Dear Immigration friends,

Greece has recently published a draft immigration law that is currently under public consultation and introduces important changes to the framework for work authorisations, including the EU Blue Card and the new Tech and Talent visa categories. While the bill is still under consultation and amendments remain possible (though, in our experience, typically limited), we wanted to proactively share a high-level summary of the provisions relevant to the immigration categories we support, as the law is expected to enter into force from early February and a practical transition period should be anticipated while Greek authorities and consulates align on the new procedures.

Content

The new draft migration bill currently under public consultation in Greece introduces a unified, fully digital single-permit system that combines residence and work authorization into one process, aiming to simplify procedures and significantly reduce processing times. It enhances the EU Blue Card framework by extending validity periods and streamlining renewals, while aligning with EU Directive 2024/1233 on a common procedure and set of rights for third-country nationals. The bill also strengthens mobility and flexibility for highly skilled employees, including clearer rules on employer changes and improved protection against labour-rights violations.

What to expect

A major innovation is the introduction of two new national visa categories: the Tech Visa for highly skilled workers in technology and digital sectors, and the Talent Visa for broader high-value professionals including scientists and researchers. These visas allow entry to Greece for the purpose of employment but do not grant work authorization by themselves; employment may begin only once the unified residence-and-work permit is issued after arrival. Together, these measures are designed to make Greece more competitive in attracting international talent, while providing a more efficient and predictable legal migration system.