In 2022, 59 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Greece (excluding EU citizens), 24% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 10% labour migrants, 27% family members (including accompanying family), 2% who came for education reasons and 62% other migrants. Around 300 short-term permits were issued to third-country students. In addition, 22 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 64% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 99%, to reach around 58 000. The majority of applicants came from Syria (14 000), Afghanistan (8 800) and the West Bank and Gaza Strip (6 700). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Syria (9 600) and the largest decrease nationals of Pakistan (‑600). Of the 40 000 decisions taken in 2023, 62% were positive.
Emigration of Greek citizens to OECD countries increased by 18% in 2022, to 33 000. Approximately 36% of this group migrated to Germany, 19% to the Netherlands and 6% to Switzerland.
Following the general elections in June 2023, a new set of migration policy priorities were introduced: ensure border protection in line with international and European obligations, promote social cohesion and integration of migrants, address labour shortages in key sectors through organised legal migration, combat smuggling of migrants, and enhance return and sustainable reintegration.
The new Migration Code (Law 5 038/2023) entered into force on 31 March 2024. The new Code simplifies a number of procedures and enhances efficiency through digitalisation. It reduces the number of residence permit types as well as documentary requirements for permit renewals. Initial permit duration was raised from two to three years. An important provision concerns second-generation migrants born in Greece, who are now entitled to receive 10‑year residence permits (up from the previous maximum five years), with full access to the labour market.
The application process for the EU Blue Card was simplified and the right to apply extended to third country workers with a visa‑exempt status or on C Visa (short-stay). The minimum contract duration requirement was lowered from nine to six months.
By legislative amendment (art.193, law 5078/2023), a time‑limited opportunity for regularisation was offered to undocumented workers who were residing in Greece for at least 3 years before 30 November 2023, continue to reside in the country and have been offered a valid job offer. This opportunity is available until 31 December 2024. By the end of May 2024, 19 600 applications have been submitted, 10 000 of which had been processed and approved by early July 2024.
Further initiatives undertaken include a bilateral agreement with Egypt, ratified in January 2023, to facilitate seasonal migration in the agricultural sector. The agreement covers 5 000 workers in the first pilot year of implementation (2024). Additionally, an MoU with Bangladesh entered in force in September 2022. It includes provisions for granting residence permit to up to 15 000 Bangladeshi nationals already residing in Greece, the admission of 4 000 workers per year to work in the agricultural and other sectors of the economy, as well as provisions on promoting efficient return. The government intends to conclude more bilateral agreements with key partner countries, to respond to labour market needs and combat irregular migration.
In March 2024, the Minister of Migration and Asylum presented a plan for the introduction of a “Talent Visa” and a “Tech Visa” aimed at attracting third-country graduates. The one‑year Tech Visa will allow the holder to work, change employers or become self-employed during the visa period without additional authorisation. The Talent Visa will be open to tertiary-level students who graduated in the last five years, without a Greek language proficiency requirement, provided they are proficient in English.
In April 2024, the eligibility threshold for the real estate investment “Golden Visa” was raised to between EUR 400 000 and EUR 800 000, depending on the region, and the number of properties a single investor can acquire in a given area is now limited.
Further information: www.migration.gov.gr | www.astynomia.gr | www.statistics.gr
