Greece: Significant Immigration Reforms Include Tech and Talent Visa, Liberalizing EU Blue Card

March 16, 2026

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Country / Territory

At a Glance

  • Greece introduced a Tech Visa and a Talent Visa, expanding its ability to attract highly skilled foreign talent. 
  • The government also extended the validity period for the EU Blue Card and eased rules regarding the allowable application submission period.   
  • Lastly, a new Specialized Technical Personnel visa allows foreign nationals to transfer from a company in a third country to a Greek company for major projects for a 12-month period. 
  • Implementing guidance is expected to be published in the near future. Such guidance includes document lists, procedural clarifications, and processing steps – all of which are necessary for the practical functioning of the legislative changes. 

The situation 

On February 6, 2026, changes to Greece’s immigration law went into effect, including a Tech Visa and a Talent Visa, and improvements to the country’s EU Blue Card rules. 

A closer look 

DETAILS 

IMPACT  

Tech and Talent Visas:  

  • The Tech Visa is open to foreign nationals who will work for a registered tech start-up in Greece. It provides immediate work authorization. As a general rule, Tech Visa holders will not be able to change employers, and they will lose their immigration status if their employment ceases. 
  • The Talent Visa is open to foreign nationals with advanced university qualifications (at least a Master’s degree), and allows them to enter the country and search for employment (though it does not grant work rights). Once employment is secured, the foreign national can then transition to the appropriate work and residence permit. 
  • Both visas are valid for 12 months and allow conversion to an EU Blue Card (assuming standard EU Blue Card eligibility requirements are met).  

These new visa categories expand Greece’s ability to attract highly skilled foreign talent. There is also a clear drive to boost talent retention, as evidenced by opening of the possibility to convert to an EU Blue Card. 

EU Blue Card. The validity period for Greek EU Blue Cards has been extended to three years (up from two years). Additionally, applications can now be submitted up to three months after the permit expires (up from one month). 

These changes make the EU Blue Card more attractive for employers by reducing renewal frequency, administrative burden and compliance risks. Notably, the expanded post-expiry filing window reduces the risk of inadvertent loss of immigration status due to internal administrative challenges. 

Specialized Personnel Visa:  

  • Greece has also created a new Specialized Technical Personnel visa, allowing foreign nationals to transfer from a company in a third country to a Greek company for major projects (including, industrial, technological, or pharmaceutical projects) for a 12-month period. Although there must be a service agreement between the two corporate entities, they do not need to be part of a shared corporate group.  
  • Among other requirements, the project value must exceed EUR 10 million.  
  • Visa holders may convert to an EU Blue Card (assuming standard EU Blue Card eligibility requirements are met). 

This visa will assist businesses to manage single-project talent challenges more efficiently, especially where certain critical skills exist within the corporate structure but are not currently present in Greece.  

 

Additionally, this scheme may also result in increased talent retention via the possibility of pivoting to an EU Blue Card. 

Other changes include: 

      • Standard work permit applicants now only need a work contract of at least six months (up from one year). 
      • Unemployment. Work permit holders who become unemployed can now remain in country for three months – and up to six months if they have been in Greece for two years. Previously, this period was generally limited to two months. 
      • Foreign nationals with certain permits no longer need to leave Greece to change the purpose of their permit; while Z Visa holders can now apply for a Residence Permit without leaving Greece (as was previously required).  

Background 

The talent-oriented residence categories reflect both Greece’s obligation to align with evolving EU migration frameworks and a broader national strategy to attract investment, innovation, and highly skilled professionals in the technology sector. Greece’s information and technology sector is projected to increase to EUR 10.4 billion by 2029 (around 4.6% of GDP) – boosting talent in this space will be critical. 

Looking ahead 

Implementing guidance is expected to be published in the near future. Such guidance includes document lists, procedural clarifications, and processing steps – all of which are necessary for the practical functioning of the legislative changes. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen. 

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