Structural Reform of the Residence and Work Permit Framework
The Greek Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023, A’ 81) has been substantially amended by virtue of Law 5275/2026 (Law 5275/2026, A’17), published in the National Gov. Gazette on 06.02.2026 (FEK 17/A/06.02.2026).
Law 5275/2026 introduces a comprehensive reform of the residence and work permit regime, aligning Greek legislation with Directive (EU) 2024/1233 and restructuring key aspects of labor migration and mobility.
The reform establishes a single residence and work permit framework, introduces new targeted visa pathways, facilitates strategic investment projects and modernizes administrative processing mechanisms.
The main pillars of the reform include:
1. Implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1233, establishing a unified application procedure for combined residence and work permits and incorporating a single residence permit framework into the Immigration Code.
2. Introduction of new national visa categories, including the Tech Visa, Talent Visa, Specialized Technical Personnel Visa and Visiting Professor Visa, designed to attract highly qualified professionals and support key initiatives in the pharmaceutical, technology, and industrial sectors.
3. Fast-track admission procedures (Employer Recall/Invitation mechanism) for large-scale public or strategically significant investment projects.
4. Recognition of Temporary Employment Agencies (TEAs / ΕΠΑ) as direct employers for immigration purposes under specific eligibility conditions.
5. Reduction of administrative backlogs, through the granting of two-year validity to certain pending applications, together with broader reforms to residence permit durations and enhancements to processing procedures, including accelerated handling by Immigration Authorities.
6. Strengthened student mobility framework, by extending residence permits to cover the full duration of studies, permitting part-time employment, and introducing a one-year post-graduation residence option.
7. Introduction of AI-supported processing tools and reinforced compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
The reform reflects a broader policy shift towards procedural simplification, investment facilitation and enhanced predictability within the Greek migration system.
Contact our team at: corporate_immigration@machas-partners.com for more information.
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