refugee figure counts people recognised as refugees or given similar protection who live in the country, whenever they arrived. It falls when people leave or become citizens. UNHCR also counts 3,743 stateless people in Greece.

Official sources: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

How many residence permits does Greece issue?

Greece issued 69,786 first residence permits to people from outside the EU in 2025, down from 87,932 in 2024, according to Eurostat. There were 70,921 in 2023 and 58,889 in 2022.

First permits are those given to a person for the first time, or after a gap of at least six months; renewals are not counted. Eurostat breaks them down by reason: work, family, study and other.

Official sources: Eurostat: First permits by reason, length of validity and citizenship (migr_resfirst)

How many immigrants live in Greece?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Greece was 14.2% in 2024. That compares with 11.5% in 2015. It is 21st highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 11.7%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 44th highest.

Are more people leaving Greece than arriving?

In 2025, net migration in Greece was 16,636, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was 36,762 in 2019 and the low -160,277 in 2021. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Greece is 14th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 36th highest.

How many refugees live in Greece?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 134,563. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 192,384; its low point was 2010, at 1,443. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 62,365, and Greece placed 18th highest of 50. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 45th highest.

How many refugees have fled Greece?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Greece at 94 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 333; its low point was 2012, at 48. Europe & Central Asia median: 533; Greece is 37th highest of 49. World rank, highest first: 153rd of 189.

How big are remittances in Greece's economy?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 0.2% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.2% of GDP (2017) to 0.8% of GDP (2007). It is 41st highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 1.4% of GDP. Worldwide: 106th of 127.