Greece Launches Talent‑Attraction Visas to Boost Skilled Migration

Athens, Greece — Greece has officially launched talent-attraction visas to bring highly skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs from outside the European Union. The initiative is designed to address skill shortages, stimulate innovation, and position the country as a competitive destination for global talent. Government officials say the reforms mark a “new chapter” in modernizing Greece’s immigration system and boosting its economic growth.

The reforms introduce two main visa types: the Talent Visa (Z.15) and the Tech Visa (Z.13A).

The Talent Visa allows highly educated individuals to enter Greece without a job offer, search for work, or launch a business for an initial 12 months. It is extendable and permits family members to join, making it appealing for young professionals and international graduates seeking long-term opportunities.

The Tech Visa is targeted at foreign professionals hired by startups registered in Greece’s National Startup Registry. This visa grants immediate work authorization for one year, with the possibility of transitioning to longer-term residence permits. Together with a more accessible EU Blue Card, the new visas aim to attract talent to sectors such as technology, research, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Applicants must meet education, financial, and basic language requirements to qualify, ensuring that incoming professionals can effectively integrate into the labor market. The government emphasizes that these pathways are designed to make Greece competitive with other global talent destinations, offering flexibility, family inclusion, and clear routes to long-term residency.

Officials say the visas are part of a broader economic and demographic strategy. “Attracting global talent is essential for Greece’s innovation and competitiveness,” a government spokesperson noted. By opening doors to skilled graduates, entrepreneurs, and tech experts, Greece aims to strengthen its economy, expand its innovation ecosystem, and enhance its standing as a modern, forward-looking destination in Europe.

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