Question 1

What are the main work permit routes in Greece?

Accepted Answer

The main routes are the standard employment residence permit, the EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers, and — new from February 2026 — the Tech Visa and Talent Visa. Greece also offers seasonal, digital nomad, and investment routes.

Question 2

What are the new Tech and Talent visas?

Accepted Answer

Launched on 6 February 2026, the Tech Visa is for foreign nationals working at a registered Greek tech start-up. It provides immediate work authorisation, while the Talent Visa lets foreign postgraduates enter Greece to seek employment. A Specialised Technical Personnel visa is also available.

Question 3

What is the EU Blue Card threshold in Greece?

Accepted Answer

The EU Blue Card requires at least 6 months of employment and a salary of at least 1.6 times the average gross annual salary in Greece, which is updated annually and is currently around €32,000 per year. Following the 2026 reform, the card is now valid for three years.

Question 4

How long does a standard Greek work permit take?

Accepted Answer

It varies, and historically the system faced backlogs that are now easing with digital reforms. The EU Blue Card has a 30-day decision for recognised employers, and the Tech Visa provides immediate work authorisation.

Question 5

What changed in Greece in 2026?

Accepted Answer

From 6 February 2026, Greece launched Tech and Talent visas, raised the EU Blue Card validity from two to three years with simpler rules, reduced the standard work permit contract requirement to six months, and extended the post-unemployment grace period.

Question 6

How much does a Greek work visa cost?

Accepted Answer

The residence permit card printing fee is around €16, with no fee for express issuance, plus the national (type D) visa fee, which varies by consulate. Apostille, translation, and insurance are extra.

Question 7

Which jobs are most in demand in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Tourism and hospitality (especially seasonal), shipping and maritime (Greece is the world’s largest shipping nation), construction and infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Tourism and seasonal work absorb the most foreign workers.

Question 8

How much can I earn in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Salaries are at the lower end of the EU and paid in euros, with shipping, IT, and specialised roles paying the most and seasonal work the least. The cost of living, especially outside Athens and the popular islands, is among the lowest in the eurozone.

Question 9

Can my family come with me to Greece?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spouses and minor children can obtain residence permits through family reunification, and spouses gain immediate access to the labour market, often without language requirements, as well as access to healthcare and schooling.

Question 10

Can I get permanent residence in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term residence. EU Blue Card holders benefit from cumulated time across EU countries, and investment routes such as the Golden Visa offer alternative long-term residence.

Question 11

Do I need a labour-market test?

Accepted Answer

For the standard employment permit, usually yes. The EU Blue Card and the new talent routes have reduced or waived labour-market testing, which makes them faster and more attractive for qualifying professionals.

Question 12

Is Greece good for shipping professionals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Greece is the world’s largest shipping nation, with the maritime cluster centred on Piraeus. Ship managers, maritime engineers, and operations specialists are in strong, year-round demand.

Question 13

Do I need to speak Greek to work in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Not for many international, shipping, and tech roles, which often operate in English, though Greek helps with daily life and is generally required for regulated professions. Your employment contract is concluded in Greek.

Question 14

What documents do I need for a Greek work visa?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid passport, a written employment contract in Greek, proof of qualifications (recognised for regulated professions), evidence tha the salary meets the threshold, proof of health insurance, the employer’s recruitment announcement where required, and proof of accommodation where required.

Question 15

What is EFKA?

Accepted Answer

EFKA is Greece’s Unified Social Security Fund. Your employer must register you with EFKA on or before your first day of work; late registration is a separate violation and can also jeopardise your immigration compliance.

Question 16

Can I do seasonal work in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Greece offers seasonal work permits for agriculture and tourism, reflecting its huge summer demand, often arranged under bilateral agreements with specific countries. Seasonal routes generally do not lead to permanent residence.

Question 17

What happens if I lose my job in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Under the 2026 reform, work permit holders who become unemployed can remain in Greece for three months, or up to six months if they have been in Greece for two years — more generous than the previous two-month limit.

Question 18

Can I move to Greece on an EU Blue Card from another country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EU Blue Card holders from another member state can transfer to Greece after 12 months of prior residence, reduced from 18 months under the reforms, under simplified intra-EU mobility rules.

Question 19

Is there a digital nomad option in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Greece offers a Digital Nomad permit for remote workers serving foreign employers or clients. You cannot work for a Greek employer on this route, which is separate from the employment-based permits.

Question 20

Do my qualifications need to be recognised?

Accepted Answer

For regulated professions, yes — recognition under the relevant rules is required. Foreign documents generally need an apostille and a certified Greek translation to be accepted.

Question 21

Why was my Greek work visa rejected?

Accepted Answer

Common reasons include a salary below the Blue Card threshold, a negative labour-market test, unrecognised qualifications, missing EFKA registration, documents not apostilled or translated, or an incomplete application.

Question 22

Can moving2europe.eu help me move to Greece?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We identify the right route — standard permit, EU Blue Card, or Tech/Talent visa — handle qualification recognition and documents, liaise with Greek employers, and manage the visa, residence permit, EFKA registration, and family reunification from start to finish.