I'm a crime victim in another EU country. What rights do I have?

What the Law Says

The EU’s Victims’ Rights Directive (2012/29/EU) establishes minimum standards for the rights, support, and protection of victims of crime across all EU Member States.

This Directive applies to all victims of crime — including those who are not nationals or residents of the country where the crime occurred. It ensures your rights are respected regardless of where you live in the EU.

You must receive timely and understandable information about your rights, the progress of the case, and available support services — no later than 30 days after reporting the crime. You’re entitled to free, accessible victim support services before, during, and after criminal proceedings.

You have the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings — including during interviews, hearings, and when receiving official documents. You also have the right to be protected from intimidation and secondary victimisation, especially in cases involving violence, sexual crime, or trafficking.

Statutory Text

Member States shall ensure that victims are entitled to receive, without undue delay, information about their rights… within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date on which they report the crime.

— Directive 2012/29/EU, Art. 6(1)

Statutory Text

Member States shall ensure that victims have the right to receive interpretation and translation in accordance with Directive 2010/64/EU… in criminal proceedings.

— Directive 2012/29/EU, Art. 18(1)

Statutory Text

Member States shall ensure that victims have the right to protection… taking into account the nature and circumstances of the crime, in particular where there is a risk of intimidation or retaliation.

— Directive 2012/29/EU, Art. 22(1)

What to Do

Sources