Close to 5,000 individuals from third countries have submitted applications for Greece's recently introduced residence permit for employment.

SUMMARY

1. Nearly 4,790 third-country nationals have applied for Greece’s new residence permit tailored for employment purposes.
2. Presently, 828 third-country nationals have been granted the permit, while 3,952 applications are pending review.
3. The permit remains valid for three years and entails several prerequisites for eligibility.

As of March 1, 2024, approximately 4,790 third-country nationals have sought Greece’s recently introduced residence permit tailored for employment opportunities within the country.

Greece initiated the issuance of these new permits, valid for a duration of three years, with the aim of providing legal employment options to eligible individuals and regularizing their residency status.

Following the implementation of the new regulations, a significant number of third-country nationals expressed interest and proceeded to apply for this documentation.

According to authorities, out of the total applicants from third countries, 828 individuals have already been granted residence permits, while the processing of 3,952 applications is ongoing.

Anticipatedly, the volume of applications is poised to rise in the upcoming months, with authorities reporting that over 10,000 individuals have accessed the digital application platform since its activation on February 9.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining the New Residence Permit for Employment

Prospective recipients of the residence permit for employment in Greece must fulfill several prerequisites:

• They must possess a job offer declaration from a Greek employer, indicating employment under a dependent employer.
• They are required to demonstrate their residency in Greece without a permit until November 30, 2023, and continued residency thereafter.
• Applicants must establish residency in Greece for a consecutive period of at least three years prior to application submission.
• Possession of a passport, irrespective of its validity, is mandatory, along with proof of no criminal record.
• Additionally, applicants are subject to a fee of €300, with an additional €16 charge for residence permit printing.

Application Process for the New Residence Permit is Fully Electronic

The application process for the new residence permit for employment necessitates electronic submission to the local authority service of the Decentralised Administration in the region where applicants intend to work.

Upon submission, authorities conduct thorough verification, issuing a certificate of application submission within 40 days. Subsequently, applicants are granted 60 days to submit supporting documents electronically to commence employment.

Failure to adhere to the specified timeframe results in rejection of the initial application. Approved residence permit applications are valid for a three-year period from the date of issuance.