The bill of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum entitled "Promotion of Legal Immigration Policies" was voted by the Plenary of the Parliament, aiming to establish a modern and effective framework for legal immigration, with the stated intention to act as a barrier to illegal immigration. According to the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, the bill meets both the needs of the Greek economy and the requirements of social cohesion and public security.
10 Questions and answers about the draft law
What is the main objective of the new regulations?
Promoting a modern legal immigration policy that reduces bureaucracy, speeds up procedures and meets real needs of the economy.
What is changing in residence permits?
A minimum validity period of two years is established and automatic renewal is introduced for ‘safe’ categories of permits, such as dependent employment.
How does the law improve the procedures for employing workers from third countries?
The transfer process is simplified, flexibility is given in changing employers, a minimum age limit is introduced and a fast-track process is provided for major projects and strategic investments.
What is the role of Temporary Employment Agencies?
They are added to the list of potential employers, expanding the possibilities for legal employment of workers from third countries.
What is provided for highly skilled workers?
New visa categories are introduced (tech visa, talent visa), consular procedures are simplified and the duration of the Blue Card residence permit is increased.
What changes for students from third countries?
Residence permits are granted equal to the duration of studies, the right to part-time employment and the possibility to stay after graduation and seek employment are provided.
How is the integration of beneficiaries of international protection enhanced?
Through vocational training programs and access to work in sectors with shortages, reducing dependency on benefits and enhancing social and economic inclusion.
How is cooperation with third countries strengthened?
The bill promotes bilateral interstate agreements with countries of origin, with an emphasis on both the legal mobility of workers and cooperation on the returns of persons staying illegally in Greece and on the fight against illegal immigration.
What is changing in the operating framework of NGOs?
Transparency is enhanced, criminal sanctions for involvement in trafficking are tightened, and privileged partnerships are abolished, with contracts awarded only through tenders.
How is legal immigration now strengthened?
The new regulations establish a clear, fast and functional framework for legal immigration, with less bureaucracy, permanent residence permits, flexible employment procedures and targeted attraction of workers and scientists who meet the real needs of the Greek economy.
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum | Υπουργείο Μετανάστευσης και Ασύλου (5 February, 2026), Ψηφίστηκε κατά πλειοψηφία από τη Βουλή το σχέδιο νόμου «Προώθηση Πολιτικών Νόμιμης Μετανάστευσης» [Bill on "Promotion of Legal Immigration Policies" was voted by a majority in the Parliament],