Talent Visa

The Greek Talent Visa is a new visa category established by Law 5275/2026 (published February 2026) that allows highly qualified non-EU/EEA nationals to enter Greece for up to twelve months to seek employment or develop professional activity, including self-employment or establishing a business. It targets graduates holding advanced degrees (master's, doctoral, or postdoctoral) from internationally ranked higher education institutions. Unlike the EU Blue Card or Tech Visa, the Talent Visa does not require a prior job offer or employer sponsorship. A ministerial decision specifying which ranking lists and institutions qualify is expected but has not yet been published as of February 2026.

• Non-EU/EEA nationality
• Master's degree (minimum ISCED level 7), doctoral degree, or postdoctoral qualification
• Degree must be from a higher education institution that appears in at least 2 international ranking lists (e.g. QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, Shanghai Ranking, U.S. News)
• Confirmation of successful completion of studies from the educational institution
• Proof of financial self-sufficiency (specific threshold to be set by ministerial decision)
• Valid health insurance for the duration of stay
• Proof of accommodation in Greece
• Criminal record certificate from country of residence
• No Greek language requirement — English proficiency at medium level is sufficient
• Bachelor's degree holders do not qualify unless they also hold a postgraduate qualification

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of higher education qualification (master's/doctoral/postdoctoral degree) from an institution ranked in at least 2 international ranking lists
• Confirmation of successful completion of studies from the educational institution
• Proof of financial self-sufficiency
• Valid health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Greece
• Criminal record certificate

The visa is valid for 12 months. Before expiry, holders who have obtained employment or commenced a business may apply for transition to an appropriate residence permit category (e.g. EU Blue Card for qualifying employment, or a standard employment permit). After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Greece, third-country nationals may apply for EU long-term resident status. Greek citizenship may be applied for after 7 years of continuous legal residence.

Family members may accompany the primary visa holder and receive corresponding national visas. Specific documentation requirements and financial thresholds for dependants are expected to be detailed in the implementing ministerial decision.

Individuals who transfer their tax residence to Greece may be eligible for a 50% exemption on income tax and solidarity contribution for employment and business income earned in Greece, valid for up to 7 consecutive tax years. This requires not having been a Greek tax resident for 5 of the 6 preceding years and transferring from an EU/EEA state or a country with a tax cooperation agreement. Standard Greek progressive income tax rates otherwise apply: 9% on the first €10,000 up to 44% on income above €40,000.

Applications are submitted at the Greek consular authority (embassy or consulate) in the applicant's country of residence. The application must include all required documentation proving educational qualifications, financial self-sufficiency, health insurance, and accommodation. Upon approval, a National Entry Visa (Type D) is issued for 12 months without requiring a job offer or employment contract.

Processing time: Not yet specified for this new category; general national visa processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks. The unified permit system under Law 5275/2026 requires processing within 90 days, extendable by 30 days.

Fees: National visa (Type D) approximately €150 plus €16 residence card issuance fee.

Upon entering Greece, holders should register with local authorities and obtain a tax identification number (AFM) if intending to engage in professional activity. Registration with the social insurance system (e-EFKA) is required when commencing employment or self-employment.

This is a newly enacted visa category and the implementing ministerial decision has not yet been published. Until it is issued, specifying which international ranking lists and institutions qualify, the visa may not be fully operational for applications. The 12-month duration without guaranteed renewal creates a time-limited window to secure employment or establish a business before transitioning to another permit category.