Immigration Law · European Union
Navigate Refugee Law With a Specialist Who Knows the Rules
Refugee law governs who is entitled to protection, what status they receive, and what rights attach to it — and the framework spans international treaties, EU rules and national procedure. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted refugee lawyer who handles protection cases across Europe every day.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
Refugee status is not a single decision — it is a legal status with rights, duties and conditions
Refugee law is the body of international, EU and national rules that determines who qualifies for protection, what status they receive, and what rights and duties attach to that status. It begins with the definition of a refugee under international law — someone outside their country with a well-founded fear of persecution — but extends much further: to subsidiary protection for those who do not meet that test but still cannot return safely, to family reunification, to the rights to work, housing and education, and to the conditions under which status can be withdrawn or refused. The framework is layered and technical, and it is applied through national procedures that differ from country to country. A specialist helps you understand where you stand within this framework, what you are entitled to, and how to protect your position as your circumstances evolve.
Where rights are lost
The law protects you — if you know how it applies to you.
Most people only learn the detail after something goes wrong.
Refugee law is layered across international treaties, EU rules and national procedure, and rights can be lost through small procedural missteps.
Understanding your actual status
Different forms of protection — refugee status, subsidiary protection, temporary protection — carry different rights, durations and renewal conditions. Knowing which applies to you, and what you are entitled to, is fundamental.
Renewal and review conditions
Status is rarely permanent. Reviews, renewals and conditions can trigger withdrawal or refusal if not handled correctly, and the grounds for withdrawing protection are wider than many realise.
Family reunification
Bringing family members to join you involves its own eligibility rules, evidence and deadlines, and errors here are common and costly when your status is already precarious.
What you get
A refugee lawyer who protects your status and your rights
We only match you with lawyers who handle protection and refugee law matters regularly in your host country.
Status clarification
Your lawyer explains exactly what protection status you hold or may qualify for, what rights attach to it, and what conditions, renewals or reviews apply to your case.
Rights enforcement
Where your rights — to work, housing, education or family life — are being denied, your lawyer advises and acts to enforce them through the correct channels.
Renewal & retention
Renewals, reviews and any risk of withdrawal are managed carefully and proactively, so your protection status is not put at risk through a procedural error or a missed deadline.
Family reunification
You get guidance and representation on bringing eligible family members to join you, with the correct evidence assembled and the application filed within the applicable deadlines.
Coverage
Refugee lawyers across Europe
Refugee law is applied nationally within an international and EU framework, so the right lawyer is one who works with your host country’s protection system and its specific procedures. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Refugee law — common questions
What is the difference between refugee status and subsidiary protection?
Refugee status is granted to those with a well-founded fear of persecution on specified grounds. Subsidiary protection is granted to those who do not meet that test but would face a real risk of serious harm if returned. Both confer protection, but the rights, duration and conditions can differ.
What rights do I have once I am recognised as a refugee?
Recognised refugees are generally entitled to rights including residence, the right to work, access to education and healthcare, travel documents, and the possibility of family reunification. The precise scope varies by country and may be subject to conditions, so it is worth confirming your specific entitlements.
Can my refugee status be taken away?
In limited circumstances, yes — for example where the circumstances that justified protection have ceased to exist, or where serious grounds such as fraud or a serious crime apply. The standards are strict, but any withdrawal procedure should be taken seriously and handled with legal advice.
Can my family join me if I am a refugee?
In many cases, yes — recognised refugees may be able to reunite with eligible family members such as a spouse or children, subject to eligibility rules, evidence requirements and deadlines. The rules vary by country and by the type of protection you hold.
What is temporary protection, and how does it differ?
Temporary protection is an exceptional measure sometimes activated in response to a mass influx, granting immediate but time-limited protection without individual status determination. Its rights and duration differ from those of refugee status or subsidiary protection, and it is subject to renewal.
Do I need a lawyer to deal with refugee law issues?
You are not required to have one, but the framework is layered and technical, and the stakes are high. A lawyer can clarify your status and rights, help with renewals and family reunification, and represent you in any review or withdrawal procedure.
Free case review
Understand and protect your status under refugee law
Tell us your situation and we’ll connect you with a refugee lawyer who handles protection cases in your host country every day — free of charge, and in confidence, with no obligation to hire.