Skip to content
Greece has quietly built one of Southern Europe’s most active startup ecosystems. Over 800 companies are registered on Elevate Greece, the government’s official startup registry, and foreign direct investment in the tech sector has grown steadily since 2022. To match this momentum, the Greek government has introduced new immigration pathways specifically designed to attract global tech talent and skilled professionals.
Two visa categories are now central to that effort: the Tech Visa Greece and the Talent Visa Greece. Both were created under Greece’s broader immigration reforms and represent a deliberate shift in the country’s approach to residency for non-EU nationals.
Greece suspended its Golden Visa program for real estate investment in April 2025. Rather than simply closing a door, the government has pivoted toward talent-based immigration. The message is clear: Greece is prioritising people who contribute skills and innovation, not just capital.
Table of contents
- What are the Greece Tech Visa and Talent Visa?
- Greece Tech Visa: Eligibility and Requirements
- Greece Talent Visa: Eligibility and Requirements
- Comparison: Tech Visa vs Talent Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa in Greece
- Key 2026 Law Changes
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Greece Tech Visa and Talent Visa
- Need Support Moving to Greece With the Tech Visa / Talent Visa?
What are the Greece Tech Visa and Talent Visa?
The Tech Visa and Talent Visa are two new national visa categories introduced under Law N5275/2026, which amends the Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023). The Tech Visa (Article 79A, residence title Ζ.13A) targets non-EU tech employees seeking to work for Greek tech companies registered on Elevate Greece. The Talent Visa (Article 79Γ, residence title Ζ.15) targets recent graduates of top global universities at Master’s, PhD, or Postdoc level. Both visas are issued for 12 months.
The Greece Tech Visa (Ζ.13A)
The tech visa is designed for non-EU employees working in tech and digital sectors. Applicants must have a valid employment contract with a company registered on Elevate Greece and must work exclusively for that employer. The visa is issued for 1 year.
Important: Tech Visa holders CANNOT change employers during the validity of the visa. The law ties the holder exclusively to the Elevate Greece company named in their employment contract. If employment ends (except due to employer breach of contract), the holder must depart Greece immediately.
Note for founders and investors: The Tech Visa under Law N5275/2026 is limited to employees. Founders and investors should explore separate pathways, such as the entrepreneur visa or the strategic investor residence permit.
The Greece Talent Visa (Ζ.15)
The talent visa is open to third-country nationals who have completed a Master’s degree, PhD, or Postdoc at a qualifying university. Qualifying institutions are those appearing in at least two internationally recognised university ranking lists. The degree must have been completed within the last 5 years. No job offer is required upon entry. The visa is convertible to a work or residence permit once the holder secures employment in Greece.
Legal Framework
Both visas were introduced by Law N5275/2026, published in the Government Gazette on 6 February 2026. The law introduces the Tech Visa as Article 79A (residence title Ζ.13Α) and the Talent Visa as Article 79Γ (residence title Ζ.15) of the Immigration Code.
Greece Tech Visa: Eligibility and Requirements
Who Can Apply for the Tech Visa in Greece?
The Greek tech visa is available to non-EU and non-EEA citizens who wish to enter Greece as employees of a company registered on Elevate Greece. The visa is strictly limited to employees — it does not cover startup founders or investors.
Elevate Greece Requirement
The employing company must be registered on Elevate Greece, the Greek government’s official national startup registry. Applicants must submit a certificate from the National Registry of New Enterprises confirming the company is a registered and active member.
Salary Threshold
The law sets a specific statutory minimum: the applicant’s gross annual salary must be at least 1.6 times the average gross annual salary in Greece, as calculated from time to time. This is a legal requirement, not a guideline.
Employer Switching: A Critical Restriction
Under Article 79A(5) of the amended Immigration Code, Tech Visa holders cannot change employers during the visa period. The visa is tied exclusively to the Elevate Greece company named in the employment contract. If employment ends for any reason other than the employer’s breach of contract, the holder must depart Greece immediately, and the employer must notify the consular authority to revoke the visa.
Document Checklist
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | With sufficient validity beyond visa expiry |
| Elevate Greece certificate | Confirming employer is a registered and active member |
| Employment contract | Minimum 12 months; salary must meet the 1.6x threshold |
| Proof of qualifications | Tertiary degree or evidence of high professional skills |
| Criminal background check | Must be apostilled |
| Health insurance | Valid for use in Greece |
| Proof of accommodation | Address in Greece for the duration of the visa |
| Passport-sized photos | As specified by the Greek consulate |
Wondering if you qualify? A trusted immigration lawyer can help you understand your eligibility and determine your best path forward.
Greece Talent Visa: Eligibility and Requirements
Eligible Universities
The talent visa is open to graduates of universities that appear in at least two international university ranking lists. The specific qualifying ranking lists are defined by joint ministerial decision, and the Ministry of Education publishes updated lists annually. There is no fixed published list of named institutions in the law itself.
Qualification Levels
Eligible qualifications include a Master’s degree, a PhD, or a Postdoctoral research position, completed within the last 5 years from the date of application.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must show sufficient financial means to support themselves for the full duration of the visa. The specific threshold is to be defined by joint ministerial decision under Article 176(51) of the Immigration Code. Bank statements are the standard form of evidence.
No Job Offer Required
One of the most distinctive advantages of the talent visa is that no job offer is required at the point of entry. You can enter Greece, search for employment, and explore professional opportunities during the 12-month visa period. If you secure a position, you can convert the talent visa to a work permit or apply for an EU Blue Card (minimum annual gross salary of €39,888 in Greece as of 2025).
Comparison: Tech Visa vs Talent Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa in Greece
| Feature | Tech Visa | Talent Visa | Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target audience | Tech employees of Elevate Greece companies | Top university graduates (Master’s, PhD, Postdoc) | Remote workers for foreign companies |
| Job offer required? | Yes | No | No |
| Min. income | 1.6x average gross annual salary in Greece | Sufficient self-support funds (by ministerial decision) | €3,500/month |
| Duration | 12 months | 12 months, convertible | 12 months, renewable |
| Work for a Greek employer? | Yes — exclusively for named employer | Yes, after conversion | No |
| Can you switch employers? | NO — tied to named employer | Yes, after conversion | N/A |
| Family included? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Path to residency? | Yes, via EU Blue Card | Yes, via a work permit or an EU Blue Card | Limited |
| Tax benefits | Pending confirmation | Pending confirmation | 50% exemption for 7 years |
Key 2026 Law Changes
Digital Nomad Visa — Consular-Only Applications
As of February 2026, applicants for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa can no longer convert a tourist entry into a Digital Nomad Visa from within Greece. All applicants must apply for a Type D national visa at a Greek consulate in their home country before travelling.
EU Blue Card Extended to 3 Years
The EU Blue Card has been extended from 2 years to 3 years under the 2026 reforms. The minimum salary threshold remains €39,888 gross per year as of 2025.
Minimum Contract Duration Reduced
Standard work permits (E.4) now require a minimum contract duration of 6 months, reduced from 12 months. Note: for the Tech Visa specifically, the employment contract must still be for a minimum of 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Greece Tech Visa and Talent Visa
Can I switch employers on the Greece Tech Visa?
No. The Tech Visa explicitly prohibits changing employers during the visa period. You are tied exclusively to the Elevate Greece company named in your contract. If employment ends (except due to employer breach), you must depart Greece immediately.
Is the Tech Visa in Greece available to startup founders or investors?
No. Under Law N5275/2026, the Tech Visa (Ζ.13A) is limited to employees of Elevate Greece-registered companies. Founders and investors should explore the entrepreneur visa or strategic investor residence permit.
What universities qualify for the Talent Visa in Greece?
The law requires the university to appear in at least two international university ranking lists. The specific qualifying lists are defined by joint ministerial decision and updated annually by the Ministry of Education. There is no single fixed list of named institutions in the law.
Can the Greece Tech Visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Greece Tech Visa holders who continue working for their Elevate Greece employer may apply for an EU Blue Card (Ε.1) before their visa expires. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, non-EU nationals can apply for EU long-term residence.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Both the Tech Visa and Talent Visa include family reunification rights. Spouses, partners, and dependent children can accompany the primary visa holder and receive a corresponding 12-month entry visa.
Need Support Moving to Greece With the Tech Visa / Talent Visa?
Greece has created two genuinely accessible routes for non-EU tech professionals and recent graduates. The tech visa for Greece suits those with a confirmed Elevate Greece job offer. The talent visa for Greece suits top-university graduates who want to explore the market before committing to a role. Both sit within a reformed legal framework that is faster, more flexible, and more predictable than what existed before.
The application process still requires careful preparation. Eligibility criteria and document requirements depend on your individual profile, and choosing the wrong route early can cause significant delays. If you are considering either visa, fill out the form below, and one of our Greece immigration lawyers will be in touch to assess your situation and guide you through the right pathway.
| Legal Notice: This guide reflects the provisions of Law N5275/2026 (Government Gazette, Issue A’ 17, 6 February 2026). Some implementing details — including the specific university ranking lists qualifying for the Talent Visa and the exact financial thresholds — are subject to subsequent ministerial decisions. This document is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend consulting with a qualified immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation. |