The capturing of biometric data is based on national legislation which transposes EU legislation. Biometric data are the facial image as well as fingerprints. As part of this procedure, the applicant's signature is also captured. The main purpose of capturing biometric data is to identify the person and to effectively deal with the use of false travel documents and impersonation.

In the event that a person is reluctant or refuses to provide his/ her biometric data, the responsible officer will spend a reasonable amount of time explaining the reasons for obtaining biometric data, the time they are stored in the database, and that the collection of biometric data is a necessary condition for the issuance of the document since it arises from both EU and national law. It is reminded that fingerprints are deleted from the relevant database within 48 hours after the document has been issued and continue to be stored only on the issued document which is in the possession of its holder. If biometrics are not obtained, the application will be rejected and the document will not be issued.

For passports and identity cards, fingerprints are taken from everyone except people who, at the time of application submission, have not completed their twelfth year of age, and in cases of permanent inability to take fingerprints (see related question below). For permits/residence documents from everyone except people who, at the time of application submission, have not to reach their sixth year of age, from EU citizens. and in cases of permanent inability to take fingerprints (see related question below).

As a rule, two fingerprints are taken from each person, and in particular, the fingerprint of the index finger is taken from each hand.

No, according to the legislation fingerprints will be deleted from the database within 48 hours after the document has been issued. Fingerprints continue to be stored only on the document which is the possession of its holder.

In cases of permanent inability to provide fingerprints due to amputation: i. If it is impossible to take one or both of the specified fingerprints (right index and left index) due to the absence of an index, then the next available finger is taken in the order of priority (middle, ring, little/ pinky and thumb). This is applied for both hands if required. ii. In the case where is possible to take fingerprints from only one hand, then two fingerprints are taken from this hand in the same order of priority. iii. If there is only one finger then fingerprints are taken only from that finger. iv. In the case of complete amputation of the hands, fingerprints are obviously not taken. In cases of temporary inability to provide fingerprints: i. When a person has a temporary problem with the tips of the fingers (eg blisters, cuts, burns) he/ she is not exempted from providing fingerprints and if two fingers are available as mentioned above. ii. If fingers are temporarily unavailable on either one or both hands (e.g. hands are fully covered by a bandage) then the application remains pending and the person concerned must revisit the service office as soon as possible. Practical issues that may arise: The ability to capture fingerprints may be affected in situations where the fingers are too wet or too dry. For this reason, wet wipes and paper towels can be used, as the case may be.

Illiterate persons or elderly people who cannot sign are not exempted from obtaining a signature. In these cases these persons may use an alternative way of signing by submitting a symbol that they usually use in place of the signature (e.g. "+" or "X"). In cases of permanent inability to obtain a signature for medical reasons, it is not necessary to obtain a signature. In cases of temporary inability to take a signature (e.g. hand/fingers in a bandage) applicants are not exempted from providing a signature. In this case the application remains pending and the person concerned must revisit the service office to complete the process as soon as possible.

Yes, provided that the photo meets biometric photo specifications. You can see the specifications in the following link (available only in Geek) Προδιαγραφές βιομετρικών φωτογραφιών

The general rule for taking biometric photos is that they accurately reflect the real features of the face. High-quality photographs are essential to correctly reproduce the image to be used on documents. It is extremely important to strictly follow the relevant specifications in order to avoid rejection of the document issuance during the quality control stage. You can see the specifications in the following link (available only in Geek) Προδιαγραφές βιομετρικών φωτογραφιών

The general rule is that the process of obtaining biometrics is followed under the same conditions and in the appropriate manner in all cases. However, a person's religious or cultural sensitivities are respected and every effort is made to accommodate them. For example, if for religious/cultural reasons a person requests that biometric data be taken by an Officer of the same sex, where possible this is met. If no staff of the same gender is available this will be explained to the person concerned and alternative options will be given (eg arranging an appointment when staff of the same gender is available or coordinating with another service office to refer the person concerned). Other cases are treated in the same way, such as when an interested person requests that the procedure be done without the close presence of other persons other than the responsible officer. The above does not exempt applicants from the requirements/ specifications for biometric photos, or the requirement for fingerprints and signature.