Greece passed a major new immigration law in 2026 that reshapes how foreign workers are hired, modernising a system that had been patched together for years. This guide explains the latest rules in plain English.

The law is very new and detailed guidance is still being issued, so always confirm the current requirements before you act.

The Big Picture

Citizens of the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland can work freely in Greece. For other workers, Law 5275/2026, in force as of 6 February 2026, transposes the EU Single Permit Directive and introduces a single application for a combined residence and work permit. A complete application must be decided within 90 days, and the resulting single permit covers both residence and labour-market access.

Quotas and the Main Work Route

Each year,r a Cabinet Act sets the maximum number of dependent and seasonal positions by sector, with the ability to raise them by up to 15% for urgent needs and to set country-specific quotas. The standard dependent-employment permit (Type E.4) now needs a contract of at least six months (down from one year), carries a fee of about EUR 200 per worker, and is valid for three years, renewable at five-year intervals. Permits are now generally issued for three years initially, up from two.

New Routes and a Liberalised Blue Card

• A new Tech Visa gives immediate work authorisation to people hired by a registered Greek tech start-up.
• A new Talent Visa (Z.15) offers a 12-month national visa for highly qualified individuals to seek work or run a project and is convertible into an EU Blue Card.
• The EU Blue Card was liberalised, generally needing about 1.5 times the average gross annual salary, with in-country applications now possible for some.

Other Useful Changes

Workers who lose their jobs can stay for up to three months to find new work, or up to six months after two years in Greece. Renewals can be filed up to three months after expiry (with a small monthly fine). Seasonal work is available for up to nine months in any 12 months, with processing typically taking 30 to 60 days through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s online system.

What Foreign Workers and Employers Should Do

• Check whether quota space is available for the sector and role.
• Use the single application and file renewals on time.
• For skilled roles, consider the Tech Visa, Talent Visa or EU Blue Card.
• Register the employee with the social security fund (EFKA) before the first day.

Quick Summary

1. Law 5275/2026 created a single permit to be decided within 90 days.
2. Sector quotas are set yearly, and the standard permit needs only a six-month contract.
3. New Tech and Talent visas and a liberalised EU Blue Card target skilled workers.
4. Seasonal work runs for up to 9 months and is processed digitally.