WORK RESIDENCE PERMIT IN GREECE AFTER FEBRUARY 6, 2026: KEY CHANGES TO KNOW
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
As of 6 February 2026, significant amendments have entered into force in Greece regarding the legal framework for labour migration, affecting third-country nationals applying for a residence permit (RP) for employment purposes. These changes, introduced under Law No. 5275/2026, aim to enhance labour market flexibility while ensuring a balance between the interests of employees and employers.
Reduction of the minimum employment contract duration
One of the key changes is the reduction of the minimum duration of the employment contract. Previously, obtaining an initial work-based residence permit required a contract of at least one year. Under the new rules, a six-month employment contract is now sufficient. Accordingly, the duration of the national visa issued for entry for employment purposes has also been reduced to six months.
Condition for commencing employment is the submission of a residence permit application
For legal employment, the employer is still required to register the employee in the ERGANI information system (ΕΡΓΑΝΗ). At the same time, prior to the commencement of employment, the foreign national must submit an application for a residence permit and obtain confirmation of its submission [Βεβαίωση]. Only after receiving this confirmation is it possible to lawfully begin employment in Greece.
Possibility of changing employer during the validity of the initial residence permit
Significant changes have also been introduced regarding the procedure for changing employers, which has become considerably more flexible. The new framework provides for the following key provisions:
The employee is required to work for the initial employer for the duration of the first employment contract, i.e. for six months. If the contract is concluded for a longer period, this restriction ceases to apply after the first six months of employment.
At the same time, it is permitted to change employer even within the said six-month period in the following cases:
in the event of justified breaches by the employer of the employment contract terms or labour law requirements;
by mutual agreement of the parties to terminate the employment relationship, provided that a new employer is available;
in case of termination of the employment contract at the initiative of the employer.
In all of the above cases, the competent Greek migration authority must be notified, with the submission of supporting documents, including the new employment contract.
It should be emphasised that, prior to the expiry of the initial residence permit, a change of employer is permitted only within the same professional qualification specified in the original employment contract.
Additional safeguards for employees
Even if employment has not yet commenced in practice, the employee retains the right to change employer in cases of breaches or refusal of employment by the initial employer. Furthermore, in cases of violations or unlawful termination of the contract, the employee may claim compensation in accordance with labour legislation.
Consequences of unemployment
For the first time, the law explicitly establishes that unemployment may constitute grounds for revocation of a residence permit or refusal to renew it.
This provision applies to initial residence permits and their renewals where the application is submitted after 6 February 2026. At the same time, the provisions of the law do not apply to work-based residence permits issued prior to this date.
However, short-term unemployment in itself does not constitute grounds for revocation of a residence permit, provided that the following conditions are met:
the total duration of unemployment does not exceed three months during the validity period of the residence permit if its duration is less than two years, or six months if the third-country national holds a residence permit valid for more than two years;
each period of unemployment is duly reported by the residence permit holder to the competent migration authority in a timely manner, including both the start and end dates of unemployment.
The 2026 reform significantly changes the approach to regulating labour migration in Greece. On the one hand, it expands opportunities and increases flexibility for employees, including the right to change employers. On the other hand, it introduces stricter employment requirements, including the possibility of losing a residence permit in cases of unemployment.
In this context, both employers and foreign employees should carefully monitor changes in legislation and, where necessary, seek professional legal assistance in order to avoid violations and protect their rights.
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