Greece

Greece work visas: Blue Card, Tech Visa and Talent Visa

Routes to work in Greece after the 2026 reform: the Blue Card, the new Tech and Talent visas and employer-sponsored hiring.

2 min read Updated

Contents
  1. Work routes
  2. Key single-permit rules
  3. Family
  4. Frequently asked questions

Law 5275/2026 (since 6 February 2026) widened the routes to work in Greece: the Blue Card now lasts 3 years, a new Tech visa for startup jobs and a Talent visa for graduates of leading universities were added, and work permits became a single permit (residence and work on one card).

Work routes

RouteMain requirementDuration
EU Blue CardHigher education and a salary of at least 1.6× Greece's average gross salary3 years, 3-year renewals
Tech VisaEmployment at a startup registered with Elevate Greece, a contract of at least 12 months and 1.6× the average salary12-month visa
Talent VisaA bachelor's, master's or PhD from the last 5 years at a university listed in at least 2 international rankings12 months to find work or start an activity
Employer-sponsored hiringA contract of at least 6 months within the annual quota3 years, 5-year renewals

Key single-permit rules

  • Pay and working conditions equal to Greek workers.
  • You must stay with the first employer for 6 months, except in cases of abuse.
  • Unemployment of up to 3 months (6 for long-term residents) does not end the permit.
  • The decision deadline is 90 days, extendable by 30.
  • You can now switch permit type while your card is still valid.

Family

Blue Card holders' families come without a waiting period and may work. For other workers, reunification is usually possible after 2 years of residence. Family reunification

Frequently asked questions

What is the Greek Talent Visa?

A 12-month visa for recent graduates (last 5 years) of internationally ranked universities to find work or start an activity in Greece.

How long is the Greek Blue Card valid?

From 2026, 3 years, renewable for 3-year periods.

Can I change employer on a Tech Visa?

No. The Tech Visa is tied to employment at the same startup.

Based on Law 5275/2026; confirm the exact 2026 Blue Card salary with us before applying.

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