Greece: Relaxed EU Blue Card Rules Implemented; EU ICT ‘Pre Screening’ Introduced
April 8, 2024
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At a Glance
- Effective March 8, 2024, Greece has relaxed the application process for EU Blue Cards, while introducing ‘pre-screening’ restrictions for the EU ICT permit.
- As a result, foreign nationals in Greece either with visa-exempt status or on a short-stay visa (‘C Visa’) can now apply for an EU Blue Card, while all EU Blue Card applicants now only need to show that the duration of their employment contract is for at least six months.
- However, EU ICT permit applications will now be subject to ‘pre-screening’ prior to being sent to the relevant Greek consular post for processing – a process which may add up to 40 days to processing timeframes.
- These changes may increase uptake of the EU Blue Card in Greece; while conversely reducing the attractiveness of the EU ICT permit.
The situation
Effective March 8, 2024, Greece has relaxed requirements for the EU Blue Card, while introducing ‘pre-screening’ restrictions for the EU ICT permit.
A closer look
| CHANGE | IMPACT |
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Simplified EU Blue Card application process.
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This is likely to simplify, cheapen and expedite the EU Blue Card application process, especially for visa-exempt nationals. This is particularly significant for foreign nationals who live in countries where Greek consular posts can provide only limited appointments or are subject to delays amid a high caseload. Accordingly, this change may increase uptake of the EU Blue Card in Greece. |
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Reduced work contract duration. EU Blue Card applicants now only need to show an employment contract of at least a six-month duration (down from the previous nine months). |
This change will grant employers more flexibility in terms of crafting employment terms, including allowing the hiring of individuals for shorter periods. Accordingly, this change may increase uptake of the EU Blue Card in Greece. |
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EU ICT permit pre-screening. The Greek Ministry of Immigration will now review and sign off on all EU ICT permit applications prior to the application being sent to the relevant Greek consular post for further processing.
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This additional step is expected to add an additional 40 days to the standard government processing time frame. |
Background
The EU Blue Card changes are being made in the context of efforts to increase the attractiveness of the EU Blue Card (while also adhering to certain elements of the revised EU Blue Card directive), including making it the favored option for local hires while also serving as a more expansive replacement for the now eliminated senior level employee permit. Additionally, the government is trying to reduce the number of intra-corporate transferees as part of further efforts to favor local hires (whether local workers or foreign nationals under the Blue Card scheme) over foreign national intra-corporate transferees.
Looking ahead
It is expected that further related policy developments will be forthcoming. We will continue to monitor developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
