On February 6, 2026, Greece introduced new changes to its immigration law, introducing the Tech and Talent Visas, among others, while also expanding and improving the country’s existing EU Blue Card rules.
These changes are part of Greece’s effort to attract skilled professionals and strengthen its growing tech ecosystem, opening the door for more international talent to live and work in the country. For tech talents coming into Greece, the reforms also create a pathway to eventually convert their residence status into an EU Blue Card for those who decide to stay longer and build their careers in the country.
Here is what you need to know before applying for the Greece Tech and Talent Visas.
New migration pathways
The new reform introduces two migration pathways: the Tech Visa (Z.13A visa) and Talent Visa (Z.15 visa)
Tech Visa (Z.13A visa)
This visa category offers qualified professionals the opportunity to be employed for at least 12 months by companies listed in Greece’s National Startup Registry, known as Elevate Greece. The visa is valid for one year, and talents who continue with the same employer can later transition to a highly skilled residence permit (E.1).
Talent Visa (Z.15 visa)
This visa is for highly educated individuals who want to explore career or business opportunities in Greece. Applicants must hold a Master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral qualification from universities that appear on at least two international ranking lists. The visa is valid for 12 months and requires proof that the applicant has sufficient financial means to support themselves. During this time, holders can look for employment or set up a business and may switch to the appropriate residence permit before the visa expires.
Requirements and Key Documents for Tech visa and Talent visa
In light of the new reform, both the Tech Visa (Z.13A) and Talent Visa (Z.15) follow a structured set of requirements to ensure eligibility and smooth processing. While the documents overlap significantly, each visa has a few specific conditions related to employment or education level.
For Tech Visa (Z.13A)
- Valid passport with at least 3 months beyond your intended stay and at least 2 blank pages
- Signed employment contract with a company registered in the Elevate Greece national registry
- Approval of recruitment (Metaklisi) from the same Greek employer
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), issued and apostilled if required
- A medical certificate from a recognized hospital confirming you are free of communicable diseases
- Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
- A financial statement that shows that you have at least 1.6× the national average gross salary.
For Talent Visa (Z.15)
- Valid passport with at least 3 months beyond your intended stay and at least 2 blank pages
- Degree or postgraduate diploma from a recognized university listed on at least two international rankings
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), issued and apostilled if required
- A medical certificate from a recognized hospital confirming you are free of communicable diseases
- Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
- Bank statements with at least €3,500 to show you can support yourself
Step-by-Step Application Process for Greece Tech Visa
The Tech Visa process begins once you secure employment with a startup listed in the Elevate Greece national registry. Further processing required to obtain your visa involves several clear steps to ensure your application is complete and meets Greek immigration requirements.
Step 1. Gathering Your Documents
After receiving your job offer, you are to gather all necessary documents. This includes a valid passport with at least three months remaining beyond your planned stay, among other things. You will also need completed visa application forms, passport-sized photographs, and certified Greek translations for any foreign documents.
Step 2. Submitting Your Application
Once your documents are ready, you are to schedule an appointment at the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence to submit your application, pay the required visa fees, and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph.
Step 3. Visa Processing
The consulate will review your application and process it for a National (Type D) Visa. Processing times can vary depending on the location and season, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Step 4. Arrival and Residency Registration
After your visa is granted, you can travel to Greece and register your residence with the local Aliens and Immigration Department, where you will obtain a Tax Identification Number (AFM) and a Social Security Number (AMKA), which are required to work legally in the country.
Step 5. Begin Working
Once your residence registration and official documents are completed, you can start working under the Tech Visa, fully compliant with Greek employment and immigration regulations.
Unlike the Tech Visa, the Talent Visa follows a similar step-by-step process, with a few key differences.
Talent Visa holders do not receive immediate work rights due to the fact that it is intended for highly educated candidates who are seeking employment or planning to establish a business in Greece. So in place of employment approval, applicants must hold a Master’s or Postdoctoral degree from institutions appearing on at least two international ranking lists.
The process still requires gathering the necessary documents, submitting your application at the Greek consulate, obtaining the National Type-D Visa, and completing residence registration upon arrival.
Once in Greece, holders can search for suitable employment or set up their business while maintaining compliance with local immigration rules.
David Adubiina
