RESIDENCE PERMITS FOR STUDENTS IN GREECE 2026: KEY CHANGES AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES
- 3 days ago
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In 2026, significant amendments were introduced to Greek immigration legislation concerning the procedure for granting and renewing residence permits for students. These changes relate to the reform of Articles 107 and 118 of Law No. 5038/2023, taking into account the amendments introduced by Articles 30 and 31 of Law No. 5275/2026.
Residence permits are now issued for the full duration of studies
A major innovation is that the residence permit for studies is now issued immediately for the entire duration of the academic program, with the possibility of renewal in cases provided for by law (for example, if the study program is extended). At the same time, students are subject to a new obligation: every two years they must submit official confirmation regarding the progress of their studies.
Processing of previously submitted applications
The law also introduces special provisions governing the processing of applications submitted before its entry into force on 06-02-2026. In particular, applications for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit for studies that were submitted before the entry into force of Law No. 5275/2026 and are still under review are to be examined under the new rules. As a result, upon completion of the assessment, the residence permit is granted for the remaining duration of the studies, rather than for limited periods as was previously the case.
Obligations of educational institutions
Significant changes also affect the obligations of educational institutions. In particular, universities and colleges are required, within two months, to notify the competent migration authorities of the termination of studies of a third-country national, regardless of the level or form of education.
On the basis of such notification, the competent authorities initiate the procedure for the revocation of the previously issued residence permit.
New opportunities after completion of studies
The introduced amendments significantly expand the legal opportunities available to graduates. In accordance with the updated provisions of Law No. 5038/2023, graduates of universities and colleges are entitled to change their purpose of stay in Greece and transition to other categories of residence permits, provided that the established requirements are met. In particular, the following categories of residence permits are available:
residence permit for highly skilled employment (άδεια διαμονής με σκοπό την απασχόληση υψηλής ειδίκευσης);
residence permit for special-purpose employment (άδεια διαμονής για απασχόληση ειδικού σκοπού);
residence permit for employment upon invitation (άδεια διαμονής για απασχόληση κατόπιν μετάκλησης);
residence permit for investment activity through the establishment and operation of a business (άδεια διαμονής για πραγματοποίηση επένδυσης μέσω σύστασης και λειτουργίας επιχείρησης).
Thus, the law establishes a more flexible and predictable mechanism for the transition from studies to professional activity.
Residence permit for graduates: one year to choose a basis for continued stay in Greece
To ensure continuity of legal stay, a separate residence permit for job-seeking purposes has been introduced. This residence permit:
may be issued after the expiry of the student residence permit;
is granted for a period of 12 months;
allows graduates to legally remain in Greece for the purpose of employment.
The 2026 reform of Greek immigration legislation opens new opportunities for students and graduates, making residence in the country more transparent and predictable. For international students, these changes create a solid legal framework for planning studies and careers without the risk of violating legal stay requirements. At the same time, the new obligations for both educational institutions and students increase the level of oversight and ensure the legality of all procedures.
When planning studies or professional development in Greece, it is important to seek timely qualified legal advice in order to make full use of the opportunities provided by law and to minimise immigration risks.
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