Greece Residence Permit Reform 2026: Key Highlights of the Draft of Immigration Law

• 14 January, 26

The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum has recently released a draft law bill focused on modernizing migration policy, with measures to facilitate legal migration and streamline procedures for residence and work permits, which is currently under public consultation until January 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Following the consultation period, the bill is expected to be swiftly submitted to Parliament and will officially enter into force after publication in the Government Gazette.

The proposed legislation aims to establish a more efficient, transparent, and stable legal migration system, while maintaining strict measures against illegal immigration. At the same time, it seeks to provide greater security and clarity for legally residing third-country nationals, in line with Greece’s economic development and social governance needs.

Major Extension of Residence Permit Validity

One of the most significant reforms introduced by the draft law concerns residence permit duration.

The bill explicitly states that, except for cases involving public order or national security, all residence permits classified as “secure categories” must have a minimum validity of at least two years, whether issued for the first time or upon renewal. Standard residence permits will now be issued with an initial validity of three years, renewable for the same period.

If, due to administrative processing delays, a permit has less than two years of remaining validity at the time of approval or renewal, authorities are required to automatically extend the permit so that it remains valid for at least two years from the approval date. This reform is designed to eliminate the problem of frequent permit renewals.

Fully Digitalized Application and Renewal Process

Under the proposal, all residence permit applications and renewals will be submitted exclusively online through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s integrated electronic system.

This includes:

• Document submission
  • Fee payments
  • Requests for additional documents
  • Receipt of official notifications and decisions

Applications will no longer be assigned based on the applicant’s place of residence. Instead, the system will automatically allocate cases to immigration offices with the lowest backlog, helping to balance workloads nationwide and significantly speed up processing times.

Renewal applications must be submitted two months before permit expiration. Late submissions are allowed within three months after expiration, subject to a €100 fine per month. Applications submitted after three months will generally not be accepted.

More Flexible Student Residence and Post-Graduation Options

For third-country national students, the draft law introduces several favorable changes.

Student residence permits will be issued for the full duration of the study program. During their studies, students will be allowed to work part-time legally. After graduation, students will be granted an additional one-year residence permit to seek employment in Greece.

Those who choose to continue their education may change their residence permit category within Greece, without the need to leave the country.

Stricter Penalties for Illegal Immigration and Assistance

While legal migration procedures are being simplified, the draft law significantly tightens penalties for illegal immigration. Any individual who assists third-country nationals in illegal entry, illegal residence, or obstruction of law enforcement will face substantial fines and potential criminal liability.

If such assistance is provided by a legally residing third-country national, their residence permit will be immediately revoked on grounds of public order and security. Landlords who rent properties illegally, as well as agencies or individuals submitting false documentation, will also face severe legal consequences.

EU Blue Card and Ten-Year Residence Permit Clarified

The law confirms that the EU Blue Card will have a validity of three years, renewable for additional three-year periods, with flexibility based on the employment contract and passport validity.

In addition, Greece formally establishes a Ten-Year Residence Permit (M.2) for third-country nationals who have lived legally in Greece long-term, completed education in the country, or formed stable family ties with Greek citizens. Upon expiry, eligible holders may automatically convert this permit into a Long-Term Resident Permit (M.1).

A Shift Toward Stability and Long-Term Legal Residence

The draft marks a decisive shift in Greece’s immigration framework—from short-term permits and repetitive approvals toward a more stable, long-term, and efficient residence system.

Recent slowdowns in residence permit processing are largely due to these comprehensive structural changes. Once the law is fully implemented, Greece’s residence permit system is expected to become clearer, more orderly, and significantly more secure, offering greater stability and confidence to legal migrants.

Cre: 希中网